Car rental group Sixt set to electrify up to 90 percent of fleet by 2030

Germany’s leading car rental company Sixt has announced plans to increase the share of its electric vehicles in its global fleet to between 70 and 90 percent by 2030. That share is expected to reach 12 to 15 percent in 2023. The move is part of a wide-ranging “holistic sustainability programme” approved by the company’s management board aimed at further accelerating CO2 reduction and demand for smart e-mobility. To that end, Sixt is also investing 50 million euros in its own charging infrastructure in its branches over the coming years. The company will also offer customers access to most of its publicly available charging points in Europe – currently numbering 300,000 – via its new Sixt charge product, which will be integrated into its app. Sixt is likewise aiming to make operations at its branches and sites climate-neutral by 2023 -- five years earlier than planned -- with the inclusion of offset projects.

Citing a company survey, Sixt said using rental cars helps reduce reservations about e-mobility for some 70 percent of its customers. In addition, nearly two thirds see the use of rental cars as a good opportunity to get to know electric vehicles and more than 55 percent said prior use of an e-car was important or very important in making a purchase decision for such a vehicle. “Since every rental of an e-car is a paid test drive, Sixt will accelerate enthusiasm for e-mobility,” said Sixt co-CEO Alexander Sixt. By the end of 2022, Sixt will be offering 20 new electric and plug-in models from the likes of Audi, Opel, Renault, BMW, Peugeot and Tesla.

Sixt’s move comes amid a darkening forecast for e-cars, which could face significant challenges next year due to rising energy costs and the end of state support.