A brand new scheme to get people out of their petrol-guzzling vehicles has been launched.
Nottingham City Council is offering around 50 vans to businesses which want to try electric.
The criteria is any organisation operating in the city can be sent the vehicles for up to three months as part of the Electric Van Experience (EVE) scheme
Councillor Sally Longford, deputy leader and portfolio holder for energy and the environment, said: "With the ban on the sale of new petrol and electric vehicles brought forward to 2030, we want to support businesses to plan ahead.
"Electric vehicles are the future, but making the switch is still a big decision.
"We’re giving businesses the opportunity to get in the driving seat and see the benefits of an electric van for themselves, before making any commitment.
"This isn’t available through dealerships or manufacturers, so it’s a unique opportunity and key to addressing barriers businesses face with electrifying fleets.
"Not only will they be able to experience first-hand the cost savings in maintenance and operation, but also the improved driving experience, giving them confidence to go ahead and make their fleets cleaner.
"As a council we’ve long been committed to improving air quality in the city, and this scheme will help to reduce harmful emissions from the city’s and region’s roads.
"It’s a fantastic opportunity for businesses and organisations looking for a greener recovery from Covid-19."
Businesses who take up the offer will be able to have a charge point fitted for free at their premises, and will be invited to take advantage of the services offered by Nottingham Electric Vehicle Services (NEVS).
The scheme is funded by Highways England and delivered as part of Nottingham City Council’s Workplace Travel Service.
There has already been some interest from local businesses.
Zoë Allen, senior project manager at Lenton Lane-based Visual Packaging, said: "Moving to using electric vehicles is another step in the right direction and will allow us to reduce our carbon footprint and harness better use of resources in a more efficient way that will bring benefits to our customers, friends, family and both the local and wider community."
Highways England’s Midlands regional director, Catherine Brookes, added: "We’ve invested £2.69m to help Nottingham City Council deliver the Electric Van Experience, which encourages businesses to make the switch to cleaner, greener electric vehicles.
"Supporting local authorities to develop and implement clean air plans is just one of a host of measures we’re taking to improve air quality and tackle carbon emissions associated with road transport."
