Hertz Adds Five Transit Connect Electric Vans To Its Fleet

The Hertz Corporation and Azure Dynamics Corporation, a maker of hybrid electric, electric components, and powertrain systems for light and medium commercial vehicles jointly announced on October 17 the addition of the Ford Transit Connect Electric van into Hertz's fleet, a first for the car rental industry. The five Hertz units will be deployed mid-November at multiple locations as part of Hertz Entertainment Services and Hertz on Demand car sharing.

"We expect to deploy the Transit Connect Electric in our Business-to-Business programs for customers who need a light duty van with a high degree of cargo capacity as a part of their fleet solutions," commented Mark P. Frissora, Hertz Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

"Since launching last year, a broad cross-section of businesses including utilities, delivery companies, and even law firms have used the Transit Connect Electric to 'green' their fleets," said Nancy Gioia, Director of Global Electrification, Ford Motor Company. "With its new Transit Connect Electric fleet, Hertz will allow even more businesses in a variety of new industries to experience one hundred percent percent electric and zero-emissions driving."

According to independent data, rental car companies collectively operate approximately 1.63 million vehicles in the United States. As the economy gains traction, it is expected that U.S. rental companies will add vehicles to their fleets including fuel efficient sustainable vehicles.

Hertz continues to improve the fuel economy of its vehicles through its Global EV eco-mobility program, which is championing an electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle mobility ecosystem which incorporates transportation options that minimize the impact of its operations on the environment and enables the company to continue consistent conscientious environmental behavior.

The Ford Transit Connect Electric utilizes Azure's proprietary electric powertrain system and Johnson Controls' advanced lithium-ion battery to achieve a range of 50-to-80 miles depending on auxiliary usage and drive cycle and is rechargeable using either a 240-volt or standard 120-volt outlet. Commercial vans generally return to a central location at the end of each driving cycle making for easy overnight recharging. Use of the Transit Connect Electric vehicles will also reduce fuel and maintenance costs, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

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