Hertz to purchase up to 65,000 Polestar electric vehicles

Hertz has struck a deal with Polestar to purchase up to 65,000 electric vehicles (EVs) over the next five years.

Vehicles are due to start joining the rental company’s European fleet this spring with the new EVs joining operations in north America and Australia later this year.

The partnership with Polestar builds on Hertz's announcement last October to offer its customers the largest EV rental fleet in north America and one of the largest in the world.

"We are excited to partner with Polestar and look forward to introducing their premium EV products into our retail and rideshare fleets," said Stephen Scherr, Hertz CEO.

"Today's partnership with Polestar further builds on our ambition to become a leading participant in the modern mobility ecosystem and doing so as an environmentally-forward company.

“By working with EV industry leaders like Polestar, we can help accelerate the adoption of electrification while providing renters, corporate customers and rideshare partners a premium EV product, exceptional experience and lower carbon footprint."

Polestar reported that it nearly tripled volumes in 2021 and anticipates more than doubling volumes again this year. It expects volumes to reach 290,000 vehicles per year by the end of 2025.

"Polestar is committed to accelerating the move to electric mobility with a fascinating and innovative product portfolio," said Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath.

"We are delighted that Hertz has chosen Polestar as a strategic partner on their road to electrification.

"The partnership with a global pioneer like Hertz will bring the amazing experience of driving an electric car to a wider audience, satisfying a broad variety of our mutual customers' short- and longer-term mobility requirements.

"For many of them it may be the first time they have driven an EV, and it will be a Polestar."

Hertz will initially order the Polestar 2, which has a 78kWh battery providing a WLTP range of 292 miles and a rapid charge time of 0-80% in 40 minutes. 

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