The pilot vehicle, which will operate in the Greater London area, is projected to save 4,974kg of carbon emissions per year and is the latest step in G4S' ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

Developed in partnership with Allied Electric, the vehicle combines the latest in battery technology and electronic management software together with a tried and tested production vehicle converted into a highly specialised cash in transit protected vehicle encompassing state-of-the-art security features.

Ken Niven, divisional CEO, G4S Cash Solutions, commented: 'I believe that this prototype may lead G4S into deploying more of these vehicles in city centres, harnessing the benefits of zero pollution and noise, while providing clear economic operating benefits.'

The vehicle is powered entirely by lithium-ion batteries and produces no carbon, particulate or pollutants. It has a range of around 100 miles, significantly further than the longest route length it will be required to travel for G4S in between re-charging the batteries.

The vehicle also has a solar panel fitted in order to constantly provide a source of sustainable energy back to the battery while the vehicle is on the road. The photovoltaic module is incorporated into a panel on the roof of the cash delivery vehicle and will produce enough sustainable energy to power the vehicle's ancillary electrical energy usage. These panels were first introduced to the UK fleet in 2010 after a lengthy trial.

Dave Armitage, vehicle design manager, G4S Cash Solutions (UK), said: 'This ground-breaking trial is the latest stage in our ongoing efforts to minimise our environmental impact. G4S has one of the largest vehicle fleets in the UK and we are determined to lead the way in making widespread use of low carbon technology a reality in fleet management in the UK and further afield.

'Electric power is up to seven times cheaper than the equivalent diesel vehicle and there are further cost benefits with road tax and congestion charge exemption in the capital, so in the longer term these vehicles may be able to cut costs as well as our carbon footprint.'

G4S is also carrying out assessments on alternative fuels, has introduced photovoltaic panels on 71 vehicles in 2010 and will add another 63 during the course of 2011 in order to further reduce its carbon footprint.