The New York Times has reported Hertz will be renting the Nissan Leaf to consumers in 2011.  For people in the market or who are considering getting into the market for a fully electric car Hertz is providing the ultimate test drive. Renting a Nissan Leaf and giving consumers the ability to test how an electric car can work for them is an amazing opportunity to expand the market for electric cars.

However, I warn Hertz and Nissan to screen Leaf renters before letting them roll off the lot. The last thing the electric car market needs are consumers who shouldn't be driving electric cars (range insufficiencies, etc) to be renting/driving electric cars. It won't take long at all to tarnish the image of the Leaf if a few consumers are left stranded. Range Anxiety, the fear of running out of juice while on the road, could take hold of new vehicle buyers of which a large percentage the Leaf fits their needs.  So all you Hertz managers, be ready to double check anyone  who wants to rent a Leaf and make sure they know what they're doing.

 

• electric car
• nissan leaf
• Hertz
• hertz connect
• electric car industry