Electric car rental

Question

We are taking a road trip from Savannah to Atlanta GA in April and would like to use an electric car. Perhaps I'm being slow, but for some reason I cannot seem to find any rental options for this sort of travel. Would you have any suggestions?

Answer

Renting an electric car for your road trip from Savannah to Atlanta is a great choice, especially with the growing availability of EVs in rental fleets. While it may not be as common as renting traditional vehicles, there are a few options for electric car rentals in Savannah and beyond. Here’s a breakdown of where you might find electric vehicles and some tips for your trip:

1. Major Rental Car Companies Offering Electric Vehicles:

Some of the larger car rental companies are starting to offer electric vehicles (EVs) as part of their fleets, especially in larger cities and popular tourist destinations like Savannah. Here are a few to check:

Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Enterprise has started offering electric vehicles at select locations, including in major cities like Savannah. The options may include vehicles like the Tesla Model 3 or Chevy Bolt. You’ll need to check availability at your local Enterprise location or call ahead to confirm if they have electric cars for rent. Their website also allows you to filter for "Electric" in the car options search.
Hertz: Hertz offers the Tesla Model 3 and other electric vehicles through its "Hertz Electrifies" program in select locations. You can check availability in Savannah or the surrounding areas. In some cities, Hertz even offers electric vehicles with charging networks included.
Sixt Rent a Car: Sixt is expanding its EV offerings in some cities, and they may have electric cars available in Savannah or nearby areas. It's a good idea to call ahead or check their website for electric car availability.

2. Specialty Electric Car Rental Companies:

In addition to the major rental companies, there are specialty services dedicated to electric vehicles. These services are less common but could be a great fit for your needs:

EV Rental: A smaller rental company that focuses on electric vehicle rentals. They operate in select cities, including some in Georgia, and offer a variety of electric cars like Teslas. You may need to reach out to them directly to inquire about availability and pickup locations in Savannah.
Turo (Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing): Turo is a peer-to-peer car rental service where individuals rent out their personal cars. This platform often has electric vehicles, including Teslas, Chevy Bolts, and other popular models. You can search for electric cars specifically in Savannah or Atlanta, and Turo provides a great deal of flexibility when it comes to rental duration and car types.

3. Charging Infrastructure for Your Road Trip:

Before booking your EV rental, it’s important to plan your route and ensure that you have access to EV charging stations along the way, especially for a longer road trip like Savannah to Atlanta. Here are some tips:

Use Charging Apps: Apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, and Tesla’s Supercharger network allow you to find EV charging stations along your route. PlugShare, in particular, is excellent for finding all types of charging stations, including Level 2 chargers and fast chargers.
Range and Charging Time: Depending on the car you rent, most EVs have a range of 200-350 miles per charge. The drive from Savannah to Atlanta is about 250 miles, so you’ll need to plan for at least one charging stop along the way. Charging times can vary, with fast chargers providing a quicker top-up (usually 30-45 minutes for an 80% charge), while slower chargers may take a couple of hours.

4. Availability of Electric Vehicles for Road Trips:

While more car rental companies are adding electric vehicles to their fleets, availability may still be limited depending on your location. It’s a good idea to book your rental as early as possible, especially for a road trip, to ensure availability. Some companies may also offer the option to reserve specific models, so if you have a preference like the Tesla Model 3, inquire about that during booking.

5. Alternative: Renting an Electric Car in Atlanta:

If you can’t find an electric car in Savannah for your road trip, another option is to rent the car in Atlanta, where EV rentals are more common. Many rental companies in Atlanta, including Enterprise, Hertz, and Turo, offer electric vehicles. You could drive your regular rental car to Atlanta and then swap it for an electric car for the remainder of your road trip or simply use the EV for local exploration in Atlanta.

Summary:

While electric car rentals are still somewhat limited in some regions, Savannah has options available through larger rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Sixt. For more flexibility, consider using a platform like Turo to rent an electric vehicle directly from a local owner. Don’t forget to plan your route to include charging stations, especially for a road trip like Savannah to Atlanta. Early booking is key, and if you can’t find an EV in Savannah, consider picking one up in Atlanta.

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