Renting: the mobility of the future in cities like Barcelona and Madrid

The world is experiencing a process of urbanization unprecedented in history. Never before have so many people lived in cities as today. Currently, approximately 56% of the world's population, or about 4.400 billion people, reside in urban areas, according to World Bank data. This trend is expected to continue, with the urban population more than doubling its current size by 2050, at which point nearly 7 out of 10 people will live in cities.

In Spain, the urbanization process is even more pronounced. The Spanish population stood at 49.077.984 as of January 1, 2025, the highest figure in the historical series, according to the Continuous Population Statistics of the National Institute of Statistics (INE). A relevant fact is that 79% of the population lives in cities. Large cities concentrate a significant part of the population: Madrid (3.416.771 inhabitants), Barcelona (1.702.547), Valencia (825.948), Seville (687.488), Zaragoza and Malaga together have more than 7,3 million people..

The rapid growth of urbanization is profoundly transforming the urban landscape and presents significant challenges, particularly in the environmental sphere. One of the most pressing is urban mobility. The increase in the number of private vehicles generates traffic congestion, noise, polluting emissions and a progressive deterioration of air quality.The main pollutants include carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM), which not only affect citizens' health but also accelerate climate change.

Faced with this situation, major Spanish cities have begun to implement concrete measures to curb environmental deterioration. Madrid and Barcelona, ​​in particular, have adopted ambitious policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improving air quality, and protecting the health of their residents. One of the most notable has been the creation of Low Emission Zones (LEZ), where access to the most polluting vehicles is limited in specific areas of the city.In Barcelona, ​​this area covers more than 95 km², including the strip between the Ronda de Dalt and Ronda del Litoral, as well as part or all of neighboring municipalities such as L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Cornellà, Esplugues, and Sant Adrià de Besòs.

The role of renting in urban mobility

In this context of urban transformation and transition towards more efficient and clean mobility, the renting in Barcelona and Madrid, among other large cities in the national territory, has emerged as an effective, flexible alternative aligned with new environmental demandsThis option allows individuals, self-employed workers, and businesses to access a wide range of modern vehicles, including electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and company-approved vehicles (vans, crossovers, etc.), without a significant initial investment. It also offers a fixed monthly fee that includes services such as maintenance, insurance, taxes, inspections, and tire changes, facilitating a worry-free user experience.

Renting has established itself as a fundamental pillar in the transition toward more sustainable urban mobility in Spain. Since 2015, companies in the sector have invested approximately €9.426 billion in the acquisition of 508.616 vehicles powered by alternative energies., including electric, hybrid, and gas vehicles, according to data from the Spanish Vehicle Leasing Association (AER). This commitment has driven significant growth in the presence of sustainable vehicles in the leasing fleet, increasing from 1,06% in 2015 to 38,19% in 2024.

5 reasons to choose a rental vehicle

More and more people are considering leasing a vehicle due to the numerous advantages it offers. Below, we present five key reasons to choose this option if you live in a large city like Barcelona or Madrid:

1. Access to modern and sustainable vehiclesThe high initial cost of electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid cars continues to be a significant barrier for many drivers. However, leasing is emerging as a practical, economical, and flexible solution that democratizes access to these modern and sustainable vehicles, aligning with sustainability and transport modernization goals.
2. Compliance with environmental regulationsIn cities like Barcelona and Madrid, traffic restrictions for environmental reasons are becoming increasingly strict. With a rental vehicle, you can ensure you have a car that complies with current regulations, avoiding fines and access restrictions in certain areas, such as low emission zones (LEZs).
3. No initial entryUnlike traditional vehicle purchases, leasing doesn't require an initial outlay. This means you can afford a new vehicle while maintaining your cash flow and better planning your finances.
4. All included in one monthly feeThe fixed monthly rental fee covers all vehicle-related expenses, such as comprehensive insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, and roadside assistance. This way, you'll avoid unexpected expenses and better manage your budget.
5. Tax advantages: Companies can deduct up to 100% of the rental fee from their Corporate Income Tax (IRPF) and Personal Income Tax (VAT).

In conclusion, leasing has established itself as a key solution for addressing the challenges of urban mobility. This modality democratizes access to modern and sustainable vehicles by not requiring a significant initial investment, making it an attractive alternative for individuals, self-employed workers, and businesses alike. Furthermore, by facilitating compliance with environmental regulations, it contributes to more efficient and environmentally friendly urban mobility. In a context of increasing urbanization and concern for sustainability, leasing is presented as a key tool for promoting cleaner, more flexible mobility adapted to the needs of the future.