EV Magazine September 2024 | Page 111

EV CX

Many industries have embraced the shift with determination and foresight as the world accelerates towards transitioning to EVs . However , the car rental industry faces unique challenges . The industry is projected to reach a staggering US $ 104.40bn globally by the end of 2024 and provide livelihoods for approximately two million people globally . The challenges demand a complete overhaul of traditional business models , as the transition to EVs brings higher upfront costs , lower resale values and the urgent need for a robust charging infrastructure .

ADAPTING TO A NEW REALITY
Transitioning to EVs isn ’ t just about swapping out combustion engines for electric ones ; it ’ s about reimagining the entire car rental industry from the ground up . Michael Hurwitz , a future mobility and energy expert at PA Consulting , says , “ the car rental industry needs to be smart about charging . Efficient vehicle turnaround is crucial and the time required to recharge EVs presents a real challenge .”
To navigate this shift , the car rental industry must go beyond acquiring new fleets and invest heavily in retraining their teams . It means equipping employees with knowledge of EV-specific maintenance and the nuances of handling first-time EV users . Chrissy Taylor , CEO of Enterprise Holdings ,
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