My favorite automaker and my least-favorite rental car company are joining forces in a big way. Hertz today announced it was buying 100,000 Tesla Model 3 vehicles and adding charging infrastructure across the United States. This is great news that will likely transform my loyalty to Hertz.
Hertz Orders 100,000 Model 3 Vehicles From Tesla
I’m a huge Tesla fan. I love avoiding gas stations, I love the futuristic look of the exterior and interior of the car, and I love the acceleration. Plus, I love that the cars (at least for now) are made in California. My only complaint: No AppleCar Play. But that issue aside, I swear by Tesla.
Today, Hertz announced it would begin to replenish its depleted fleet of rental cars with 100,000 Tesla Model 3s, set to be delivered by the end of 2022 (no wonder the current wait time for a Tesla is almost a year and prices have risen dramatically over the last month…).
Once delivered, electric vehicles (EV) will comprise more than 20% of Hertz’s global fleet and will be supported by a combination of Level 2 and DC fast charging stations in approximately 65 markets by the end of 2022 and more than 100 markets by the end of 2023. Hertz renters will also have access to Tesla’s network of superchargers, though it is not clear yet how billing will work. I hope that Hertz has worked out complimentary or discounted supercharger pricing considering the volume of the order.
Deliveries will begin in November 2021 and first be available in “major markets” in the USA. Eventually, Model 3 options will expand nationwide and also be available at Hertz locations in Europe.
Hertz interim CEO Mark Fields nicely sums up the current state of EVs changing the car landscape worldwide:
“Electric vehicles are now mainstream, and we’ve only just begun to see rising global demand and interest. The new Hertz is going to lead the way as a mobility company, starting with the largest EV rental fleet in North America and a commitment to grow our EV fleet and provide the best rental and recharging experience for leisure and business customers around the world.”
One Mile At A Time wonders if drivers will be trained on how to drive Tesla vehicles. He’s right: the autopilot, acceleration, and particularly the regenerative braking take some time to get used to. But driving a Tesla is pretty dummy proof…mine recently stopped me from plowing into a car in front of me while I was distracted (shame on me…).
I’m so sick of driving Hyundais and Nissans when I rent a car…if Hertz will stock Model 3s at a reasonable price, I’m going all-in on Hertz. Dear National (my preferred rent-a-car company) and Avis (my back-up), please consider matching!
CONCLUSION
It’s exciting news that Hertz will purchase 100,000 Tesla Model 3 vehicles and provides another marker of the fundamental shift in vehicle consumption. I look forward to being able to rent a Model 3 from Hertz and find today’s news very exciting.
National definitely has them. I saw someone driving off in one in ATL this week, but it wasn’t on the Emerald Aisle.
It’s Hertz. I wonder if this is like United’s announcement for Supersonic aircraft.
Kinda hard to wash and flip these cars over at the airport garages if they need charged. Good luck with that, Im returning it with no charge. Tesla stock up, Hertz stock down.
I expect we’ll see superchargers inside the Hertz sections in airport parking structures.
This reminds me of my favorite Amtrak conductor Angelo Negri. Have I told you that story yet?
I hope I don’t get stuck with one of these when on business trips, vacations, or visits to relatives.
Hertz sucks. How will they up charge you for gas? Will they charge you extra if you return the car without a fully charged battery? They will charge a lot for renting Tesla.
Regarding features, I doubt Hertz will enable auto pilot. It would be a huge liability for them if drivers play with that function without know to use it.