Hertz has announced a new public-private partnership initiative called Hertz Electrifies. Aimed at accelerating the transition to electric vehicles, the initiative also creates economic opportunity and environmental benefits for communities, according to a Hertz press release.

In partnership with mayors across the country, Hertz will bring its EV fleet to American cities, while supporting the build out of charging infrastructure, creating educational and training opportunities, and engaging with local organizations to extend electrification to underserved communities. 

Hertz Electrifies launched in Denver in partnership with Mayor Michael B. Hancock.

"Electric vehicles are poised to transform the future of mobility," said Stephen Scherr, CEO of Hertz. "That's why Hertz is investing in the largest electric vehicle rental fleet in North America and bringing a new driving experience to leisure and business customers, as well as rideshare drivers. I can think of no better partner in Hertz's shift towards electrification than America's cities, where innovation is happening. Hertz is proud to launch Hertz Electrifies in partnership with the city of Denver, which is fast becoming a center for sustainability under the leadership of Mayor Michael Hancock."

Through the initiative, Hertz plans to:

• Bring up to 5,200 rental EVs to Denver, for availability to Hertz customers and rideshare drivers.

• Increase charging capacity at the Denver International Airport and at other local Hertz locations by installing a mix of Level 2 and fast chargers.

• In partnership with bp pulse, an electric charging network, support the installation of publicly accessible EV chargers across neighborhoods in Denver.

• Share telematics from Hertz's fleet of connected cars to help inform public charging infrastructure planning.

• Provide electric vehicles, tools, and training to Montbello Career and Technical High School for students enrolled in its auto certificate program.

"Our goal is to reduce Denver's carbon emissions 80 percent by 2050, and expanding the use and availability of electric vehicles will play a major role in helping us achieve that goal,” said Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock. “This partnership with Hertz will provide invaluable data about where we need charging infrastructure the most, as well as provide new opportunities with this new technology to create good-paying jobs for our current and future workforce. Electric vehicles can benefit every community in Denver, and we're proud to work with Hertz to ensure that electrification opportunities reach across the city."