The local authority’s business travel using fleet and staff cars produced more than 100 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2023-24.

North Norfolk said the district’s geography and the nature of officers’ work often meant public transport was not a viable option so it hoped the electric cars would be a practical alternative.

The council also said the cars, which are provided through Enterprise Car Club, would be charged using electricity from the council’s 100% renewable tariff, with each mile costing 10% of the cost of a mile using petrol or diesel.

The council’s director for place and climate change, Martyn Fulcher, said: ‘This is an important step in the right direction – as a council we must lead by example.

‘Reducing our business travel emissions is essential for decarbonising and reaching our 2030 net zero targets.’

North Norfolk will consider extending the number and availability of vehicles at the end of the scheme.

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