The stations will power Avis and Budget’s fleet of EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) available for rent at the airport.
EverCharge’s patented load balancing software, SmartPower, enables large-scale, networked EV charging by managing and controlling electric loads, analysing the charging patterns of EVs, and intelligently allocating available power based on an individual vehicle’s need.
SmartPower enables EverCharge partners, such as Avis, to install more stations than would be available with traditional charging systems, without a strain to the existing energy grid or the need for costly utility upgrades. Although EverCharge has stations at multiple locations, this is the first large-scale charging solution at an airport.
“An optimal charging infrastructure is a necessary condition to support a seamless transition to an electrified fleet,” said Joe Ferraro, president and CEO at Avis Budget Group. “We are committed to offering the best possible experience for our customers and this requires investing in leading technology that integrates with the diverse EV fleet that our OEM partners will deliver. At Avis Budget Group, we believe the road to electrification rests on a foundation of charging infrastructure.
The partnership between Avis Budget Group and EverCharge at the Houston airport is designed to serve as a model for scalable fleet electrification planning at airports across the US. It is also the latest example of Avis Budget Group’s belief that electrification is the future of mobility, and having sustainable options in its fleet, including electric and fuel-efficient vehicles, is a core part of the company’s business strategy.
Avis Budget Group believes that partnerships like this, which tackle some of the infrastructure challenges associated with electrification, will help the company reach its 2030 ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) target to reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 30%. The EverCharge stations will serve as a visible reminder of Avis Budget Group’s commitment to investing in infrastructure and advanced technology that support the nation’s transition to electric mobility.
This partnership comes on the heels of EverCharge’s acquisition last year by SK Group, South Korea’s second-largest conglomerate. SK Group is investing billions of dollars in US energy solutions and sustainable technologies, such as those by EverCharge, to fulfil its commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 200 million tons in 2030, or 1% of the global carbon reduction targets needed to address climate change.
“The adoption of EVs across the US auto market is encouraging, but this growth requires a transformation of our energy systems,” said Jeong Joon Yu, SK Group vice chairman and head of US corporate and government affairs. “The collaboration between Avis Budget Group and EverCharge is intended to provide the infrastructure needed for a clear pathway to cleaner forms of transportation for rental customers.”
