Enterprise Rent-A-Car is now offering electric vehicles to customers for rental for the first time.

Enterprise is taking on 20 Chevrolet Volts, which will be based across its Greater London branches with plug-in recharging facilities.

Mike Nigro, UK & Ireland managing director at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, said: “We looked at many different options before deciding on the Volt as the first electric car we’d offer to our customers. It offers an ideal blend of technological innovation and ease of use, with the petrol engine providing the extended range rental drivers often need and making the vehicle simple to refuel.

“Our customers in the London area, both businesses and private individuals, will now be able to try out the Volt and get to grips with the electric driving experience themselves. We’re also looking at extending this pilot programme to other UK regions if it works out.”

Linda Dick, national sales manager for Chevrolet UK said: “We are delighted to be able to supply the Chevrolet Volt to Enterprise. The Volt is the ideal car for Enterprise, as it doesn't have the range anxiety associated with other electric vehicles.

“Daily rental is a great way for people to initially experience the Volt; learn how well it drives and how conventional it is in daily use. The Chevrolet Volt is an extended range electric car using a petrol engine to sustain battery power, which makes it more relevant and practical for day-to-day motoring than pure electric vehicles.

“Enterprise has a wide network of branches, many with recharging facilities, and a clear desire to offer innovative and sustainable transport options. That made it the ideal partner for us.”