The cars join an existing fleet of Toyota Prius and Honda Insight hybrids available in Manhattan, with rentals starting at $14.50 (£9) per hour for members over 21 years of age. Zipcar offers hybrid and electric vehicles at locations across the world, starting with the first Toyota Prius models offered in Boston 11 years ago.

Stacy Stuart, executive vice president, marketing and human resources at Edison Properties, said: ‘Both companies are committed to providing people in New York and elsewhere with the best possible driving and parking options. And with the arrival of Zipcar's Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicles, combined with our ParkFast charging stations, New Yorkers now have a new and environmentally friendly way of getting where they need to go.’