Eco-Friendly Approach to Car Rental Services

The world faces serious challenges related to climate change and environmental pollution. 

As a result, many industries are taking steps towards sustainable practices, and the car rental industry is no exception.

What Do the Numbers Show?

According to the latest data from 2024, transportation is responsible for about 25% of total carbon dioxide emissions in the European Union, with cars accounting for the largest portion of these emissions. This percentage is even higher in Serbia due to the lack of strict regulations compared to EU countries.

Car rental companies can significantly reduce their environmental footprint by introducing eco-friendly vehicles, such as electric cars and hybrids.

Globally, interest in eco-friendly vehicles is growing daily. 

According to research conducted by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the number of electric cars on the road reached 15 million in 2024, a significant increase compared to the previous decade.

This trend has yet to bypass the car rental industry, which is increasingly investing in the acquisition of green vehicles. Many countries also provide incentives for using eco-friendly vehicles, including purchase subsidies and tax benefits.

In 2024, Serbia's subsidies for purchasing electric cars range from 2,500 to 5,000 euros, while subsidies for hybrid vehicles are excluded. Subsidies are available to individuals, entrepreneurs, and legal entities, and applications must be submitted to the Ministry of Environmental Protection by October 31.

Electric Cars

Electric cars are an increasingly popular choice among car rental companies. These cars emit no harmful gases, making them ideal for urban areas where air pollution is a significant problem. Another advantage of these cars is that they offer quieter rides and lower operational costs.

Car rental companies in Serbia are increasingly offering electric cars, allowing customers to choose a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

Electric cars like the MG4, named Car of the Year in Serbia for 2024, will gradually become more popular in rental offers.

The infrastructure for charging electric cars is also rapidly developing, making their use even more convenient. In larger cities, there are increasingly many fast-charging stations, allowing users to charge their vehicles quickly and efficiently.

Hybrid Cars

Hybrid cars combine a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor, resulting in lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions of harmful gases.

Car rental companies in Serbia offer a good selection of hybrid vehicles, enabling clients to travel greener. These options are available in cities like Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Niš. Toyota Prius and Hyundai Ioniq are some of the most well-known hybrid models available for rent.

Hybrid vehicles are handy for longer journeys as they combine the advantages of electric drive at lower speeds and internal combustion engines for higher speeds and longer distances.

Also, the regenerative braking technology, which is present in many hybrid models, further improves the vehicle's energy efficiency. If you are unfamiliar with this term, here is what it means.

Regenerative braking uses the energy generated during braking to recharge the vehicle's battery. This way, power is not wasted but is reused for driving, increasing the vehicle's efficiency.

Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Vehicles using alternative fuels, such as natural gas or biofuels, represent another eco-friendly option. These vehicles emit fewer harmful gases than conventional vehicles.

Serbia has already taken the initiative to use natural gas cars, but the charging infrastructure still needs to be sufficiently developed. Currently, plans are underway to install more natural gas charging stations to support this more environmentally friendly option.

Natural gas cars (CNG or compressed natural gas) are particularly popular in countries with developed infrastructure for this fuel, such as Italy and Germany, due to lower emissions of harmful gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particles (PM).

Besides gas, biofuels from renewable sources such as plants and waste are also becoming more popular. These fuels can be used in conventional engines with minimal modifications, reducing the need to build new infrastructure.

Biofuels, such as biodiesel and bioethanol, can significantly reduce harmful gas emissions and provide a more economical alternative to fossil fuels.

E-Scooters

E-scooters are another popular eco-friendly option increasingly available in car rental services. These small electric scooters are ideal for short city rides, are easy to park, and consume minimal energy.

Electric scooters are also very efficient in reducing traffic congestion and significantly reduce air pollution in urban areas as they emit no harmful gases.

E-scooters are already very popular and accessible in Serbia, and most car rental agencies offer them as part of their selection.

Conclusion

Eco-friendly options in car rental services are not just a trend but a necessity in the fight against climate change and pollution. By using electric, hybrid, alternative fuel vehicles, and e-scooters, car rental companies can significantly reduce their environmental footprint and offer their clients more sustainable alternatives.

As statistics from 2024 show, interest in such vehicles is growing, and companies that recognize this change can become leaders in the "green transition."

BizRent also continuously strives to improve its services and expand its eco-friendly options, supporting sustainable development and environmental protection. By choosing eco-friendly options, we contribute to preserving the environment and building a better future for future generations!

Whether you're looking for a short-term rental, long-term lease, or operational lease, BizRent lets you choose the vehicle that best suits your needs.