The ZOE joins the charity’s Kangoo Van Z.E, at its Bedfordshire base near Sandy as the organisation takes a stance on climate change.

The RSPB says it believes climate change poses the single biggest threat to the long-term survival of birds and wildlife. As such, it recently submitted a planning application for a single wind turbine on a field adjacent to the headquarters at The Lodge. In the future, energy created on site could be powering the new ZOE and popular Kangoo Van Z.E. renewably.

David Waller, RSPB’s head of central services, said: ‘As a wildlife conservation charity acutely aware of the potential impact of climate change, the RSPB is particularly committed to minimising its own CO2 emissions.’

Waller said its 300-vehicle strong fleet operations is an ‘obvious area’ where reductions can be made and the new ZOE Expression in Arctic White, is already having a positive impact.

He added: ‘The operational success of the two electric Kangoo Vans, one being in London, definitely influenced our thinking when considering the ZOE. As a charity with limited funds, the price point was another positive factor in our decision. 

‘Clearly, we have to ensure the vehicle is utilised realistically and within its range capabilities, but they are sufficient to cover many of the business journeys made by staff. So far the ZOE has proved very popular with drivers.’

The ZOE is billed by Renault as the first affordable car for everyday use designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle and is said to offer the longest range of any pure electric vehicle this side of a £50,000 Tesla. Its official range is 130 miles (New European Drive Cycle) with a real range of between 90 miles in temperate conditions and 64 in cold.

Pricing starts from £13,995 (after the UK Plug-In Car Grant) and includes a free domestic 7kW Wall-box, supplied and installed by British Gas, plus a national network card giving access to a UK network of hundreds of charging points until 31st March 2014. Battery hire costs from £70 per month and as part of the contract comes a battery performance guarantee which commits to a minimum 75% of its original charge capacity, or else it will be repaired or replaced, plus full 24/7 roadside assistance, even if you run out of charge.