Hertz and Uber (NYSE: UBER) have announced a partnership to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the U.S. through a new exclusive collaboration to make up to 50,000 Teslas available by 2023 for drivers to rent when using the Uber network. Hertz will kick off the program by providing up to 50,000 vehicles by 2023 exclusively to drivers.
If successful, the program could expand to 150,000 Teslas during the next three years.
Participating drivers will receive a preferred weekly rate for Hertz rentals, which includes insurance, basic maintenance and unlimited miles.
The Hertz-Uber offering can also make it easier for drivers to source a vehicle, by eliminating the long-term commitments that buying or leasing a car often require.
Hertz recently announced an initial order of 100,000 Teslas by the end of 2022, and new EV charging infrastructure across Hertz’s global operations.
Mark Fields, Hertz interim CEO, says: “Today’s partnership with Uber is another major step forward in Hertz becoming an essential component of the modern mobility ecosystem and executing on our commitment to being an environmentally forward company. We are creating the new Hertz and charting a dynamic, new course for the future of travel, mobility and the auto industry.”
Uber CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, adds: “Climate change is an urgent global challenge we must all tackle together, and now is the time to drive a green recovery from the pandemic. This combines the power of Tesla, Hertz and Uber to help accelerate the transition to zero-emissions mobility. We look forward to seeing more EVs on the road right away.”
Hertz was the first U.S. car rental company to introduce EVs to its rental fleet in 2011 and the first to implement a wireless charging system for electric vehicles.
The company also is the exclusive rental car member of the Corporate Electric Vehicle Alliance, a consortium of companies focused on accelerating the transition to electric vehicles.
Keyword: Hertz Partners With Uber to Add Up to 50,000 Teslas to Uber’s U.S. Network by 2023