Hertz is making a significant EV investment with Tesla to offer the largest EV rental fleet in North America and one of the largest in the world. This includes an initial order of 100,000 Teslas by the end of 2022, and new EV charging infrastructure across the company’s global operations.
Beginning in early November and expanding through the end of the year, customers will be able to rent a Tesla Model 3 at Hertz airport and neighborhood locations in U.S. major markets and select cities in Europe. Hertz also is installing thousands of chargers throughout its location network. Customers who rent a Tesla Model 3 will have access to 3,000 Tesla supercharging stations throughout the U.S. and Europe.
Hertz will offer a premium and differentiated rental experience for the Tesla EVs. This includes digitized guidance to educate customers about the electric vehicle, and coming soon, an expedited EV rental booking process through the Hertz mobile app.
With the current order, EVs will comprise more than 20% of the Hertz global fleet and are expected to be supported by a combination of Level 2 and DC fast charging in approximately 65 markets by the end of 2022, and more than 100 markets by the end of 2023. Hertz said these ambitions could be affected by factors outside of Hertz’s control, such as semiconductor chip shortages or other constraints.
In addition, Hertz is teaming up with NFL quarterback Tom Brady for a new “Hertz, Let’s Go!” campaign. Two new ads – “Plugged In” and “Speed” – are airing now, and show Brady renting, recharging and using an EV at a Hertz airport location.
Today, 40% of U.S. consumers say they are likely to consider an electric vehicle the next time they are in the market for a new vehicle, according to Pew. Global EV sales skyrocketed 200% in the last year and, in August, three U.S. automakers pledged to boost EV sales to 40-50% by 2030.
Hertz says it was the first U.S. car rental company to introduce EVs to its rental fleet in 2011 and the first to implement a wireless charging system for electric vehicles. The company also is the exclusive rental car member of the Corporate Electric Vehicle Alliance, a consortium of companies focused on accelerating the transition to electric vehicles.
