A total of 20 Chevrolet Volts will be based across its Greater London branches with plug-in recharging facilities, with plans to expand the pilot scheme into other parts of the UK if it’s successful.

Enterprise added that the Volt’s extended range capabilities played a key role in its choice.

Mike Nigro, UK & Ireland managing director at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, said: ‘We looked at many different options before deciding on the Volt as the first electric car we’d offer to our customers. It offers an ideal blend of technological innovation and ease of use, with the petrol engine providing the extended range rental drivers often need and making the vehicle simple to refuel.

‘Our customers in the London area, both businesses and private individuals, will now be able to try out the Volt and get to grips with the electric driving experience themselves. We’re also looking at extending this pilot programme to other UK regions if it works out.’

Linda Dick, national sales manager, Chevrolet UK, added: ‘The Volt is the ideal car for Enterprise, as it doesn't have the range anxiety associated with other electric vehicles.

‘Daily rental is a great way for people to initially experience the Volt; learn how well it drives and how conventional it is in daily use.’