Europcar UK will introduce price parity between electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle rentals for its business customers starting April 2025, eliminating a key financial barrier to corporate EV adoption.
The initiative will cover a broad range of electric vehicles, including hatchbacks, SUVs, saloons, and vans, such as the Jeep Avenger, Mercedes EQ models, Renault Kangoo, and Skoda Enyaq. Europcar Mobility Group UK said the move aims to encourage businesses to transition to electric mobility by removing the higher rental costs typically associated with EVs.
“We understand that cost is a significant factor for businesses considering electric vehicles,” said Tom Middleditch, head of Electric Mobility at Europcar UK. “The Europcar EV barometer for 2024 revealed that the cost of purchasing and maintaining an EV is a barrier for around 40% of fleets. By eliminating the price difference for rental, we’re making it easier than ever for our business customers to experience the benefits of electric mobility and contribute to a greener future.”
Despite this push towards electrification for corporate clients, Europcar has not announced similar plans for retail customers, who still face a notable price gap between EV and ICE rentals. At London Gatwick Airport, for instance, a standard petrol or diesel rental currently costs between £36 (€30.25) and £58 (€48.74) per day, while the cheapest available EV starts at £58 (€48.74) and can go up to £101 (€120) per day.
The price disparity reflects the generally higher purchase cost of EVs compared to conventional vehicles, a factor that continues to shape rental pricing strategies. However, Europcar’s decision to equalize rental costs for businesses suggests a broader industry shift towards making EVs more financially accessible, potentially paving the way for wider corporate adoption of electric fleets.