Given the electric-vehicle sell-offs at Hertz and Avis, the car rental industry is a bit spooked about adopting EVs. Car renters have resisted them, while the wider EV market has slowed with massive losses at EV manufacturers and the sunset last year of federal tax credit incentives.
In this ARN Industry Newsmaker episode, you'll meet a rental fleet owner in Wisconsin who is operating 40 electric rental vehicles while achieving revenue per unit (RPU) comparable to his ICE vehicles.
Key episode topics include: How to promote and market EV rentals; electric rental car charging logistics; overcoming challenges of rental EV adoption; electric car rental RPUs; and a message to rental EV skeptics.
Here’s what Bill Wallschlaeger, president of Midwestern Wheels Inc., shares in the video:
How the US push for EV adoption and the need for infrastructure expansion spurred the decision to invest in rental EVs, along with meeting local demand and making more chargers available to the public.
Installing a charging infrastructure and managing rental EV turnover
Identifying operational challenges and managing electric rentals to achieve an RPU like those of ICE vehicles.
How to understand the market and make sure rental EVs are a good fit.
Contacting local utilities for grant programs for the costs of equipment and installation.
➡️From Season 1 ARN Newsmakers Video: China’s Growing EV Market
➡️Auto Rental Focus Blog: Why Rental Car Fleets Will Be The Real Test of EV Success
➡️For more info on how rental fleets can leverage AI to improve operations, check out the 2026 ARN Fact Book Cover Story: How New Tech Can Quicken Car Rental Operations
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➡️ The 2026 International Car Rental Show on May 13-15 will focus on AI and the top-of-mind topics for car rental operators worldwide.