AN electric vehicle roadshow comes to Bournemouth this week.

The event is part of the government's 'Green GB Week' and is intended to promote the "most advanced, environmentally friendly and cost-effective models" of electric vehicles.

Models present in the Square on Thursday, October 18, will include those manufactured by Jaguar, BMW, Hyundai, Mini, LDV, Renault, Kia, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, Toyota and Volvo.

Councillor Mike Greene, council cabinet member for transport, said: "Clean transport is key to the UK’s air quality improvement, and sustainable and green economy success.

"As a country we still lag a long way behind Norway and China in the number of EVs on our roads.

"These vehicles are undoubtedly the future and provide unrivalled benefits in terms of reduced pollution and cost, which is why we are so excited to bring this roadshow event to Bournemouth."

Cllr Greene recently called for the borough to become a "champion" of the use of electric vehicles.

He has previously spoken of the need to reduce the reliance on cars in Bournemouth to reduce congestion on roads and cut emissions.

In a report last month he said: "I have long been a fan of the concept as a means to reducing local emissions and it seems to me that we have just reached the tipping point where technology and cost have made the concept a reality.

“Bournemouth council hosted a hugely successful conference on EVs in July and I am very keen to see the town establish itself as an EV champion."

In addition to the public motor show, Bournemouth council will be holding a seminar for businesses at the Norfolk Royal Hotel on October 18 to advise of the benefits of switching their fleets.

According to the Green Alliance, half of all new vehicle sales are made up of private fleets, and plug-in cars could save drivers up to £7,400 over three years.

There will be three other roadshows, in Bristol, Durham and Nottingham.

Green GB Week is organised by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

For more information visit evroadshow.co.uk/bournemouth