LeasePlan UK hosted a test-drive event at its Slough HQ this week, giving employees the chance to take the new Vauxhall Ampera for a spin.

LeasePlan has initially ordered 20 Amperas as part of its on-going ambition to grow its electric vehicle offering.

The event gave staff first-hand experience of the car, allowing them to better advise customers considering adding electric vehicles to their fleet.

The Ampera is Vauhall’s new extended range electric vehicle. Capable of driving up to 50 miles on electric power, it overcomes range anxiety by featuring a petrol engine which acts as a generator once the battery has run out of charge.

This gives the driver an extra 310 miles of range with a full tank of fuel.

Steve Wallis, vehicle supply relationship executive at LeasePlan, said: “The test-drive day has been a real success and established great enthusiasm for electric vehicles among our staff.

"We are confident this enthusiasm will be matched among our customers.”