The manufacturer says that three firms have already expressed an interest in adding the iOn to their fieet. These include UK Grid, a small company providing carrier neutral data centres. The firm currently uses enough electricity to power over 4,000 homes a year but aims to be carbon neutral by the end of 2010. It is adopting a range of tactics to meet this goal, including generating power with its own wind farm, as well as reassessing its transport needs.

In line with this, UK Grid is looking to switch from its fleet of Porsches to the Peugeot iOn.

Rob Garbutt, CEO of UK Grid, said: 'The Peugeot range has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years and I believe 100 per cent that small, efficient cars like the Peugeot iOn are the way to go for a business like ours.'

Tube Lines, owned by Transport for London (TFL), is also evaluating the model.

The company is responsible for maintenance and upgrade work as well as emergency support on the Jubilee Line, Northern Line and Piccadilly Line.

The company is looking to adopt a range of EVs, including vans, spurred on by the London Mayor's drive for a greener capital.

Phil Constable, head of specialist services, explained: 'I think the Tube Lines fleet can adapt to using electric vehicles; our engineers do 50-70 miles a week and, given the Peugeot iOn has a range of 93 miles, electric works for us. Besides, we have many facilities around the capital for fast charging.'

Finally, fast-growing property services company, Apollo is looking at the iOn. The firm works in partnership with local councils nationally, but key areas of operation are in and around London.

Fleet manager Terry Melton said: 'Compared to other earlier electric vehicles, the Peugeot iOn offers not just 100% electric power but also good safety for our drivers (ESP, six airbags etc…), which is obviously important to me as a fleet manager.

'I was also attracted to the commercial case for the Peugeot iOn, seeing that it is exempt from the Congestion Charge and "pay and display" parking, too. Some of our staff are currently using public transport which makes them much less mobile when on site, and that's where we could really benefit from the Peugeot iOn.

'The technology is definitely in place now for electric vehicles to be a success, but it's also reassuring that Peugeot's warranty covers the vehicle, battery and electric drivetrain for the duration of the four-year lease.'