Ken McCall, managing director, Europcar Group UK believes that this would enable motorists and businesses alike to find out if going electric suits them– without committing to outright purchase.

 Mr McCall, commented: ‘Electric vehicles offer huge opportunities for motorists to save money, especially for city driving where they are congestion-charge free and where the stop-start of heavy traffic consumes more fuel. But for many they are not sure if electric will be truly convenient for them.  Car hire is a great way for drivers to put electric to the test – and we have the innovative electric Peugeot iOn’s available at a number of our locations to make it easy for motorists to try before they buy.’

The first new-generation electric vehicle to hit the European market, the Peugeot iOn is silent and will not emit any CO2 or other pollutants, further enhancing its ecological benefits.  It is also exempt from congestion charges in key UK cities providing important cost advantages for motorists.

The vehicles are available from Europcar for one day hire only, in order to ensure they are properly recharged.  They can only be returned to the Europcar locations designated for electric vehicles – Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton airports, Kings Cross and Marble Arch.

Mr McCall went on to add: ‘Demand for electric vehicles to rent is really starting to pick up as both businesses and leisure drivers want to make the most of both the environmental and cost advantages. 

‘Our goal is to give our customers the widest possible choice and that includes giving them access to the new generation of electric vehicles.  Ideal for short city journeys, they are already immensely popular with many of our business customers who are making the most of the cost savings they offer.  And they’re great for car buyers who want to “test-drive” this latest motoring innovation.’