WHY ELECTRIC COULD BE RIGHT FOR YOU

Thinking about making the switch to electric? Whether it’s the promise of lower running costs, a smoother drive or doing your bit for the planet, there are plenty of reasons why more drivers are choosing electric vehicles. With more choice, better range and thousands of charging points across the UK, it’s never been easier to go electric.

EV adoption is accelerating fast. Europcar has seen electric rental days rise by over 400% in just one year, helping save more than 78 tonnes of CO₂. As the UK’s infrastructure and vehicle options continue to grow, so does the case for going electric. And with Europcar, making the switch is simple. Book with confidence, charge with ease and discover a better way to drive.

KINDER TO THE POCKET

Let’s start with the big one: fuel costs. In most cases, it’s cheaper to run a car on electricity than it is to fill up with petrol or diesel. Of course, it depends on your route, driving style and how you charge — but tools like Zapmaps Journey Cost Calculator give a good idea of what you could save.

EVs are also simpler under the bonnet, which usually means fewer things to fix and lower servicing bills. Add in zero road tax, no charges for Clean Air Zones like London’s ULEZ, and even free charging at some supermarkets, and the savings start to stack up.

Electric cars still cost more to buy outright, but renting one is a great way to experience the benefits without the big financial commitment.

KINDER TO THE PLANET

There are lots of reasons to go electric, but the biggest one is the environmental impact. According to the World Health Organisation, around seven million people die early each year due to air pollution. That’s a powerful reason to drive something cleaner.

EVs produce no tailpipe emissions and are often powered by renewable electricity. Manufacturers are also using more sustainable materials — everything from recycled steel and vegan leather to reclaimed wood and yes, even lobster shells.

And despite what you might have heard, EV batteries don’t just end up in landfill. Most are reused, repurposed or recycled, often with 75% of their capacity still intact.

More on battery recycling from The Eco Experts

READY FOR 2035 AND BEYOND

You’ve probably heard by now, but from 2035 the UK government will ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles as part of its Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate. What you might not know is that hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars are also included in this plan. That means only fully electric cars and vans will be available to buy new once the deadline hits.

You’ll still be able to drive a petrol or diesel car after that point, and the used market isn’t going anywhere just yet. But as more cities introduce Clean Air Zones and fuel prices continue to rise, the cost of running older vehicles is only expected to increase. Insurance, maintenance, and resale value may all start to shift as electric becomes the norm.

That’s why now is the ideal time to start exploring electric, even if it’s just for your next rental. You can get a feel for how it drives, how charging works, and whether it fits into your lifestyle so you can stay ahead of the curve.

ENJOY THE RIDE

One of the most surprising things about electric driving is just how fun and relaxing it is. Electric motors deliver instant torque for fast, smooth acceleration with no gear changes and minimal noise. The driving experience is often described as effortless, with regenerative braking adding control and reducing strain in stop-start traffic. Whether on city streets or the open road, most drivers find EVs more enjoyable to drive than expected.

CHARGE WITH EASE

The UK’s charging network is expanding fast, with over 59,000 public charge points available as of June 2025, including more than 11,000 rapid chargers. Many public rapid chargers can add up to 200 miles of range in under 30 minutes. For daily needs, home charging is the most convenient option, with most EV drivers plugging in overnight. Every Europcar EV rental comes with public and home charging cables, and tools like Zapmap make it easy to plan ahead.

EUROPCAR HELPS YOU GO ELECTRIC WITH CONFIDENCE

When you rent an electric vehicle from Europcar, we make sure you have everything you need to enjoy the drive. Each EV comes with at least 80% charge and includes the right cables public charging. You’ll also get access to Zapmap, so you can locate charge points wherever you’re heading. And we only ask for 20% battery on return, meaning you don’t need to top up to full before dropping the car off. It’s a flexible and stress-free way to try electric driving for yourself.

COMMON CONCERNS, ANSWERED

We know, we’ve heard them all before! But really, it’s the fear of the unknown which fuels peoples concerns about going electric. Here’s the most common concerns we hear from our customers, and why they really aren’t an issue: