Europcar has expanded its fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) that are based within the Oxford Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ).

Oxford is the first UK city to enforce a ZEZ, requiring non-EVs to pay a daily charge.

A new fleet of Renault Zoe models have been placed at Europcar’s Oxford depot, along with four EV chargers.

Ron Santiago, managing director at Europcar Mobility Group UK, said: “As part of Oxford City’s bid to reduce air pollution and to encourage both residents and visitors to make positive changes to the way they travel around the city, Europcar is pleased to be able to provide a sustainable and flexible travel option with our electric rental cars, which we can now charge for customers using our own charging facilities.

“For those who wish to travel through the city centre, being able to access compliant cars will offer peace of mind and ensure that they do not fall foul of any fees or penalty charges.

“It is another step in our ‘One Sustainable Fleet’ programme’ which aims to have green vehicles account for 20% of our fleet by the end of 2024.”

The Oxford ZEZ came into force on February 28, 2022, and operates every day between 07.00 and 19.00, covering five main streets in the city centre. Only fully electric, zero emission vehicles are now able to enter the ZEZ without paying – other vehicles will incur a daily charge of between £2 and £10, depending on emission levels.

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