Hertz and bp have announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the development of a national network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
These will be powered by bp pulse, bp’s global electrification and charging solution brand. This collaboration sets the foundation for Hertz and bp to drive the future of mobility and accelerate EV consumer adoption.
The agreement also involves the management of Hertz’s charging infrastructure by bp pulse and the customisation of its Omega software. This is 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 has a national footprint of locations across North America suitable for bp pulse to build and manage a network of fast-charging hubs. These will 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.
Stephen Scherr, Hertz CEO, said: “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.”
Through large-scale purchases recently announced with Tesla, Polestar and General Motors (GM), Hertz has assembled a fleet of tens of thousands of EVs. These are available at 500 Hertz locations across 38 states. Hertz’s objective is for one-quarter of its fleet to be electric by the end of 2024, with continued growth through acquisitions from various EV manufacturers.
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.
Bernard Looney, bp chief executive, said: 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.”
bp acquired fleet charging and energy management company Amply Power in 2021 as part of its commitment to growing 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.
Vic Shao, Amply Power founder and president of bp pulse’s US fleet division, said: 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. It has a global target of more than 100,000 chargers by 2030, with about 90 per cent of those rapid or ultra-fast chargers. The company also is partnering with fleet operators to accelerate the electric transformation of their fleets.
Hertz has been expanding its offerings of electric vehicles in the USA and has seen widespread success with them. They offer a range of electric cars that are now available in 16 cities across the country. As well as regular rental customers, the electric vehicles have proved especially popular with Uber drivers.
