Europcar has revised its battery charging policy for cars and vans to give drivers extra range and quicker drop-offs.

Europcar electric rentals are now provided with at least 80% charge and can be returned with just a 20% charge

The new, more convenient charging policy means electric vehicles will be provided with at least 80% charge at the start of a rental and drivers are only required to return the vehicle with just 20% charge.

Europcar said its industry leading initiative would streamline EV rentals for drivers, helping to build consumer and business confidence to go electric.

“If you’re rushing to drop off a vehicle to catch a flight or a train, the last thing you want is to be searching for a suitable charger and waiting for the car to recharge – which is required by most rental companies,” explained Tom Middleditch, head of electric mobility at Europcar Mobility Group UK.

“Our goal is to support more people to rent electric – for a real-world test drive to give them the confidence to make the switch. We have, therefore, simplified the process. For some rental journeys it’s unlikely the battery will even need to be topped up before returning the vehicle. However, for those that do, it shouldn’t take more than five or 10 minutes for any of our EVs to reach 20%.”

With 65% of its rental stations equipped with EV chargers, Europcar can maximise fleet availability and reduce hassle for drivers by charging vehicles after they have been returned. This means drivers do not need to find a charging station near to drop off and can continue their journey instead of spending time charging.

The Europcar Assistance Tool also enables customers to easily find the nearest charger while on their journey. By charging when stopping, rather than stopping to charge, charging anxiety can be reduced.

Middleditch continued: “For many, the charging experience is one of the big barriers to considering electric. We understand that hesitation, it’s new to most people so we’re here to provide support. Our charging policy is designed to remove barriers to EV rental, enabling more people to give it a try and allay their fears around charging and battery range.

“At Europcar we have found that driving an EV is the best way to dispel myths and gain the knowledge that gives drivers confidence to go electric. With a detailed handover at collection, even first time EV drivers can be confident as they take to the road.”

Europcar also publishes its free digital EV Guide and EV Knowledge Hub, both designed to help drivers gain a better understanding of EV life and regularly updated with latest information.

Meanwhile, the EV Showroom details features, range and charging types of all EVs on Europcar’s fleet, allowing customers to select the model best suited to their journey.