Billing the partnership as “the largest expansion of electric vehicles on a mobility platform in North America”, Hertz says it is an important step toward Uber’s zero-emissions goal. As of November 1, 2021, drivers were able to rent Teslas from Hertz through the program in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and Washington, DC. Now the partnership is going nationwide.
Hertz says the collaboration is part of its commitment to be a leader in the future innovations of travel, mobility and the auto industry. That includes electrification, shared mobility and a digital-first customer experience. The company adds its investment means offering one of the largest EV rental fleets in the world, including an initial order of 100,000 Teslas by the end of 2022 and new EV charging infrastructure across Hertz’s global operations.
Interim CEO of Hertz, Mark Fields, describes the partnership with Uber as a major step towards executing the company’s environmentally forward business plan, helping the company chart “a dynamic, new course for the future of travel, mobility and the auto industry.”
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi points to the urgency of responding to climate change by working with others: “Now is the time to drive a green recovery from the pandemic,” he says: “We look forward to seeing more EVs on the road right away.”
For Uber drivers wanting to rent a Tesla, they will have to have completed at least 150 trips with Uber, maintained a minimum rating of 4.70, and be eligible to complete passenger trips with Uber. If they fit this criteria, the package offers several benefits; gas savings, higher earnings potential; access to the Tesla Supercharger network and Uber’s EVgo discounts; and other financial benefits through Uber’s Green Future programme. The latter initiative provides incentives – for example, US$1 (€0.88) more per trip up to $4,000 (€3,549) annually – for drivers to move from gas-powered vehicles to EVs.
