Hertz to rent EVs in San Francisco

Car-rental company Hertz has added electric vehicles to its fleet in San Francisco, available to members of the Hertz On Demand program.

Renters can choose from the Nissan Leaf, the Smart EV or the Mitsubishi "i".

Rentals include an in-car connection to the 24-hour member care center, where drivers can get information on charging stations, alternate drop-off points or roadside assistance.

Hertz even offers a frequently-asked-questions page on its Web site to help alleviate "range anxiety" and help first-time EV customers navigate their new rentals.

While their gasoline-powered counterparts have to be returned with a full tank, the EVs do not have to be returned with a full charge.

By David Arnouts