Customers renting a LEAF will have the vehicle handed over by a Europcar representative, who will explaining the car’s functions, and Nissan will offer a free hotline for any other queries. 

The cars will be offered with a free recharging service, with Europcar waiving the usual service fee for refuelling. If the scheme proves successful, it could be extended to other cities in France and the UK.

Guillaume Cartier, vice president for sales operations at Nissan International SA, commented: ‘There are two distinct reasons for joining forces with Europcar to introduce Nissan LEAF to the short term rental market in these two busy cities. The first is obvious: with its absence of tailpipe emissions and an outstanding driving pleasure, the Nissan LEAF is the perfect car for the inner city.

‘The second is for drivers currently unsure whether an EV is suitable for their needs. By renting a Nissan LEAF and living with it in real world conditions they can evaluate the car in their own time.’

It marks the third major investment in electric vehicles for Europcar, which already offers the Peugeot iOn at locations around London and will begin rolling out the Vauxhall/Opel Ampera this year.

Chief operating officer, Rafael Girona, explained: ‘Europcar has long believed in electric vehicles as a sustainable means of mobility and is committed to enabling early adoption of this type of vehicle. We are proud to partner with Nissan to facilitate expansion of electric vehicles and provide our customers with the greenest possible mobility solutions.’