The Latest Current in Car Rental

Today we announced that Enterprise has begun to rent the Chevrolet Volt out of our branch in Ontario, Calif. In fact, we recently became the first in our industry to rent a Volt to a customer.

There’ll be lots more of that to come, as we add more electric vehicles (EVs) to our rental locations. It’s an important step for us and, I think, for consumers.

Last August, I was able to test drive a Nissan LEAF and can tell you firsthand – it’s very cool! Without sounding over-the-top it really does feel like you are a part of the cutting edge when driving this latest technology. It is exciting for us to be investing in alternative fueled vehicles, helping to prove their viability in the marketplace.
 
Where it gets really neat is when we can give our customers a chance for extended EV “test-drives,” exposing them on a large scale, through our expansive network of neighborhood and airport locations. It is only then that EVs will become a significant part of everyday transportation.

Interestingly there is a mystery (or anxiety) that surrounds EV technology. We see ourselves able to significantly help automakers with this by alleviating any uncertainty that the public might have about EVs.
 
For us, success depends on a steady supply of vehicles and fuel – and both of those things need to be acceptable to society. It is our business strategy to support these technologies, not just because they can reduce dependency on fossil fuels and benefit the environment, but because they may help ensure Enterprise’s continued success.

If you’ve driven an EV, I’d love to know — what did you think about the experience? How does EV technology fit into our automotive future? 

Lee