E.ON UK, the company which runs Powergen, has announced plans to take on 70 hybrid petrol-electric vehicles for its pool fleet and is hoping to save more than £150,000 on fuel costs.

The group operates a 1,300-strong company car fleet, 250 of which are pool cars. It has opted for petrol-electric Toyota Prius models and plans to convert the majority of its pool fleet to hybrids over the next three years.

John Crackett, managing director of services at E.ON UK, said: ‘As an energy company, E.ON UK is very aware of the importance of reducing emissions.

‘Our staff drive more than 35 million miles a year on business, which is like driving 1,405 times around the world or making 70 trips to the moon and back. Clearly, having environmentally-friendly cars will make a real difference.

‘We are also hoping to make the Prius available as a short- term hire car for our staff, so anyone who needs a car can choose a Prius or another green vehicle at no extra cost.’

The company, which supplies electricity to almost five million customers, also offers the Prius as part of its vehicle choice list.

The Prius, which has been named European Car of the Year, has recently undergone a revamp by Toyota. It has been updated to improve handling and lower levels of noise, vibration and harshness.

The suspension has been tuned for better ride comfort, the steering re-engineered for more feedback and a special noise-absorbing film has been added to the windscreen. Buyers can also now specify leather seats as a £1,350 option.

Toyota’s sister company Lexus also recently claimed that hybrid vehicles will account for up to 50% of sales of some Lexus models over the next few years as the company invests in a major expansion of its fuel-saving technology.