I was a Hertz manager for Vehicle Returns at a large US airport, it's not a system error. The reps at Returns earn 6-8% commission for all charges they assess upon each rental car return. Ancillary revenue accounts for over 30% overall profit. On the front end, it's collected through Loss Damage Waivers, prepaid fuel, GPS, XM etc. On the back end it's collected through windshield chips, smoking charges, dents, upholstery damage, and of fuel. Cars returned with fuel lower than the level at checkout is calculated at $9.99 per gallon in 1/8th increments multiplied by the tank capacity for the specific vehicle model.
For example a Chevy Tahoe returned with fuel at the first line below FULL on the fuel gauge is marked as being returned 6/8 full. 2/8th of a 24 gallon tank capacity comes out to $60 for missing 6 gallons of fuel.
Return reps are incentivized to overestimate the missing fuel bc the charges can be difficult to fight over the phone later on. These same principles apply to EVs bc the system doesn't different between Gas and electric cars .
For example a Chevy Tahoe returned with fuel at the first line below FULL on the fuel gauge is marked as being returned 6/8 full. 2/8th of a 24 gallon tank capacity comes out to $60 for missing 6 gallons of fuel.
Return reps are incentivized to overestimate the missing fuel bc the charges can be difficult to fight over the phone later on. These same principles apply to EVs bc the system doesn't different between Gas and electric cars .
