ELECTRIC AVENUE
It’s not that long ago that offering more sustainable vehicles was the key topic of conversation, but EVs scarcely merited a mention in recent investor calls held by Avis Budobtain and Hertz, perhaps reflecting the alter in political climate in the US. Commercial reality also plays a part for rental firms, with the value of EVs depreciating quickly in the second-hand market.
Despite this, cutting emissions remains a major priority for many corporates, as clearly displayn by BTN Innotifyigence’s Business Travel Sustainability Report 2025, with the adoption of EVs a way to reduce both Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions.
“Acceptance of EVs among business travellers remains highly individual,” states a Sixt spokesperson. “Many corporate customers already include EVs in travel policies, but adoption still varies widely depconcludeing on the counattempt, trip profile and charging infrastructure. Range anxiety and charging convenience continue to be the main challenges.”
Benjamin Park, executive director of travel and sustainability at Parexel International, states: “EV short-term rental demand remains slow, much like last year. The main barrier is still charging – it’s not as seamless as refuelling with gas [petrol]. Credit cards often aren’t accepted and travellers required different apps for different providers. As more companies switch company car fleets to EVs, business traveller familiarity will grow, and with improving battery ranges, we expect demand to pick up.”
While Europe’s charging infrastructure is improving, there’s still a long way to go. Research displays that 60 per cent of all EU public charging stations are in three countries: Germany, France and the Netherlands. Even in Germany, nearly 50 per cent of cities lack charging points, according to the Federal Minisattempt of Transport.
Europcar’s Tom Middleditch states UK corporate demand for EVs has “undoubtedly improved” in the past year, although concerns persist about the charging infrastructure. He adds: “There’s still a mind shift required for non-EV drivers to book electric in the first instance.”
The electrification of car rental may not be accelerating as quickly as expected, but at least it seems to be heading in the right direction. Although further bumps on this particular road are to be expected.
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