Europcar Mobility Group UK has expanded its Vans & Trucks fleet with 100 LEVC VN5 vans.

The LEVC VN5 range-extender electric vehicles are available for short-term rental via Europcar’s Vans & Trucks locations across the UK

The new range-extender electric vehicles are available for short-term rental via Europcar’s Vans & Trucks locations across the UK, with a particular focus on the cities where Clean Air Zones are in force or scheduled for 2022.

Europcar said the addition of the VN5 brings extra support for its customers’ zero-emission ambitions, addressing an urgent need amongst commercial vehicle users.

Ron Santiago, managing director, explained: “Research conducted in 2021 found that 89% of businesses expect a quarter or more of their fleet to enter a Clean Air Zone more than once a week. Yet there is a clear gap in availability of electric vehicles, as well as cost barriers for outright purchase. There is also concern that electrified vans may not be able to meet the high pressure demands of businesses, with uncertainty about the range they can offer.”

Bringing the VN5 on to the Europcar Vans & Trucks fleet addresses these concerns on several levels.

“Available as part of our long-term rental solutions, it means businesses have the flexibility to ‘try before they buy’, without having to commit to lease or outright purchase, giving them the chance to really understand how electric will work for them and their drivers,” said Santiago. “Long-term rental of the VN5 also provides important financial flexibility while the UK economy remains uncertain. Plus, crucially, the VN5 gives customers a compliant solution eliminating the need to factor in additional costs for entering Clean Air Zones.”

The VN5 also plays a vital role in supporting Europcar Mobility Group’s commitment to reduce its impact on the environment through its ‘One Sustainable Fleet’ programme. This programme aims to reduce carbon emissions for its car and van fleet, including targeting to have green vehicles (sub- 50g/km) account for 20% of its car and van fleet by the end of 2024.

LEVC’s van is based on the same architecture and range-extender technology as its TX taxi, and has a pure EV range of over 60 miles and a total range of 304 miles – making it suitable for both urban deliveries in zero-emission mode, as well as longer journeys outside of town.

Joerg Hofmann, LEVC CEO, added: “I am delighted we have signed this agreement with Europcar, which will enable many businesses to try our innovative new electric van before they buy. And I am confident that they will see VN5 is the ideal green mobility solution, offering zero-emission capability with no range-anxiety.”

• The VN5 is available from Europcar Vans & Trucks locations in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Gateshead, Glasgow, Heathrow Skyport, Leeds, Manchester Trafford Park, Purfleet and Sheffield.