COMMUNITY leaders have pledged to a greener future after adding five new electric vans to its fleet.

Test Valley Borough Council has added the Renault Kangoo vans to its range for users to drive.

The electric vans, which have a range of 120 miles per charge, have replaced older diesel vehicles and will utilised by the council’s environmental services team and estates and economic development service.

Environmental portfolio holder, cllr Graham Stallard, said: “I am really pleased that we have been able to add these fully electric vehicles to our fleet.

“Not only are they environmentally friendly with zero emissions, but they are cost effective too.

“It is exciting that vehicle manufacturers are now making affordable electric vehicles and I look forward to the council adding more to its fleet in the future and further reducing its carbon footprint.

“The arrival of these new vehicles shows how the council is leading by example to keep the borough green. It is great that we are at the forefront of innovation and making use of cutting-edge technology like this.”

The council has also installed electric vehicle charging points at its depots in Romsey and Andover in a bid to ensure it is even more environmentally friendly.

Hampshire County Council also added further electric vehicles to its fleet earlier this year.