Avant Homes is deploying a fleet of 30 Honda e electric vehicles, marking the first fleet deal for the electric city car.

The fleet was officially handed over to Avant Homes at a special event at Chesterfield FC where the cars were revealed to Avant staff for the first time

The Chesterfield-based housebuilder is introducing the electric vehicles for its regional sales teams to use as part of a new commitment to provide prospective homebuyers with a more mobile and accessible sales service.

Launched earlier this year, the Honda e is the first electric Honda vehicle to be sold in Europe. It’s capable of travelling up to 137 miles and the battery can be charged to 80% capacity in 30 minutes.

The electric cars will be used by Avant Homes to meet prospective buyers by appointment only at their preferred location, including at a development, their home or the workplace.

Chief executive officer Colin Lewis said: “We wanted to be able to meet our customers wherever was most convenient for them, so our idea was to be able to take Avant Homes to them on demand, and this led us to securing and introducing our new fleet of Honda e cars.

“We chose the Honda e so that we could not only provide our people with a state-of-the-art vehicle, but also minimise the environmental impact of the increased travel our sales team will be undertaking. The car’s contemporary and exciting design also appealed to us due to our desire to be a housebuilder that is different from the competition.”

The cars are being leased through Lex Autolease and have been supplied by motor retailer Stoneacre Chesterfield, marking the biggest transaction the Tapton Lock dealership has ever brokered with a corporate client.