Europcar Mobility Group UK has announced a significant expansion of its electric van fleet, offering a wider range of models and sizes to help businesses and individual drivers test the practicality of electric vehicles before committing to purchase or long-term lease.
The move comes amid growing demand for low-emission transport solutions and increasing implementation of Clean Air and Zero Emission zones across UK cities. Europcar said the expansion aims to address persistent uncertainty among fleet operators about the suitability of electric vans for commercial use.
New models joining the company’s electric van line-up include the Vauxhall Combo and Renault Kangoo, alongside mid-size and larger options such as the Mercedes-Benz e-Vito, Vauxhall Vivaro, Peugeot Expert and Ford Custom.
The announcement follows findings from Europcar’s new white paper, Van Electrification: Understanding Barriers, Identifying Solutions, which revealed that 39% of fleet operators currently do not operate electric vans. Of those, 38% cited concerns about suitability, while 46% said they would consider adoption if range capabilities improved.
Keith Shorter, Director of Europcar Vans and Trucks, said first-hand experience is proving key to overcoming hesitation.
“We have found that when van users rent electric for the first time, most of their previous concerns and anxieties are resolved,” Shorter said.
“We have boosted our e-van fleet to help more drivers and fleet managers benefit from this real-world experience of electric driving, without the commitment of buying or long-term leasing a vehicle with which they are unfamiliar. Increasing the breadth of choice and growing the fleet to increase vehicle availability at a wider range of locations across our network will help more businesses find out how electric vans can fit into their business.”
Customers hiring electric vans through Europcar gain access to Octopus Electroverse services, which include a real-time map of charging points, route planning tools, and information on charging speeds and costs.
Shorter added that the expansion supports both the company’s sustainability goals and the wider transition to cleaner transport.
“Our growing fleet of electric vans, complemented by expert support at every stage of the rental, is helping commercial vehicle drivers confidently switch to greener mobility,” he said.
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