Enterprise Holdings ramped up its representation in electric-vehicle leadership late last week when chairman and chief executive officer Andrew Taylor became part of the Electrification Coalition.

As some may know, composing the nonprofit coalition are business leaders from various part of the budding electric-vehicle market.

Taylor is accompanied on the coalition by leaders of such companies as Cisco Systems Inc., Eaton Corp., PG&E Corp., Nissan Motor Co., Johnson Controls, FedEx Corp. and Siemens Corp.

“As operator of the world’s largest fleet of vehicles, we know that our future success depends on having a steady supply of cars and fuels that are acceptable to society,” Taylor stated.

“That’s why we are embracing new, clean fuel and engine technologies like electric vehicles,” he added. “In addition, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility within the value chain to bring these vehicles to consumers.”

Robbie Diamond, who is the president and CEO of the Electrification Coalition, noted: “We are tremendously excited that Enterprise Holdings is joining the Electrification Coalition.”

He also noted the coalition is rolling out a report today that delves into “the importance of fleet owners and operators to the wider effort to electrify our transportation system.

“While the consumer vehicle market remains by far the largest one, fleet electrification offers a critical opportunity to increase production of batteries and other components for electric vehicles, thus bringing down the price for everyone,” Diamond continued.

This announcement follows Enterprise revealing this summer that it would start moving 500 Nissan LEAFs into its fleet this month. Last month the company noted that it will bring in as many as 100 CODA Sedan electric vehicles next year.

“Enterprise is showing real leadership by committing to the purchase of hundreds of electric vehicles. We applaud that leadership, and look forward to working with Enterprise on this vital mission in the coming months and years,” Diamond added.

Taylor shared: “We are committed to using our fleet as a sort of ‘petri dish’ to help promising new alternatives prove their viability in the marketplace. As part of that commitment, we’re proud to stand with the Electrification Coalition in its proactive, forward-looking approach to our nation’s transportation needs.”

At first, Enterprise Rent-A-Car customers will be able to access the company’s electric in the following markets: Phoenix; Nashville, Tenn.; San Diego; Los Angeles; San Francisco; Portland, Ore.; and Seattle.

There will be an option to request an electric model while reserving a vehicle. Enterprise is also bringing in electric vehicles to a few WeCar vehicle-sharing centers. Officials noted that this serves as “an extension of local Enterprise Rent-A-Car business rental programs on corporate and college campuses.”

“Our neighborhood network uniquely positions Enterprise Rent-A-Car to help lift the veil of mystery that surrounds electric vehicles, helping consumers better understand these cars and the charging technology behind them,” stated Lee Broughton, who is Enterprise Holdings’ director of sustainability.

“Supporting alternative transportation options and joining with the Electrification Coalition and other partners at the forefront of the electrification movement is a key component of our long-term sustainability strategy,” he added.