BP and Hertz to develop national EV charging network

Dive Brief:

BP and Hertz have agreed to begin developing a national network of electric vehicle charging stations powered by BP pulse, BP’s global electrification and charging solution brand, according to a Wednesday announcement.
Per the agreement, BP pulse will manage Hertz’s charging infrastructure and tailor its Omega energy management software to the rental company’s electric vehicle fleet.
The move sets the foundation for BP and Hertz to “drive the future of mobility and accelerate EV consumer adoption,” the companies said in the statement.

Dive Insight:

This partnership continues the expansion of BP Pulse, the energy company’s electric charging and management program for company fleets. The two companies installed charging stations at 25 Hertz rental locations earlier this year, and are now taking the partnership nationwide.

BP Pulse launched last year after the company acquired energy management company Amply Power and rebranded it under the BP name. BP Pulse aims to have more than 100,000 chargers by 2030, with about 90% of those rapid or ultra-fast chargers, according to the statement.

Hertz has been increasing its fleet of electric vehicles and charging capabilities. To date, the company has invested in thousands of electric vehicles at 500 Hertz locations across 38 states. The company aims to have a quarter of its fleets be electric by the end of 2024, according to the statement.

Hertz’s current EV-charging footprint across North America should help BP Pulse build and manage a network of fast-charging hubs to serve Hertz customers, which include taxi and ride-sharing drivers in addition to the general public.

“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, CEO of Hertz, in a statement.

BP Pulse’s Omega software aims to ensure Hertz's growing fleet of electric rental cars are recharged quickly and efficiently between rentals, according to the statement. The software automates vehicle charging when power prices are low, shows drivers the location of charging stations, and has other management tools.

"Working together to deliver charging facilities and design solutions, we believe we can take the EV driving experience to the next level for U.S. customers,” Bernard Looney, CEO of BP, said in a statement.