The four new Mitsubishi i-MiEVs, part funded by the Government’s Low Carbon Procurement Programme, are the first step to achieving the 1,000 electric vehicles that the Mayor aims to bring into the city's fleet over the next few years.

The new cleaner, greener cars, with specially designed livery to distinguish them from traditional petrol and diesel vehicles, will be used by TfL to ensure that roadworks comply with its permit scheme to keep traffic moving. By the end of this year, TfL will have up to 10 electric vehicles in its fleet.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: 'Very soon electric vehicles and the apparatus needed to support them will be a common sight on London's streets. We are doing all we can to make it as easy as possible for Londoners to choose electric and by opting for these vehicles in our own fleets, we are helping to stimulate demand and show off their benefits including considerably cheaper running costs.'

Mitsubishi managing director Lance Bradley commented: 'We are delighted that the i-MiEV is continuing its long history of "first" – this time as the first electric vehicles on Transport for London’s planned 1,000 electric vehicle fleet. Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has recognised the strategic importance of London with the opening of its Mitsubishi Electric Vehicle Centre since February in Central London.'