EVgo has recently unveiled a strategic partnership with rental car giant Hertz, providing electric car renters in the United States with exclusive discounts on charging for an entire year. The deal, applicable to those renting electric vehicles from any Hertz location across the country, stands out for its unique offering of charging benefits without any subscription or session fees. However, it’s essential to note that this promotion is exclusively tailored for new EVgo customers, not existing ones.
The initiative, aimed particularly at first-time electric car drivers who choose to experience an EV through renting before making a purchase, serves as a mutually beneficial move. By luring potential new EV owners with special charging deals at its 900 fast-charging locations nationwide, EVgo aims to encourage more individuals to transition to electric vehicles. Specific details about savings and promotional deals can be accessed through the EVgo app or checked online and at Hertz locations.
Maggie Tallman, EVgo’s Senior Vice President of Business Development and Solutions, emphasized the significance of exposing new drivers to the electric vehicle experience: “When people experience an EV for the first time, whether through a rental or riding along as a passenger, they see the benefits firsthand of quieter operation, smoother handling, quick acceleration, and of course, no tailpipe emissions. By partnering with Hertz to expose new drivers to the electric experience, we can inspire more prospective EV drivers to make the switch and welcome them to the electric revolution.”
In addition to this groundbreaking collaboration, EVgo is taking cues from Tesla’s playbook by adopting prefabricated models for its fast-charging sites. This innovative approach is aimed at reducing installation time by half and cutting construction costs by around 15%. The modular design will provide a consistent look and feel across various charging sites.
While the prefabricated fast-charging station initiative is in its early stages, with six locations in Florida, Nebraska, North Carolina, and Texas, the first site using this advanced method is expected to be operational in Texas by February 2024. These builds will be “future-proofed” to accommodate Wi-Fi infrastructure, cameras, security lights, and sun and rain canopies.
Dennis Kish, EVgo’s Chief Operating Officer, highlighted the critical role of innovations like the prefabrication model in scaling EVgo’s network to meet the growing demand for public charging. He emphasized that prefabricated stations not only save time and costs but also enhance the customer experience by incorporating popular features that drivers appreciate.
In a recent pricing model shift, EVgo also expanded kWh charging rates to any state that allows it, aiming to help EV drivers reduce costs while leveraging the time-of-use component to alleviate strain on the grid. These strategic moves demonstrate EVgo’s commitment to evolving its offerings and infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of the expanding electric vehicle market.
