The well known car hire giant Avis is now gearing up to offer UK customers electric vehicles starting in 2011. This news comes following a big partnership deal with Renault Nissa Alliance. The New Jersey-based group argues that cars that produce zero emissions during use represent a breakthrough solution for sustainable mobility.

Despite the good intention of the cars, there have been a few questions raised at just how helpful these electric cars are. Although they do not use gas to run, they still draw their electricity from carbon intensive power plants.

The chief executive of Avis Europe, Pascal Bazin, said that Avis is committed to reducing their own carbon footprint. They are always looking for new ways to improve their environmental performance. They are delighted to sign this important partnership with Renault to offer these electric vehicles in their green fleet.

This deal comes just after a very similar announcement from Hertz early last month when it showed that it was planning to offer the Nissan LEAF in Japan, the United States and Europe as early as next year. Either way, it seems that many car hire companies remain very keen to emphasizing their green credentials.

Each car on the Avis fleet is typically only six months old. This is to help ensure maximum fuel efficiency. The average CO2 emissions for cars purchased in 2009 was just 144.6gCO2/Km. All Avis customers will have access to environmental driving tips to help lower their emissions, and they can choose from a wide range of green cars. This makes it easier for people that have to travel to still be “green.”