Hertz (HTZ) EV fleet reaches 50,000 in Q1, 10% of its overall vehicles
Car rental giant Hertz (HTZ) ended the first quarter with 50,000 EVs in its fleet, accounting for 10% of its total vehicles. In Q1, Hertz credited its electrification strategy for the company’s growth and positive outlook for the remainder of the year.
In the first three months of 2023, Hertz generated $2 billion in revenue, up 13% year-over-year (YOY) on higher leisure and corporate demand.
Hertz CEO Stephen Scherr said the company is seeing continued growth across all customer segments alongside sustained pricing. He explained:
Our continued investments in the business, particularly in the areas of technology and electrification, are improving our operational cadence, extending our reach in rideshare, and enabling the revitalization of our value brands.
Hertz has been at the forefront of the electric vehicle transition in the rental industry. The company first announced a massive 100,000 Tesla Model 3 order last year while, more recently, adding Model Y options.
Shortly after adding Tesla models to its fleet, Hertz formed a new partnership with Uber to allow its drivers access to electric vehicles.
Hertz has since added several new EVs to its fleet from different OEMs, including an order for 65,000 Polestar models and, more recently, another considerable order for 175,000 GM electric cars.
Hertz expands its EV fleet in Q1 2023
On the company’s Q1 earnings call, Scherr said Hertz had about 50,000 EVs in its fleet at the end of the quarter.
Scherr says electric cars represent roughly 10% of its total car fleet right now as it continues to expand its zero-emission offerings. He says Hertz has begun taking deliveries of GM EVs and other OEM electric cars in the first quarter, giving customers more options to experience sustainable driving at various price points.
Since its fleet acquisition costs are typically aligned with vehicle delivery timing, Hertz says it has benefitted from the recent EV price declines sparked by Tesla’s price cuts.
Hertz predicts two million EV rentals in 2023, approximately five times the number of trips this past year. The EV rental company also continues expanding its EV charging network buildout through its partnership with BP Pulse at Hertz locations in major cities.
Through Hertz Electrifies, the company aims to increase EV utilization and access to charging with Houston, Denver, and Atlanta already signed up.
As for its rideshare business, Hertz says demand continues growing for electric options. According to Hertz, drivers renting an EV can increase their payout by 10% to 15% compared to an ICE model.
Electrek’s Take
Although 50,000 may seem like alot, it’s not much more than the 48,344 disclosed in its annual filing at the end of the year.
More importantly, Hertz revealed it took delivery of half its 100,000 Tesla order in February, so the numbers are not exactly adding up. It wouldn’t make sense for Hertz to have only 50,000 EVs in its fleet at the end of Q1 after confirming it had nearly 50,000 uber drivers renting a Tesla through its program in January.
Either way, Hertz says it remains focused on increasing EV penetration in the rental business with “considerable growth from here” according to Scherr.
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Last week, we reported that the e-bike world had a new motor claiming to be the lightest and most efficient. Now, we’re already seeing TQ’s new TQHPR40 motor proliferate on more road and gravel e-bikes, including the recently announced E-ASTR from Ridely.
Ridley’s new E‑ASTR brings lightweight electric assistance to its already impressive ASTR gravel platform, powered by the cutting-edge TQ HPR40 mid-drive system. Unlike bulkier e‑bike setups, this system adds just 1.17 kg (2.6 lb) at the crank and a discreet 1.46 kg (3.2 lb) and 290 Wh battery hidden within the downtube, keeping the frame’s silhouette nearly identical to the non-electric version of the same bike. According to BikeRumor, riders looking closely might spot only a slightly fatter downtube, internal cable routing, and a handlebar-end LED indicator, giving visual clues without shouting “electric bike.”
What the E‑ASTR gives up in sheer power from the petite motor, it gains in ride feel. The HPR40 is said to deliver a modest 40 Nm of torque and up to 200W of assist, or enough to smooth out climbs or offer a tailwind on gravel without overpowering the rider. With support cut off at 25 km/h (15.5 mph), pedal responsiveness remains natural and fluid. Combined with the ASTR’s race-inspired geometry, the bike looks to offer sharp handling and comfort suited to the rigors of modern gravel routes.
Ridley is currently offering the E‑ASTR in three spec levels: a value SRAM Apex XPLR AXS build €7,199 (or approximately US $8,500), a mid-range SRAM Rival XPLR AXS 1×13 version for €8,199 (or approximately US $9,700), and a top-tier Shimano GRX 2×12 Di2 model for €8,899 (or approximately US $10,500). Each features high-end drivetrains, integrated cockpit options, carbon wheels, and industry-standard gravel brakes and tires. With its race-ready frame and stealthy, lightweight e‑assistance, the E‑ASTR is positioning itself as a high-performance gravel machine that stays true to its roots, delivering help when needed, without overshadowing the rider.
Ultra-lightweight motors like the TQHPR40 are quietly reshaping the e-bike industry by making electric assistance almost invisible, both in looks and in feel. As systems shrink and integrate more seamlessly into traditional bike frames, they’re opening the door to new categories of performance-oriented e-bikes that preserve the ride dynamics of analog bikes while offering just enough support when it counts.
For riders who value a natural pedaling experience but still want a little help on climbs or longer days, and especially for aging riders who want to maintain their riding habits despite father time taking an impact on joints and muscles, these minimalist systems are proving that you don’t need a bulky battery or a massive motor to get the benefits of going electric. The result is a wave of stealthy, high-performance e-bikes that are less about replacing effort and more about enhancing the ride.
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After a month off trying to wrap our heads around all the chaos surrounding EVs, solar, and everything else in Washington, we’re back with the biggest EV news stories of the day from Tesla, Ford, Volvo, and everyone else on today’s hiatus-busting episode of Quick Charge!
It just gets worse and worse for the Tesla true believers – especially those willing to put their money where Elon’s mouth is! One believer is set to lose nearly $50,000 betting on Tesla’s ability to deliver a Robotaxi service by the end of June (didn’t happen), and the controversial CEO’s most recent spat with President Trump had TSLA down nearly 5% in pre-morning trading.
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Hyundai is getting ready to shake things up. A new electric crossover SUV, likely the Hyundai IONIQ 2, is set to debut in the coming months. It will sit below the Kona Electric as Hyundai expands its entry-level EV lineup.
Is Hyundai launching the IONIQ 2 in 2026?
After launching the Inster late last year, Hyundai is already preparing to introduce a new entry-level EV in Europe.
Xavier Martinet, President and CEO of Hyundai Europe, confirmed that the new EV will be revealed “in the next few months.” It will be built in Europe and scheduled to go on sale in mid-2026.
Hyundai’s new electric crossover is expected to be a twin to the Kia EV2, which will likely arrive just ahead of it next year.
It will be underpinned by the same E-GMP platform, which powers all IONIQ and Kia EV models (EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6, and EV9).
Like the Kia EV3, it will likely be available with either a 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh battery pack option. The former provides a WLTP range of 267 miles while the latter is rated with up to 372 miles. All trims are powered by a single electric motor at the front, producing 201 hp and 209 lb-ft of torque.
Although it may share the same underpinnings as the EV2, Hyundai’s new entry-level EV will feature an advanced new software and infotainment system.
According to Autocar, the interior will represent a “step change” in terms of usability and features. The new system enables new functions, such as ambient lighting and sounds that adjust depending on the drive mode.
It’s expected to showcase Hyundai’s powerful new Pleos software and infotainment system. As an end-to-end software platform, Pleos connects everything from the infotainment system (Pleos Connect) to the Vehicle Operating System (OS) and the cloud.
Pleos is set to power Hyundai’s upcoming software-defined vehicles (SDVs) with new features like autonomous driving and real-time data analysis.
As an Android-based system, Pleos Connect features a “smartphone-like UI” with new functions including multi-window viewing and an AI voice assistant.
The new electric crossover is expected to start at around €30,000 ($35,400), or slightly less than the Kia EV3, priced from €35,990 ($42,500). It will sit between the Inster and Kona Electric in Hyundai’s lineup.
Hyundai said that it would launch the first EV with its next-gen infotainment system in Q2 2026. Will it be the IONIQ 2? Hyundai is expected to unveil the new entry-level EV at IAA Mobility in September. Stay tuned for more info. We’ll keep you updated with the latest.
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