EverCharge’s patented load balancing software, SmartPower, enables large-scale, networked EV charging by managing and controlling electric loads, analyzing the charging patterns of EVs, and intelligently allocating available power based on the individual vehicle’s need. SmartPower empowers 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.
Joe Ferraro, President and Chief Executive Officer at Avis Budget Group said, “An optimal charging infrastructure is a necessary condition to support a seamless transition to an electrified fleet. 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. We’re excited to be partnering with the SK Group to advance our strategy and we’re proud to showcase this large-scale operation at the George Bush International Airport in Houston as a proof point of the developments to come.”
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 U.S. 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.
“EverCharge is on a mission to enable the widespread adoption of EVs by providing intelligent software and hardware charging solutions that leverage the capabilities of existing electrical infrastructure. Our partnership with Avis Budget Group is an important step to realizing that mission, and a prime example of EverCharge’s ability to advance our partners’ sustainability strategies,” said Jason Appelbaum, CEO of EverCharge.
“We are proud to be leading the charge with Avis Budget Group to accelerate the decarbonization of the transportation sector and bring us another step closer to a clean, all-electric future.”
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 U.S. energy solutions and sustainable technologies, such as those by EverCharge, to fulfill 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 U.S. 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 U.S. 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.”
Following the launch at the Houston airport, Avis Budget Group and EverCharge plan to extend this partnership to additional airport locations this year.
