Increase in Electric Vehicle Demand for Car Rental Companies Shoots Up by 139% Annually
In a significant stride towards sustainable mobility, Europcar, a leading car rental service, reported a remarkable increase in the use of electric vehicles (EVs) last year. More than 1 million miles were driven by EVs as part of Europcar's Deliver & Collect service, saving over 78,500kg in CO2 emissions.
This shift towards EVs is part of Europcar's broader commitment to sustainable mobility. In 2024, 12% of its global fleet was composed of electric or hybrid plug-in vehicles, under its 'A Sustainable Fleet' programme. Spain, in particular, boasts one of the largest EV and hybrid fleets in the mobility sector, with Europcar offering more than 5,000 such vehicles.
Europcar's dedication to low-emission rental services is evident in major events like La Vuelta, where many electric and hybrid vehicles are used to reduce carbon footprints. The company is also actively increasing the number of EV rental days through fleet expansion and competitive pricing.
In April 2025, Europcar introduced price parity between electric vehicles and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles for business customers, aiming to encourage EV adoption despite the traditional cost barrier. This move aligns with broader market trends in Europe, where the car rental market is growing and increasingly adopting EVs due to rising environmental consciousness and supportive government incentives.
Europcar's UK fleet now comprises 14% of cars that are either electric or plug-in hybrid. The company plans to further increase this proportion in 2025 and provide additional support to help business and leisure users transition to low and ultimately zero tailpipe emission rental.
To address customer anxiety about charging an EV ahead of its return, Europcar has implemented a policy ensuring that EVs are at least 80% charged at the start of a rental. Moreover, EVs only require a 20% charge on return, aiming to alleviate concerns about battery life.
The aim of this policy is to help Europcar's customers make a smooth transition to electric vehicles, contributing to a more sustainable future for mobility. With its commitment to helping fleets reduce their environmental impact and its ongoing efforts to expand its EV offerings, Europcar is undoubtedly leading the way in sustainable rental services.
- Europcar's global fleet in 2024 included 12% of cars that were either electric or hybrid plug-in vehicles.
- Spain's mobility sector boasts one of the largest EV and hybrid fleets, with Europcar offering over 5,000 such vehicles.
- In major events like La Vuelta, Europcar uses many electric and hybrid vehicles to reduce carbon footprints.
- Europcar introduced price parity between electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles for business customers in April 2025.
- The UK fleet of Europcar now comprises 14% of cars that are either electric or plug-in hybrid.
- To address customer anxiety about charging an EV, Europcar ensures that EVs are at least 80% charged at the start of a rental.
- Europcar's dedication to sustainable rental services is evident in its efforts to expand its EV offerings and help customers transition to electric vehicles.
