You may be asking yourself, "Should I rent an electric car?"
It's a great question!
Electric cars (EVs) have been around for a while, but until recently, they were expensive and not as easily accessible, especially as rentals. However, electric vehicles are becoming more common – and you can even rent one with ease.
There are plenty of reasons why you might want to rent an electric car on your next vacation, including that AAA members receive up to 20% off the base rate when booking an EV with Hertz.
For starters, they can save you a ton of money on gas. Consumer Reports indicate that drivers who use electric vehicles spend up to 60 percent less on fuel costs each year than those who drive gas cars.
But that’s only one benefit. EVs are much better for the environment, making less of an impact on the region you’re visiting. And they often outperform their gas-guzzling counterparts too!
The truth is, there are many differences between gas and EVs. And before you rent the latter for your next vacation rental car, there are some things you should know.
In this article, we’ll review all the most common things you need to know before renting an electric car.
1. Make sure you understand how electric cars work
Electric cars have been around for years. But the majority of people only have experience driving gas cars. So before you rent your next EV, make sure you educate yourself on how to operate it first.
After all, the operation of an electric car is quite different from that of a gas car. Since electricity powers the engine instead of fuel, acceleration is immediate and smooth as opposed to more gradual acceleration with a gas-powered engine.
Another obvious, but major, difference between gas and electric cars is how they are fueled. As you know, gas cars are fueled at the pump. Electric cars, however, require special electric charging stations. Charging stations can be easily found via your phone in many public places, such as parking garages and shopping malls and some even offer free charging. But, in most places, they’re not as widespread as gas pumps. So it’s important to be conscious of where the electric charging stations are along the route you wish to take.
2. Consider the range of electric cars carefully
It’s important to consider the range of an electric car before you take your next vacation road trip. Different models come with different ranges and choosing one that meets your needs is essential. If you’re taking a long road trip, you should consider renting an electric car with a longer range. Some models even come with features that increase the range of your vehicle. Most electric cars can drive up to 300 miles on a full charge.
3. Make sure you are insured
Car insurance isn’t just for car owners. When it comes to renting an electric car, one important factor that often gets overlooked is insurance.
It’s essential to make sure that you have the right insurance coverage in place for your rental. This will not only help protect your finances if something happens while driving the car, but it also provides peace of mind and assurance that you are properly covered. Talk to your AAA Travel Agent and ensure that you have adequate coverage for your electric car.
It’s also not a bad idea to double-check the rental company’s policy to make sure that they provide sufficient protection for both you and your vehicle in case of an accident.
4. Know that you are making an eco-friendly choice
Not only do electric cars have lower running costs (no need for gasoline or oil changes), but they also produce significantly fewer emissions, making them an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to get around.
If you are conscious of your impact on the local environment of the places you travel, then consider renting an EV. Electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, meaning they produce much less harm to the environment than traditional gas-engine vehicles. Meaning that you can travel with a clear conscience and worry more about your journey than your carbon footprint.
5. Expect a New Experience
Perhaps the most important of the renting electric car tips: expect that your experience with the vehicle will be different. Most people are unaccustomed to EVs and all the nuances that they come with. Expect the driving experience and really everything else, to be different from that of a gas car. Knowing that there will be a learning curve going into it will make the whole thing go much smoother overall. Electric cars are not difficult to drive, but may take some getting used to.
6. Understand the Safety Features
Before renting an electric car, understand that they often come equipped with safety features that differ from gas-powered vehicles. Electric cars often have advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), that include automatic braking, collision warnings and lane departure warning that can be more advanced than a traditional gas-powered vehicle. Since many of the electric vehicle models have driver assist features, understand how all of the safety features work before renting an electric car.
Tips for Renting an Electric Car
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular due to their lower running costs, environmental benefits and convenience. But, when it comes to renting an EV, there are some key considerations to keep in mind.
- Check the charging infrastructure of the area you plan to visit. Most EVs come with a charging cable and plug for use at home, but you may need additional cabling if you plan to use public charging stations. Make sure you research the availability of charging points in your destination so that you don’t get caught out with an empty battery!
- Consider the cost benefits of renting an electric car. Bear in mind that the cost of charging your EV may also be cheaper than with a petrol or diesel-powered vehicle, so this could help to reduce your overall rental costs.
- Don’t forget about insurance! Many rental companies offer special insurance packages for EVs but make sure you read the fine print carefully before signing up. It’s also important to be aware of any restrictions.
You can save every day when you take advantage of AAA offers on rental cars. Find deals near you through Hertz as a AAA member today!