Hertz and BP to put EV chargers in US

Hertz is partnering with BP to place Pulse EV charging stations at Hertz sites across the US.

The vehicle rental company has huge EV fleet orders from Tesla (100,000 vehicles), Polestar (65,000), and recently General Motors (175,000) but does not disclose how many EV chargers will be installed.

Now Hertz plans to offer charging for those vehicles at its existing locations, making it easier for customers to use rented EVs, Teslarati reports.

About 500 Hertz locations in 38 US states are offering EV rentals, the number due to increase as it plans for one-quarter of its fleet to be electric by the end of 2024.

“Hertz has invested in thousands of charging stations across its locations, and this partnership with BP Pulse will enable Hertz to substantially expand its national charging footprint,” the company says.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) includes management of Hertz’s charging infrastructure by BP Pulse and the customisation of its Omega software to ensure Hertz’s growing fleet of electric rental cars are recharged quickly and efficiently between rentals.

Omega supports fleet operations by automating charging when the power price is low, while providing real-time visibility to EVs, chargers, power usage, and more.

Hertz says it has a national footprint of locations across North America suitable for BP Pulse to build and manage a network of fast-charging hubs to serve Hertz customers, including taxi and ride sharing drivers, as well as the general public.

“Hertz is accelerating the adoption of electrification by investing in the largest rental fleet of electric vehicles in North America and expanding the availability of charging stations,” says Hertz chief executive Stephen Scherr.

“We are excited to partner with BP Pulse to create a national charging infrastructure for the Hertz EV fleet, thereby growing the number of charging options available to our customers and providing them with a premium electric experience and lower emission travel options.”

BP chief executive Bernard Looney adds: “It’s brilliant to be joining forces with Hertz – quite simply, they are one of the biggest names on the road. Working together to deliver charging facilities and design solutions, we believe we can take the EV driving experience to the next level for US customers. And this is just the start for BP Pulse in the United States.”

Teslarati speculates that as Hertz continues its aggressive electrification plans, it may prove to be an industry leader.

“Its implementation of EV chargers will undoubtedly only help them as they look to attract customers, many of whom may be new to EVs and may be nervous at the prospect of charging and its availability,” Teslarati adds.

BP acquired fleet charging and energy management company Amply Power in 2021 as part of its commitment to grow mobility and fleet products and services in North America.

Amply Power, now rebranded as BP Pulse, began installing charging infrastructure at 25 Hertz rental locations in multiple states in 2022.

Amply Power founder and president of BP Pulse’s US fleet division Vic Shao says: “This is a landmark moment. It shows the power of bringing together BP’s digital and operational capabilities with a partner like Hertz. Together with its industry-leading electrification ambitions, we can change the future of electric rental cars.”

BP Pulse is expanding its global network of high-speed charging for cars, light commercial vehicles, and trucks, with a global target of more than 100,000 chargers by 2030 – about 90% of those rapid or ultra-fast chargers.

The company also is partnering with fleet operators to accelerate the electric transformation of their fleets.