A NEW rental firm has opened in London offering electric cars.

Electriccarhire.com. says it is the first in London to offer electric cars for medium-term hire, from £325 per month, a cost it compares to and estimated £750 for the nearest equivalent petrol car.

The company’s fleet uses the Sakura Maranello4, built in Italy and offering a range between re-charges of up to 62 miles.

Customers can hire a car for three months or more with an option to buy at the end after the first six months.