Hertz has announced a new public-private partnership program in the US. The car rental company will collaborate with cities to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles through its own fleets and with charging infrastructure.
“Hertz Electrifies” will see Hertz offering a battery-powered fleet in American cities. The initiative will also support the build-out of EV charging infrastructure, one of the barriers to the widespread adoption of electric cars.
Hertz is launching the program in Denver, Colorado, with the assistance of Mayor Michael B. Hancock.
The city of Denver will welcome 5,200 electric Hertz rental cars, which will also be available to rideshare workers. Hertz will also increase the charging capacity at the Denver International Airport and at Hertz, including a mix of Level 2 and fast DC chargers.
Hertz will install more EV chargers around Denver in partnership with bp pulse. The program will also share data from Hertz’s fleet to assist the city with public charging infrastructure planning.
The youths of Denver will also benefit from summer job opportunities through the Denver Youth Employment Program.
“Electric vehicles are poised to transform the future of mobility,” said Hertz CEO Stephen Scherr. “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. I can think of no better partner in Hertz’s shift towards electrification than America’s cities, where innovation is happening. Hertz is proud to launch Hertz Electrifies in partnership with the city of Denver, which is fast becoming a center for sustainability under the leadership of Mayor Michael Hancock.”
Hertz is one of the first major car rental companies to embrace EVs enthusiastically. It created a steer when it placed an order for 100,000 cars from Tesla, triggering an astronomical increase in the EV maker’s share price. It has also signed on to purchase EVs from Polestar.
The car rental company is reaping the benefits as its profits have soared.
