bp and Hertz to develop U.S. network of EV charging stations

The Hertz Corporation, one of the largest worldwide vehicle rental companies, and global energy major bp have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop a national network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations powered by bp pulse, bp’s global electrification and charging solution brand. 

The MOU sets the foundation for Hertz and bp to drive the future of mobility and accelerate EV consumer adoption.  

bp pulse is expanding its global network of high-speed charging for cars, light commercial vehicles,  and trucks, with a global target of more than 100,000 chargers by 2030, with about 90% of those rapid  or ultra-fast chargers. The company also is partnering with fleet operators to accelerate the electric  transformation of their fleets. bp acquired fleet charging and energy management company Amply Power in 2021 as part of its  commitment to grow mobility and fleet products and services in North America. Amply Power, now  rebranded as bp pulse, began installing charging infrastructure at 25 Hertz rental locations in multiple states in 2022.  

The agreement includes the management of Hertz’s charging infrastructure by bp pulse and the  customization of its Omega software to ensure Hertz’s growing fleet of electric rental cars are  recharged quickly and efficiently between rentals. Omega supports fleet operations by automating  charging when the power price is low, while providing real-time visibility to EVs, chargers, power  usage, and more.  

Hertz has a national footprint of locations across North America suitable for bp pulse to build and  manage a network of fast-charging hubs to serve Hertz customers, including taxi and ride sharing  drivers, as well as the general public.  

“Hertz is accelerating the adoption of electrification by investing in  the largest rental fleet of electric vehicles in North America and expanding the availability of charging  stations. We are excited to partner with bp pulse to create a national charging infrastructure for the  Hertz EV fleet, thereby growing the number of charging options available to our customers and  providing them with a premium electric experience and lower emission travel options,” said Stephen Scherr, Hertz CEO.  

Through large-scale purchases from Tesla, Polestar and GM, Hertz has assembled a fleet of tens of  thousands of EVs, which are available at 500 Hertz locations across 38 states. Hertz’s objective is for  one-quarter of its fleet to be electric by the end of 2024, with continued growth through acquisitions  from various EV manufacturers. Hertz has invested in thousands of charging stations across its  locations, and this partnership with bp pulse will enable Hertz to substantially expand its national  charging footprint.  

Hertz last week announced an agreement with General Motors to order up to 175,000 Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac and BrightDrop EVs over the next five years. Hertz and GM believe this plan is the largest expansion of EVs among fleet customers and the broadest because it spans a wide range of vehicle categories and price points—from compact and midsize SUVs to pickups, luxury vehicles and more.

“It’s brilliant to be joining forces with Hertz—quite simply,  they are one of the biggest names on the road. Working together to deliver charging facilities and  design solutions, we believe we can take the EV driving experience to the next level for US customers.  And this is just the start for bp pulse in the United States,” said Bernard Looney, bp chief executive.