Europcar Mobility Group UK is working to support fleets affected by the new Bristol Clean Air Zone thanks to its investment in hybrid and electric vehicles.

Europcar offers a range of electric rental cars and vans, supported by charging facilities at its Bristol site

The new Class D CAZ came into effect on 28 November and levies charges on older, polluting vehicles including private cars and vans.  Only fully electric, zero-emission vehicles are now able to enter the Clean Air Zone without charge. Drivers in other vehicles will need to pay the zone charge – set at £9 per day for cars and LCVs – or face a penalty charge notice.

Europcar’s hybrid and fully electric vehicle line-up enables fleets and drivers to access the zone without charge. It’s also made significant investment in the region by expanding its Bristol branch to be a dedicated car and van supersite and deploying four EV charging points at the location.

Ron Santiago, managing director, commented: “Europcar is pleased to be able to provide a sustainable and flexible travel option with our electric rental cars and vans, which we can now charge for customers using our own charging facilities in Bristol. Drivers travelling through the city will be able to access compliant cars, which will offer peace of mind and ensure that they do not fall foul of any fees or penalty charges.

“We are deeply committed to supporting our branches and helping them respond to their local demands. Developing the Bristol branch into a supersite has not only been an exciting move for us, but we’re proud to be able to help this branch support the region’s pledge to minimise pollution by offering sustainable and flexible mobility options.”

It’s the latest step in the mobility specialist’s ‘One Sustainable Fleet’ programme’ which aims to have green vehicles account for 20% of its fleet by the end of 2024, supporting the transition of both individuals and companies towards ‘green’ mobility.