Significant uplift in hybrid and electric vehicle rental

Europcar Mobility Group UK has achied a million more electric rental days - a 444% uplift - in the past year.

Its low and zero emissions rentals rose from 228,000 rental days in 2023 to more than 1,241,000 in 2024.

Last year, Europcar increased its electrified fleet, with 14% of cars now fully electric or plug-in hybrid.

It has also increased its use of electric cars and e-bikes to support its ‘Deliver & Collect’ service.   

Using electric vehicles (EVs) to drive 1,090,500 miles when delivering and collecting rental vehicles enabled Europcar to save 78,516Kg of CO2 in 2024.

Its use of e-bikes by Deliver & Collect hikers, meanwhile, saved 2,016Kg of CO2.

“At Europcar we are fully committed to helping fleets reduce their environmental impact by enabling them to access a range of electric car and van options,” said Tom Middleditch, head of electric mobility at Europcar Mobility Group UK.

“For 2025 and beyond, we will continue increasing the proportion of electric and hybrid vehicles on our fleet and find new ways to support business and leisure customers to make the transition to low and ultimately zero tailpipe emission rental.”

Europcar has introduced price parity on electric car and van rental rates for business account customers.

It has also revised its battery charging policy for EV rentals to help build business and consumer confidence.

At the start of a rental, EVs will be provided with at least 80% charge, while drivers will only be required to return the electric car or van with just 20% charge.