Electric car battery tips: How to keep your EV in top condition all year round
These three simple tips will help your electric vehicle battery perform at its best all year round.
- Rising gas prices are causing some Americans to choose electric or hybrid vehicles when renting cars.
- Rental companies like Hertz and Car Rental Gateway are reporting a significant increase in EV and hybrid rental requests.
- The benefits of renting an EV include potential cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and access to innovative technology.
Rising gas prices are causing some Americans to choose electric vehicles when renting cars.
Car Rental Gateway, an online car rental platform headquartered in London with operations in the United States, reported a 16% increase in electric and hybrid vehicle rentals in March.
Additionally, Hertz spokeswoman Lauren Luster told USA TODAY that the company saw a nearly 25% increase in requests for EV reservations from rideshare drivers from February to March.
The findings come as gas prices rose to an average of $4.55 per gallon on May 7, from $4.30 the previous week on April 30, according to AAA.
“According to GasBuddy’s live ticking data, the national average is currently $4.57/gallon and diesel at $5.67/gallon. These could all represent near-term highs as prices could start to fall over the weekend as oil prices drop. Keep an eye on US-Iran talks, whether they stick or not,” Patrick de Haan, GasBuddy’s head of oil analysis, said in an X post.
The USA TODAY Cars team investigated the pros and cons of EV rentals.
What are the benefits of renting an EV?
The website CarRentalLab.com lists the following benefits of EV rental:
- Cost savings: According to the website, EVs often have lower operating costs than traditional gasoline vehicles. They may also be offered at discounted prices as rental companies try to encourage customers to select underutilized vehicles in their fleets. “For example, charging an EV can be significantly cheaper than filling up a gas tank,” the website says. “Some rental car companies like Hertz and Enterprise offer electric vehicles at competitive rates, making it easier to save money on your trip.”
- Environmental impact: Choosing an electric vehicle on our website means you are contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. “This is particularly relevant for regions where the electricity grid is powered by renewable energy sources,” the website states. “For example, in California, many EVs are charged using solar or wind energy, making rentals even more environmentally friendly.”
- Innovative technology: The website says electric cars are typically equipped with the latest technology, including advanced safety features, infotainment systems, and self-driving features. “Renting a Tesla Model 3 or Nissan Leaf, for example, gives you the chance to experience cutting-edge automotive advances,” the website says.
- Quiet and smooth ride: The website says the EV driving experience is typically quieter and smoother than traditional vehicles. “This improves your travel experience, especially on long trips and scenic drives,” the website says.
What are the disadvantages of renting an EV?
Travelers United, a nonprofit organization that works for travelers across all modes of transportation, has identified the following challenges that can come with renting an EV.
- Hidden EV rental fees such as “idle” fees: “The base rental price is just the beginning,” the group said in a post on its website. “EVs have fees that may not be clear. For gas-powered cars, rental companies will require you to fill up the car when you return it to the company. There are similar requirements for EV rentals.”
- Not accustomed to the EV driving experience: “If you don’t drive an EV regularly, you need to learn not just about EVs, but about the specific EV you rent,” the group says. “You’ll need to know how to turn it on, how to lock it, how to use the door handles, how to charge at different types of charging stations, what kind of charging adapters it comes with, and more.” Travelers United said if you’ve never driven an EV, it strongly recommends taking one for a test drive before renting one.
- Some EVs don’t come with a spare tire or donutTravelers United always reminds gas-powered car rental customers to ensure their vehicles are equipped with a spare tire or “doughnut” spare and jack, but some EVs, including many Teslas, do not come with a spare tire, the group said. “If your rental property does not come with a spare, you should find out what to do if your apartment gets a flat tire,” the group said.
- Requires extra time to charge, or hard to find: Charging an EV takes much longer than filling up a traditional car’s gas tank, even using fast chargers commonly available at public charging stations. Additionally, while the number of public chargers has increased significantly in recent years, there are still areas of the country where they are not easily accessible. Travelers United said, “If your EV’s battery is not fully charged when you receive it, and you plan on driving it for an extended period of time, you will have to make an important decision.” “Assuming there are convenient charging stations along your route, you’ll need to decide if you have time to charge your EV along the way. If not, you’ll need to ask for another fully charged vehicle.”
