Hertz On Demand partnered with IBM to bring electric vehicles (EVs) and charging stations to Germany. Under a pilot program, IBM employees will have access to Hertz’s EVs for their commute from Stuttgart Airport and the company’s location in Ehningen.

IBM will operate charging stations at the company’s location using IBM software that optimizes the usage of power generated by renewable energy. The software balances demand and availability of electricity power to prevent load peaks.

Initially, the program will run at one IBM location to test the practicability of the EV and the intelligent recharging infrastructure usage. Both companies plan to extend the services to more IBM locations after measuring the success of the pilot program.

The initiative is part of Hertz’s plans to extend its EV presence by deploying vehicles in other countries in the coming months.

“Hertz and IBM see their electric mobility collaboration as a means of reinforcing their pioneering roles in this field in their respective areas of business, as well as helping to increase acceptance for this new form of transport,” said Hertz International President Michel Taride.