More than a quarter (29%) of car hirers would like to hire an electric car to try one out (28% of men and 31% of women).
This is according to an Opinium survey of 1,000 car hirers, commissioned by iCarhireinsurance.com, a provider of car hire excess insurance.
The survey finds that even amongst those who would like to hire an electric car, worries persist including finding charging points (37%) and the driving range (30%).
Cost is an issue for some, with over a quarter (27%) saying they would like to hire an electric car, but not if it costs more than a petrol or diesel vehicle.
Only 8% are willing to pay more for an electric vehicle.
Almost one in four (23%), said they would like to hire an electric car to do “their bit” for the environment; and overall an openness to the new technology is evident as only one in five (18%) say they would not hire an electric car.
Ernesto Suarez, founder and CEO of iCarhireinsurance.com, said: “When car hirers are weighing up which car to hire, electric cars could be a good option for some. Savings can be made on fuel costs and most rental companies don’t expect you to re-charge before returning the car.
Electric vehicles are also often exempt from charges in low emission zones in cities and it can be cheaper or even free to park in many places. As the rental companies expand their range of electric vehicles, they will become an increasingly viable solution for car hirers.”
Image: Shutterstock
