Electric cars clock up one million miles

Thirty-three electric cars being used by West Midlands Police have clocked up enough miles to drive around the world almost 40 times. The original fleet of 30 Nissan Leafs, which were first leased in 2013, has now risen to 33 as the force attempts to further reduce emissions and cut costs. They have so far driven almost one million miles between them. West Midlands police and crime commissioner, David Jamieson says the small eco-friendly cars have saved the taxpayer around £55,000 over their diesel predecessors – the equivalent to at least one full-time police officer. They have also produced 255 tonnes less CO2 than their diesel equivalents – which has helped West Midlands Police be rated as ‘outstanding’ on efficiency by independent inspectors. The electric cars are used to transport officers to appointments rather than responding to 999 emergencies. Mr Jamieson, said: “These cars make both environmental and financial sense. They help the force save money and keep the air we breathe as clean as possible. “The financial pressures faced by the force are no secret, which is why I’m delighted these cars are doing their bit to help make our budget stretch further. “As well as being greener, the Nissan Leaf costs a fraction of the cost per mile to run compared to a diesel or petrol car – and they have the added bonus of being British built.”