Europcar Expands Electric Car Fleet, Eases Charging Stress.

Europcar is currently on the fast track to electrify its fleet, aiming to make the journey towards net zero emissions as smooth and stress-free as possible for businesses and motorists alike.

New additions to Europcar’s fleet include the recently launched fully electric Jeep Avenger, showcasing their commitment to expanding their electric vehicle (EV) options.

By the end of 2023, more than 12% of Europcar’s rental fleet consisted of battery electric (BEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles, representing a remarkable 379% year-on-year increase. Customers clocked over 3.5 million EV miles and booked 50,000 more EV rental days compared to the previous year.

The company shows no signs of slowing down in 2024, with plans to introduce a variety of new electric models to their fleet. Some of the vehicles already available or scheduled to arrive this summer include the Škoda Enyaq, the Volvo XC60 and XC90 PHEVs, and of course, the recently launched Jeep Avenger. These models will be joining the existing lineup of Tesla Model 3s, Mercedes-Benz EQ models, and MG4 EVs available at Europcar locations across the UK.

Europcar is also revolutionising how customers handle vehicle charging, implementing a new approach for its rental fleet. Now, customers need not worry about ensuring the vehicle is returned with a full charge. Each electric vehicle is provided at the beginning of the rental with a charge ranging between 50% and 80%, and can be returned with just a 20% battery level.

Tom Middleditch, the head of electric mobility at Europcar Mobility Group UK, shared that the fleet strategy aims to offer business and private customers a broader selection of zero-emission vehicles to experience real-world electric motoring without any hassle.

He stated, “Our latest research revealed that while there is a growing interest in electric motoring, concerns about the initial cost and charging infrastructure are still holding back many private drivers. With rental, we offer an easy and low-commitment way for individuals to experience electric motoring, learning best practices for optimal performance along the way.”

Middleditch continued, emphasizing the benefits of long-term rental for businesses transitioning to zero emissions. This approach allows for flexibility in fleet size, access to the latest vehicle models and technology, all without the constraints of lengthy lease agreements.

Customers can access Europcar’s electric vehicle fleet at various locations across the UK, with the added convenience of delivery and collection services available to most business and private addresses.