Hertz has signed an agreement with oil and gas giant BP to develop a national network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations powered by BP Pulse.
Under the agreement, Hertz’s charging infrastructure will be integrated with BP Pulse charging ports along with customized Omega software for Hertz’s growing fleet of EV rental cars.
Last week, Hertz said it would buy 175,000 EVs from General Motors over the next five years in an effort to bolster its EV fleet for customers including midsize SUVs, pickup trucks, luxury vehicles and cargo delivery trucks. This deal follows Hertz’s deal with Tesla Motors where it would add 50,000 EVs to its fleet.
Hertz said the deal with BP will help build and manage a network of fast-charging hubs across North America rental stores. This will also include taxi and ride sharing drivers and general public rentals available in 500 locations across 38 states.
The goal is to have one-quarter of its fleet be electric by the end of 2024, which will include acquisitions from various EV manufacturers and investment in charging stations across its locations.
Stephen Scherr, Hertz CEO said: “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,” said Stephen Scherr, CEO of Hertz.
In 2021, BP invested $7 million in IoTecha for EV charging and acquired Amply Power to grow mobility and fleet products and services for North America. Amply Power became BP Pulse and began installing charging infrastructure at 25 Hertz rental locations in multiple states in 2022.
BP Pulse is expanding its network of charging for cars, light commercial vehicles and trucks, targeting more than 100,000 chargers to be in operation by 2030 globally. About 90% of these will be rapid or ultra-fast chargers.
