Car hire firm Hertz has announced an order for 100,000 electric Tesla vehicles to be delivered by the end of 2022.
It said this “significant investment” means it will offer the largest electric vehicle (EV) rental fleet in North America and one of the largest in the world.
The firm will also invest in new EV charging infrastructure across its global operations, with the installation of thousands of charging stations.
Hertz emerged from US Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection triggered by Covid-19 at the end of June 2021, following a lengthy restructuring and a massive cash injection.
Mark Fields, Hertz interim chief executive, said: “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.”
From early November, customers will be able to rent a Tesla Model 3 at Hertz airport and neighbourhood locations in major US markets and selected cities in Europe.
With the current order, EVs will comprise more than 20% of Hertz’s global fleet.
To promote its EV rentals, Hertz is featuring American football star Tom Brady in a new marketing campaign.
The Guardian reported that Tesla’s market value broke through the $1 trillion mark for the first time after the US electric car pioneer received the order for 100,000 from Hertz.