Finchingfield is trialling England's first electric Mobile Post Office, which will provide service to rural communities.
The village's Post Office is run by Alex Robinson and Jane Welch, who also operate a Mobile Post Office serving 17 rural communities in Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and North West Essex.
Their former diesel vehicle has now been replaced by an electric vehicle which is better for the environment and cheaper to operate.
There are solar panels where the vehicle is parked overnight for charging, and solar panels on the roof of the vehicle recharge the auxiliary battery en route to power the computer system, interior lighting and heating or air conditioning.
Postmistress Alex Robinson said: "Now we have tested the vehicle our initial range anxiety has subsided, and our confidence grown.
"We have plenty of range for all the places we visit, even in the middle of winter or if there is unexpected traffic."
Alex and Jane want to avoid narrow country lanes on their routes to keep the vehicle from being scratched by trees and bushes.
Alex said: "Our anxiety comes not from the range of the vehicle, but from our desire to keep it looking smart.
"Customers are impressed that it is an all-electric vehicle and that it is a brand-new vehicle that looks really good.
"This electric vehicle shows that Post Office is serious about serving rural communities and a Mobile Post Office is a practical way to reach smaller outlying villages."
The new vehicle also has an extendable pin-pad, allowing customers to be served at ground level or inside.
Cllr Neil Reeve, portfolio holder for environment and climate change at Uttlesford District Council, said: "Our corporate plan aims to encourage the use of electric vehicles wherever possible and we very much welcome the introduction of an electric Mobile Post Office which serves eight of our rural communities, including residents living at the military base at Carver Barracks.
READ MORE
- Land sold to developers for 108 new homes in Great Dunmow
- Schemes launched to help residents struggling with council tax bills
"To be the first area in England to be served in this way is very pleasing and will I hope serve as visible encouragement for the use of electrically powered vehicles by trades and other service providers."
Cllr John Evans, Uttlesford's portfolio holder for planning and infrastructure and member for the parish of Stebbing, was instrumental in setting up the Mobile Post Office.
He said: "Public transport links from our smaller villages to the nearest Post Office are very limited so the service provided by the Finchingfield Mobile Post Office which comes into our rural community on a regular basis is invaluable.
"I would like to thank Alex and Jane and their team for their exemplary and friendly support."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here