Car rental firm Hertz has announced a new partnership with electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Polestar to buy up to 65,000 cars.
Sweden-based Polestar will supply the electric vehicles to Hertz over the next five years with the first cars becoming available to Hertz customers in Europe this spring. The vehicles will then be made available in North America and Australia from late 2022.
Hertz has already pledged to offer the largest fleet of electric vehicles in North America and will also extend their use to rideshare drivers.
Stephen Scherr, Hertz’s CEO, said: “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, which was founded by Volvo Cars and Geely Holding in 2017, has been stepping up production of its EVs and expects to double the number of vehicles in 2022 after tripling volumes in 2021. By the end of 2025, the company is forecasting that it will produce 290,000 vehicles per year.
“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.”
Hertz will initially order Polestar 2 vehicles which also feature an “infotainment” system powered by Google’s Android Automotive OS.