Consumer interest in electric vehicles continues to grow, and with more Americans eager to get behind the wheel for the first time, they’re increasingly turning to car rental companies to satisfy their curiosity.
Why EV Rentals?
AAA members can save 20% off the base rate on Hertz EV rentals.
What’s It Like to Rent an EV From Hertz?
The booking process is just like renting a gas-powered car. After selecting the EV option, a renter can choose the model they’d like. Once the reservation is made, the experience differs.
To ease first-time EV renters into the drivers’ seat, Hertz sends a series of emails tailored to the specific vehicle that go over the basics as well as what to expect in terms of the quieter ride, performance, how to shift into gear or park, what regenerative braking is all about, and so on.
The emails are rich with links for deeper dives into the particular EV’s quirks, such as how to engage with climate controls, how to turn on the hazard lights, or what everything displayed on the instrument cluster means.
“In addition to a knowledgeable staff who are well-equipped to assist our customers, we provide a variety of information and resources on how to drive and charge an EV, so people feel comfortable and confident when hitting the road,” Smith said.
Perhaps the most important topic on the minds of EV tryers is how – and where – to charge an EV. Although Hertz only requires rented EVs to be returned with more than 70 percent battery life remaining, many renters hope to try out charging, in addition to EV driving. Hertz responds with detailed explanations on how to charge each model in its fleet in addition to finding public charging locations using in-car systems. The company even gives a thorough explanation of the differences between Level 1, Level 2 and DC fast charging.
Based on the emails and resources on the Hertz website, an EV renter will get a thorough education on EVs and EV charging even before they get in and buckle up for the first time.
So, if you’re interested in driving an EV but don’t know where to start, a rental might be the perfect way to get up to speed with EVs.
AAA’s Recommendation: Whether you own an electric vehicle or a gas-powered car is up to you – and you should consider lots of factors in making that choice. No matter what type of vehicle you’re choosing, we recommend visiting a dealership, test driving one, and asking as many questions as possible to make an informed decision.
