The first examples are now ready for by-the-hour rentals, and are located on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood with more scheduled to follow in the coming months.

Based on the conventional Honda Fit supermini, sold in Europe as the Jazz, the cars offer a range of 82 miles from each charge, space for five adults and three driving modes, as in the CR-Z hybrid coupe, which prioritise performance or efficiency as required. In March, Zipcar deployed the first of what will be a nationwide fleet of Fit EVs at Portland State University.

Jeff Shields, general manager, Zipcar Los Angeles, commented: ‘The new EVs will enhance the sustainable transportation options our Zipcar members have available to them and allow Los Angeles residents and visitors to further reduce their carbon footprint, all while driving one of the most technologically-advanced and fun cars on the road.’

An early pioneer of sharing hybrid and plug-in vehicles, Zipcar’s global electric fleet includes the Vauxhall Ampera in London and mechanically similar Chevrolet Volt in Chicago. Last year, the company announced Honda was to become its preferred manufacturer, with plans to expand its fleet of Insight hybrids as well as introducing the Accord Plug-in, Fit EV and new CR-V at locations across the United States.