RENT AN EV FROM HERTZ

Hertz to rent electric Smart cars
James R. Healey, December 6, 2010 (USA Today)

"…[S]ome car shoppers rent a car like the one they're considering to see if they like it before signing the check…[so] Hertz, the big rental-car company, and Smart, the tiny-car brand, are teaming to let you rent an electric Smart ForTwo…in New York City (starting Dec. 15), Washington (first quarter 2011) and San Francisco (second quarter 2011).

"Hertz says the electric Smart -- not available for general sale through Smart dealers until 2012 -- can be rented through its Hertz Rent A Car and its Connect by Hertz sites…Rates weren't set [yet]…"

The Smart EV (click to enlarge)

"Smart forecasts a range of 84 miles on a charge, more or less. Recharging takes three and a half hours to hit 80%-full on a 220-volt circuit, eight hours to charge 100%. Roughly double those times if you're using 110 to 120 volts, Smart says…Hertz says it'll put lists of recharging stations in each car. Eventually the stations will be noted on the Hertz-supplied vehicle navigation systems.

"You also can lease an electric ForTwo now from Smart: $2,500 down and $599 per month for four years. Smart says its iPhone app eventually will tell you where to find charging sites…Smart's only bringing 250 of the 2011 electrics to the U.S., so finding one to lease or rent could be tricky until the 2012 regular production begins."