Hertz, once a pioneer in electric vehicle adoption, has reversed course, offloading a significant portion of its EV fleet. After a failed Tesla experiment and a string of customer complaints, Hertz is now dumping Chevrolet Silverado EVs onto the market at competitive prices.
This marks a dramatic shift in strategy for the rental company, which had previously touted its EV fleet as a success. The company’s initial enthusiasm for electric vehicles was fueled by a 2021 deal with Tesla to purchase 100,000 EVs for its rental fleet.
Hertz also announced plans to transition one-fifth of its fleet to electric power. However, this ambitious strategy quickly encountered challenges. Customers reported difficulties with charging, limited driving range, and even breakdowns. These negative experiences led to a decline in demand for Hertz’s electric vehicles.
As a result, Hertz began to reconsider its commitment to EVs. The company’s leadership changed, and a new CEO, Jil West, took over. Under West’s guidance, Hertz adopted a more cautious approach to electric vehicles. The company began to sell off its existing EV fleet, starting with the Tesla models and then moving on to Polestar vehicles.
The Chevrolet Silverado EVs are the latest casualties of Hertz’s shift in strategy. Despite their low mileage and competitive pricing, these electric pickups are being offered for sale on the market. This decision reflects Hertz’s growing skepticism about the long-term viability of electric vehicles in its rental fleet.
Hertz Cars Sales has put 35 Silverado EV trucks on the market. This is part of a plan to adjust its EV fleet size to meet demand. Despite no specific issues with the truck, Hertz still has many electric pickup trucks in its fleet. This offers a great opportunity for people looking for a low-mileage electric pickup truck at a good price.
The trucks listed are all 3WT models, a fleet-only version of the Work Truck lineup. Work Truck models were the first Silverado EVs Chevrolet made, and the 3WT is the second-best model after the 4WT. This means it has plenty of features for a practical pickup truck. Although Chevrolet doesn’t sell the Silverado EV 3WT to the public, an earlier report showed it retailed for $74,900.
The trucks on Hertz’s website are priced around $63,500, which is very competitive considering their low mileage. Many trucks have less than 10,000 miles. The Silverado EV 3WT has a 393-mile range, more than most other electric pickup trucks. It can also tow up to 12,500 lbs.
One more reason to like these deals is that these trucks still support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, unlike other GM electric vehicles. This makes them not only good for work but also great for personal use with many features and conveniences.
