KeeResources has bought a new Nissan Leaf and installed an EV charging point at its new state-of-the-art headquarters, Automotive House, in High Wycombe.

Managing director, Denis Keenan said: “As vehicle valuation experts, it is essential we keep ahead with all types of pioneering automotive developments. The Nissan Leaf won the 2011 European Car of The Year Award – the first full electric car to do so – and we are happy to lead from the front in embracing such a genuinely remarkable vehicle. The Nissan Leaf has the performance and handling to match its petrol or diesel-powered equivalents with a top speed of 90mph and a range of up to 90 miles. In appropriate relatively short haul usage, the car is clearly in a class of its own and is built, and drives, beautifully. We are proud to have our Leaf and applaud Nissan for building a truly 21st century and endearingly enjoyable vehicle. With its EV Grant, 5-year zero per cent BIK status, and 100 per cent capital allowances, it is a compelling offer.

“We have installed an EV charging point at Automotive House and we will all be using the car for routine journeys between our three offices, in Oxfordshire, High Wycombe and Basingstoke, along with picking up international clients from Heathrow and trips into the City of London, free through the congestion zone, of course!

“This very significant milestone in the way our driving is powered will feasibly lead us all to consider the best or “most appropriate” vehicle types for our own circumstances in future. The technology changes that Leaf and others herald has led us to pro-actively redesign our own cost forecasting and spend-capturing systems to take us forward over many years, being able to reflect changing technology types in great detail as each arrives to market. This will ensure we can provide the quality of information to allow us, and our clients operating our software and data platforms, to properly evaluate needs, costs and benefits from each emergent technology.”

The Nissan Leaf is one of nine electric and hybrid vehicles eligible for the Government’s £43m plug-in car grant in the UK, which came into effect on 1 January 2011, entitling owners up to £5,000 when buying any qualifying low carbon car with CO2 exhaust emissions below 75g/km.