Hertz invests in UFODRIVE to drive roll-out of electric vehicle fleet

The self-service rental firm offers an all-digital experience on its mobile app

by Kaia Hicks

Car rental giant Hertz has invested in UFODRIVE, a self-service electric vehicle (EV) rental company and eMobility service provider in Europe.

The UFODRIVE rental service is controlled via an app its advanced eMobility Platform has been developed to make transitioning to electric easy for customers and fleet providers.

The firm says it will use the investment to accelerate product development and to expand globally, with a focus on the US market.

The partnership builds on Hertz’s announcement in October 2021 that it is committed to offering the largest electrical vehicle rental fleet in North America and to grow globally.

As part of the deal Hertz senior vice president of strategy, Jayesh Patel, and venture lead at Certares, Chantal Noble Haldorsen, will join the UFODRIVE board.

Mark Fields, Hertz interim chief executive, said: “Our partnership with UFODRIVE is yet another major step in Hertz becoming an essential component of the modern mobility ecosystem.

“Together, we will pilot ways to make renting an EV even easier using UFODRIVE’s digital platforms for both the rental experience and fleet management.

“For customers, this partnership will help us create the future rental car experience that is all-digital and EV-centric.”

Aidan McClean, UFODRIVE chief executive, said: “Born from a vision to deliver what we call ‘Radically Better Car Rental,’ this investment is a major validation of that dream.

“We are proud that we are helping to accelerate the transition to zero-emissions mobility, and our investors see the opportunity ahead.

“We pioneered and are now the premier operating system for electric fleets and already service a growing list of high-profile mobility companies.”

Following successful live testing in 2021, Hertz aims to deploy UFODRIVE’S digital rental and fleet management technology to enhance its global EV fleet operations.

Starting with Hertz’s key partners in the US and Europe, this will offer a fully digital rental experience, charge point wayfinding, touchless smartphone access and online customer support with live telematics using UFODRIVE’s SaaS platform.