It follows the Car Club Strategy for London, launched by the London councils, Greater London Authority and Transport for London last year, which set out a 50% electric vehicle share for car clubs by 2025.

Zipcar said it partnered with Westminster City Council and Volkswagen UK to roll out the vehicles, which will be offered at the same £7 hourly rate as a petrol car. Of the 50 vehicles, 40 are in the City of Westminster, each with their own charging bay, and the rest are deployed elsewhere in Central London.

Mark Walker, Zipcar UK general manager, said, “The combination of pure electric vehicle driving in the city and full flexibility to escape anywhere in the country, without compromise, is compelling.  We believe our members will thoroughly enjoy driving this car in electric mode and will become keen advocates for electric vehicle driving in London.”

Cllr Heather Acton, Westminster City Council cabinet member for parking and sustainability, added: “Electric vehicles are key to helping address pollution. Giving more people the chance to drive an electric car in London, and on a shared basis, is a big step towards creating a greener city.”