The models will be introduced in 2011 and Europcar has said that it will also gradually install the infrastructure needed to recharge the batteries at its 2,500 hire locations around Europe.

The agreement was signed at the Paris Motor Show in the presence of PSA Peugeot Citroen’s Jean-Marc Gales, executive vice-president sales, marketing and after sales, and Christian Peugeot, central marketing director.

Philippe Guillemot, CEO of Europcar Group, said: 'We are proud of this new partnership with PSA Peugeot Citroen because it is in keeping with Europcar’s core commitments to sustainable development and technological innovation. With this agreement, we want to further demonstrate our ability to innovate and contribute to the emergence of new mobility solutions.'

Europcar opened its first “environmental station” for electric cars in Paris in 1999 and says that the new agreement enhances its offering in terms of zero-emissions fleet and further illustrates the company’s commitment to promoting “green” mobility.