Europcar has added 100 LEVC VN5 range-extender vans to its rental fleet across the UK.

The new vehicles are being introduced to support fleets and businesses that operate in Clean Air Zones.

Ron Santiago, managing director of Europcar Mobility Group UK, said: “Research conducted in 2021 found that 89% of businesses expect a quarter or more of their fleet to enter a Clean Air Zone more than once a week. Yet there is a clear gap in availability of electric vehicles, as well as cost barriers for outright purchase.

“There is also concern that electrified vans may not be able to meet the high pressure demands of businesses, with uncertainty about the range they can offer.

“Bringing the VN5 on to the Europcar Vans & Trucks fleet addresses these concerns on several levels.  Available as part of our long-term rental solutions, it means businesses have the flexibility to ‘try before they buy’, without having to commit to lease or outright purchase, giving them the chance to really understand how electric will work for them and their drivers.

“Long-term rental of the VN5 also provides important financial flexibility while the UK economy remains uncertain. Plus, crucially, the VN5 gives customers a compliant solution eliminating the need to factor in additional costs for entering Clean Air Zones.”

The LEVC VN5 has a pure electric range of up to 76 miles, which can be boosted using the on-board petrol range extender to 304 miles.

It supports Europcar Mobility Group’s commitment to reduce its impact on the environment through its ‘One Sustainable Fleet’ programme. This programme aims to reduce carbon emissions for its car and van fleet, including targeting to have green vehicles (less than 50 g CO2/km) accounting for 20% of its car and van fleet by the end of 2024.