A fleet of five Nissan Leafs will provide transport for Bristol’s year-long stint as Europe’s Green Capital.

The zero emissions cars will be used by the Bristol Green Capital 2015 team to deliver a programme of events across the city throughout the year.

It is the first time Green Capital status has been awarded in the UK, and the initiative aims to make Bristol Britain’s most liveable city and a role model for city living worldwide.

The vehicles have been provided by Nissan Motor and local Nissan dealer Wessex Garages – Bristol 2015’s official vehicle partners.

Zoe Sear, director at Bristol 2015 Ltd, said: “Transport is one of five themes that we are focusing on during our year as the UK’s first European Green Capital.

“For us, these five branded Nissan Leafs are not just a convenient way to get around – they are emblems of what the future will look like in terms of car use: they are a visual reminder that Bristol is the Green Capital of Europe: and they are a sustainable way for us to get out to events right across the city and engage with members of the public about what it means to create a happier, healthier city for future generations.”

Karl Anders, national EV manager at Nissan Motor GB said: “The Nissan Leaf has done more than any other model to blaze a trail for electric vehicle technology and to make electric vehicles a mainstream, practical and realistic option for motorists today.

“We see electric vehicles as the future and so it’s fitting that the world’s bestselling EV is helping to support Bristol’s efforts to become a blueprint for environmentally-friendly and sustainable city living in the years to come. We’re delighted with this partnership.”

Charging points are available at scores of locations across Bristol including Wessex Garages’ Pennywell Road dealership, while specialist and free-to-use rapid charging points can be found at more than 95% of motorway service stations, said Nissan.

Bristol was named as the European Commission's European Green Capital for 2015 last year.