Hertz first to trial wireless EV recharging

The 3978 Hertz Corporation and Hertz Global EV are implementing what is claimed as the first wireless charging system for electric vehicles (EVs) in the car rental industry.

"Hertz is committed to its global EV programme, introducing electric vehicles into our rental fleet on three continents – North America, Asia and Europe," commented Mark P. Frissora, Hertz chairman and CEO. "We're excited to participate in Plugless Power's pilot programme so that we can be on the ground floor of this new technology; learning key findings about EV wireless charging. As we move forward our goal is to have a variety of charging options for EV customer use, aligned with the charging equipment installed by EV manufacturers."

The trial will follow Hertz, and leaders from five other industry segments, as they trial Plugless Power systems, developed by 3979 Evatran, on their own electric vehicles. Participants will provide feedback on daily usage routines, user interfaces, and any additional functionality needed.