Europcar has bolstered its electric vehicle (EH) fleet after making the biggest ever UK order of the Renault ZOE, ordering 55 of the fully electric cars for use in the delivery and collection of hire vehicles.
The EVs will be used by Europcar employees to deliver rental vehicles to customers and have been selected in an effort to contribute towards the company’s commitment to reduce vehicle emissions while introducing customers to new technologies.
Europcar has set a target of ensuring 5% of its fleet is electric by 2020, requiring 2,250 EVs to be incorporated into the 45,000-strong fleet if it remains at current levels.
Gary Smith, managing director of 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.
“The addition of the Renault ZOEs 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.”
Nick Tame, sales director for 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 Renault ZOEs will also provide support to E-Club Car, an all-electric car club that Europcar has a majority stake in
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.
A number of car clubs and fleet operators transitioning to EVs has risen considerably in recent times, with fleet purchases making up a considerable proportion of EV sales. Speaking to sister title Inside Clean Energy last month, Polly Welch, head of Go Ultra Low, said: ““Fleet purchase now 72% of new EVs…that covers people driving them for deliveries but a large number of that is company cars as well and they are using them for personal purposes as well as business.”
“All sorts of companies are supporting their employees in driving EVs whether that’s from installing charge points in their company car parks through to offering them as company cars. Businesses are probably at the forefront of the move towards EVs.
