The programme will make the Chevrolet Volt, Nissan LEAF and smart fortwo electric drive available at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront Hotel and Hertz’s Mason Street rental outlet. Customers will be able to reserve the cars online, and get free valet parking if they stay or dine at the hotel.

Clif Clark, general manager of the San Francisco Airport Marriott Hotel, said: ‘The hotel recently installed two EV charging stations that can fully charge an electric vehicle in three to four hours.  Additionally, we are the first Marriott hotel to enter into a car-sharing agreement with Hertz, which enables us to have dedicated electric vehicles available for guests, associates or general public use.’

Hertz was the first rental company to introduce electric vehicles in the UK, with a fleet in London, and in the USA, where it has electric vehicles in New York, Washington D.C. and San Francisco. In addition to its on-demand rentals, it will offer a short term fleet which can be used for less than £5 per hour.

Mark P. Frissora, Hertz chairman and CEO, commented: ‘There is a strong appetite for EVs in San Francisco and residents have proven to be early adopters of this new mobility solution.  Introducing EVs into San Francisco ushers in a new, exciting chapter in our relationship as we bring the cars of tomorrow to consumers today.’