Hertz has launched its Hertz Electrifies program in Denver and Houston.

In January, Hertz announced Hertz Electrifies, a new public-private partnership aimed at accelerating the transition to electric vehicles, while creating economic opportunity and environmental benefits for communities. Additionally, Hertz and bp have announced an intention to bring fast charging infrastructure to some Hertz locations in major cities.

On March 3rd, Hertz Chair and CEO Stephen Scherr and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock launched Hertz Electrifies in Denver and announced intentions to expand the availability of electric vehicles (EVs), charging infrastructure, and EV education and training opportunities in the Denver community. 

Denver is the first city in the HertzElectrifies program.

"Hertz is investing in the largest electric vehicle rental fleet in North America and as part of that effort, we are committed to helping communities tap into the economic and environmental benefits of electrification," said Scherr. "We are proud to launch Hertz Electrifies with the city of Denver and Mayor Hancock, and to partner with Montbello Career and Technical High School to help create EV educational and training opportunities for the workforce of the future." 

Through the EV program, Hertz aims to bring up to 5,200 rental EVs to Denver – including models from Tesla, Polestar, and GM – for availability to leisure and business travelers as well as rideshare drivers. Additionally, Hertz is supporting the installation of publicly accessible charging infrastructure in partnership with bp and its high-speed electric charging network, bp pulse.

"At bp we know it's going to take a high level of coordination to transition to a net zero future," said Dave Lawler, bp America chairman and president. "These public-private partnerships are important, and equally important is engaging students early and often to ensure they have the right skills for the future. We can't do it without them. I commend Mayor Hancock and Hertz as we continue to make steady progress in Denver." 

On March 7th, Scherr and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner launched Hertz ElectrifiesHouston and announced intentions to expand the availability of EVs, charging infrastructure, and EV education and training opportunities in Houston. The initiative aligns with Mayor Turner's Houston Climate Action Plan, a strategy that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve regional air quality, and build climate resilience.

"We are excited to partner with Mayor Turner and Evolve Houston to bring Hertz Electrifies to the Energy Capital of the World and to expand charging capacity for our customers and the broader community," said Scherr. "As Hertz creates the largest EV rental fleet in North America, we look forward to working with the city, Lone Star College-North Harris, and other organizations to expand the benefits of electrification in the Houston community."  

Hertz aims to bring over 2,100 rental EVs to Houston, nearly tripling its existing EV fleet in the city, for availability to leisure and business customers as well as rideshare drivers. In partnership with bp pulse, Hertz will support the installation of an EV fast-charging hub designed to serve ride-hail, taxi fleets, and the public at Hertz’s location at Houston Hobby airport.

"Our goal is to convert all non-emergency, light-duty municipal vehicles to electric by 2030,” said Mayor Turner. “This partnership with Hertz will provide an invaluable boost to achieve this goal and the goal of our Climate Action Plan for Houston to be a net-zero city by 2050. Electrification can benefit every community in Houston. We're proud to work with Hertz and bp pulse to build up electric fleets and charging infrastructure and bring education and training that will provide new opportunities to all Houstonians." 

Houston is the second city to partner with Hertz in this new initiative, which will soon expand to other cities across the country.