South West Nissan Group has switched its entire company car fleet from traditional petrol and diesel-powered models to electric vehicles (EVs).

The business operates Nissan showrooms in Somerset and Devon.

Its leadership team were keen to switch to electric motoring as a way of showcasing the capability of the Leaf and Ariya, while persuading any slightly EV-wary customers that zero tailpipe emission motoring is the way forward.

Three directors are now driving Ariya models, while 13 other senior managers are piloting Leafs. The Ariya arrived in the UK showrooms earlier this year. It is capable of travelling up to 329 miles on a single charge.

From a practical fleet management perspective, there are taxation and other economic benefits for both company and driver, such as drastically reduced benefit in kind and lower operating costs.

Matthew Holcombe, group managing director at South West Nissan Group, said: ‘‘This switch to electric motoring is a project we have all been incredibly excited about in recent weeks and we are delighted to have completed the transition. Leaf and Ariya are tremendous cars – and everything has gone very smoothly with the change-over.

‘‘Before making this move, we had all gained some experience of electric motoring and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. But we decided the time had come to really go for it.

‘‘As well as enjoying the many benefits these cars have to offer, we are demonstrating to our customers our complete faith in the technology that powers them.’’