Enterprise Rent-A-Car has just received one of the nation's first Nissan LEAF electric vehicles (EVs). Enterprise will use this initial vehicle to generate awareness of EVs and educate customers and employees about EV rentals and the infrastructure that will support them. 

Following the delivery of this first "demo" vehicle, Enterprise expects to receive 500 Nissan LEAFs, starting in December. The EVs initially will be available to customers across seven markets where the infrastructure exists to support the vehicles, including Phoenix; Nashville, Tenn.; San Diego; Los Angeles; San Francisco; Portland, Ore. and Seattle. Enterprise Rent-A-Car customers will then be able to specifically request an EV when making a reservation. In addition, Enterprise will be adding some of the EVs to its WeCar car-sharing programs.

Enterprise will give customers an opportunity for extended EV "test-drives," as well as a chance to learn more about the charging process. And, in the coming weeks, Enterprise will be bringing the demo vehicle to some of the markets where EVs will be available for rental, to educate employees and customers about the new technology.

"There is a certain amount of mystery around electric vehicles," said Lee Broughton, director of sustainability for Enterprise Holdings, which owns and operates Enterprise Rent-A-Car. "We have a great opportunity to lift the veil on EVs for our customers, and help them understand why they might want to rent or even own an EV as they become available.

"There is no other way to expose so many consumers to this technology so quickly," Broughton said. "It's all part of our commitment to use our fleet to help new, clean technologies prove themselves in the marketplace."

EVs can be charged using a standard 110-volt home outlet, a 220-volt home or public charger or 480-volt commercial "fast" charging station. Most EVs can travel about 100 miles on a single charge, accommodating the travel habits of the daily commuter, who drives an average of approximately 40 miles a day.