Car rental firm Hertz has launched a significant EV rental program in the US under a new public-private partnership with Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock. Notably, the Hertz Electrifies (HE) program will expand its fleet of EVs and enhance charging infrastructures, per the press release.
“Our goal is to reduce Denver’s carbon emissions 80% by 2050, and expanding the use and availability of electric vehicles will play a major role in helping us achieve that goal.”
Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock
Hertz Electrifies
Hertz will initially launch its Hertz Electrifies program in Denver, Colorado, with additional 5,200 EVs in its fleets for rideshare drivers and customers. The company will also deploy Level 2 and fast chargers at numerous Hertz locations and Denver International Airport.
“Electric vehicles are poised to transform the future of mobility. That’s why Hertz is investing in the largest electric vehicle rental fleet in North America and bringing a new driving experience to leisure and business customers, as well as rideshare drivers.”
Hertz CEO Stephen Scherr
Apart from those, Hertz will also deploy public EV chargers across Denver through its collaboration with BP Pulse. Moreover, the company will generate summer job vacancies via the Denver Youth Employment program.
Hertz is also expected to offer its auto certificate program enrollees at the Montbello Career and Technical High School electric vehicles, training, and tools.
Unfortunately, Hertz has not yet disclosed the cities set to follow Denver. However, it stated that it aims to partner with other US mayors to boost EV adoption in the country.
“In partnership with mayors across the country, Hertz will bring its EV fleet to American cities, while supporting the build out of charging infrastructure, creating educational and training opportunities for high-quality jobs in a new era of mobility, and engaging with local organizations to extend the benefits of electrification to underserved communities.”
Hertz
Hertz’s EV push
Notably, Hertz has already pushed EV adoption before this significant program. The following EVs from well-known automakers were ordered by the rental company back in 2022:
· 100,000 EVs from Teslas
· another 175,000 EVs from General Motors
· additional 65,000 zero-emissions cars from Polestar
That said, the company currently has a fleet of 340,000 electric vehicles.
Remarkably, the Hertz Electrifies program deals with two issues simultaneously. It encourages EV adoption among those unfamiliar with the technology by allowing them to rent one. It teaches interested students to ensure the development of EV technology in the future.
