Renault has delivered its biggest ever UK order of the electric Renault Zoe, with 55 cars supplied to Europcar UK for use in the delivery and collection of hire vehicles in major UK cities.

Europcar is committed to 5% of its total UK vehicle fleet being electric by 2020.

In addition to enabling Europcar employees to deliver rental vehicles to customers at their home or workplace, the Renault Zoe's will provide support to E-Car Club – the all-electric car club that Europcar has a majority stake in and the acquisition of which represented the first ever exit of a crowdfunded start-up.

The Renault Zoe's will ensure that E-Car Club can quickly access additional cars to meet customer demand.

All have been supplied and prepared by DSG Renault, Morecambe.

Gary Smith, managing director, Europcar UK Group said: “Our Deliver & Collect service aims to enhance the rental experience for our customers – taking the time and hassle out of collecting a vehicle at the start of the hire and having to go back to our branch at the end of the journey. And the addition of the Renault Zoe cars at many of our city branches, enabling our employees to get to and from our branches without expending any emissions, makes the Deliver & Collect service all the more environmentally friendly.”

Chris Morris, managing director and co-founder of E-Car Club, added: “We are delighted to add to our existing fleet of Renault Zoe; a very popular choice amongst E-Car members. This acquisition of vehicles will help support our forthcoming expansions, particularly in Scotland, where we have significant deployment plans within the next six months.

Nick Tame, sales director, Groupe Renault UK, said: “We are exceptionally pleased that Europcar has chosen the Renault Zoe as the most suitable vehicle to support its collection and delivery service, and also make a significant contribution to meeting its environmental ambitions. The significant size of the order illustrates the rapidly-increasing popularity of the Renault EV range in the UK.”