The Hertz Corporation, a subsidiary of American car rental company Hertz Global Holdings, and global energy business conglomerate bp, inked a memorandum of understanding to develop a national network of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the United States.

The charging stations will be powered by bp’s global electrification and charging solution brand bp pulse, which will manage Hertz’s charging infrastructure.

bp pulse will also customize its Omega fleet charging and energy management software to ensure Hertz’s growing electric car fleet is recharged quickly and efficiently between rentals.

The Omega platform supports fleet operations by automating charging when the power price is low while providing real-time visibility to EVs, chargers, and power usage.

With the collaboration, Hertz aims for one-quarter of its fleet to be electric by the end of 2024, with continued growth through acquisitions from various EV manufacturers.

bp pulse will use Hertz’s footprint across North America to build and manage a network of fast-charging hubs to serve the latter’s customers, including taxi and ride-sharing drivers and the general public.

Hertz has invested in thousands of EV charging stations across its locations, and this partnership with bp pulse will enable Hertz to expand its national charging footprint substantially.

Through large-scale purchases from American automotive companies Tesla, Polestar, and General Motors, Hertz has assembled a fleet of several EVs, which are available at 500 Hertz locations across 38 states in the region.

bp Chief Executive Bernard Looney said, “It’s brilliant to be joining forces with Hertz – quite simply, they are one of the biggest names on the road. 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. And this is just the start for bp pulse in the United States.”

bp acquired fleet charging and energy management company Amply Power in 2021 as part of its commitment to growing mobility and fleet products and services in North America. Amply Power, now rebranded as bp pulse, began installing charging infrastructure at 25 Hertz rental locations in multiple states in 2022.

Founder of Amply Power and President of bp pulse’s fleet division in the U.S. Vic Shao said, “This is a landmark moment. It shows the power of bringing together bp’s digital and operational capabilities with a partner like Hertz. Together with its industry-leading electrification ambitions, we can change the future of electric rental cars.”

bp pulse is expanding its global network of high-speed charging for cars, light commercial vehicles, and trucks, with a global target of more than 100,000 chargers by 2030, with about 90% of those rapid or ultra-fast chargers.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Transportation approved Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plans for all 50 States covering approximately 75,000 miles of highway across the country.