Toyota has seen eight of its self-charging RAV4 hybrid-electric SUVS ordered by DHU Health Care.

The health care company supplies vital medical and care services to over five million people across the East Midlands.

Its team of doctors, care teams and district nurses will now be using the RAV4 hybrids for their work travels.

A spokesperson for DHU Health Care said: “We wanted to future-proof our fleet with a vehicle that has a strong environmental profile, yet also has the strength and reliability we need to be sure of getting to our customers, around the clock, 365 days a year.

“After an initial test of the RAV4 we were very impressed with its all-round performance, it is the ideal vehicle for our fleet.”

Its fleet will now use an electrified powertrain that lowers exhaust emissions, and reduces running costs.

Space is a fundamental attraction for DHU Health Care, with staff able to carry their vast amount of medical equipment in their new SUVs.

All-wheel drive allows the vehicles to reach remote locations, and travel in all weather conditions.

Its electric all-wheel drive, is lighter, and provides the driver with secure handling and performance on rough and slippery surfaces.

Inchcape Toyota in Derby has supplied the vehicles.

Stuart Ferma, general manager at Toyota and Lexus Fleet, said: “This is a significant vote of confidence in RAV4 as a perfect all-round fleet proposition. It has all the built-in quality, durability and reliability that vital service providers like DHU Health Care demand, while at the same time giving a level of fuel and emissions efficiency its competitors cannot match.”

The Rav4 also looks much more striking than before and, despite being 5mm shorter (at 4,600mm), its 30mm longer wheelbase gives it interior space comparable with the best in class. Boot space also grows by 79 litres to 580 litres.

The dashboard is typically Toyota in its easy-to-use design and high build quality, with an eight-inch infotainment screen among the highlights.