Europcar has signed up with car manufacturer Opel to launch its first electric vehicle in Europe.

The Opel Ampera – a Europeanised version of Opel owner General Motors’ Chevrolet Volt – will launched in Germany November, with by Belgium and the Netherlands following.

The Ampera will then be rolled out throughout France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom from the beginning of 2012.

“Electric cars are among the best long-term solutions to meet society’s energy and environmental challenges,” said Opel/Vauxhall vice president sales, marketing & aftersales Europe, Alain Visser.

“The fact that Europcar is going to introduce the Opel Ampera to its day-to-day business is further proof that our extended-range electric vehicle is completely suitable for everyday use – even as a fleet vehicle in the tough rental car business.”

Paris-based Europcar was last year recognised by the World Travel Awards as the World’s Leading Car Hire.

The number of cars involved in the initial launch has not been disclosed.

However, the launch of electric cars generally has been slow, with just 622 sold in the UK during the first six months of this year according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders

Both Hertz and Avis have introduced a fleet of 500 electric vehicles produced by Renault, which, with its Japanese partner Nissan, is developing a large range of electric models.

Hertz is also adding the Mitsubishi Motors-made electric i-MiEV and the Leaf to its fleet in London.

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