- Published by Ivan Phillips
- On January 9, 2020
Let's Breakdown Your TWO Options
Renting a Tesla Model S and Model X is quite easy. Most rental companies offer these cars in their “luxury” segments. Most are available in only major cities like Los Angeles, Miami, and Washington D.C.
While most would think this is their only option, they’d be wrong. There’s TWO ways you can go about this.
Below, let me explain each option and what the PRO’s and CON’s are of each:
Option #1. Standard rental car companies
This is by far the most popular option for renting a Tesla. Rental car companies such as Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, and many more others are known for having huge fleets. Their fleets are so big, companies like Hertz and Enterprise sell their used cars to the mainstream market. They make money not only on their rental income, but also from the sale of their vehicle (to recoup their initial cost).
Electric vehicle’s aren’t as popular with the big companies. But, they DO have Tesla’s of all types of rent in specific cities (think Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, etc…).
The BIGGEST PRO to renting from the mainstream rental companies are:
- On average, you are guaranteed a clean vehicle
- Usually more mileage allowed per day
- Customer service available 24/7
The BIGGEST CON’S to renting from the mainstream rental companies are:
- Availability of Tesla’s are selective (based on certain locations)
- Prices are usually on the higher end
- There’s little variety (I could not find any Model X or Model 3 for rent)
Option #2. TURO Car Sharing
- There’s a LOT of unique Tesla’s to choose from. From base model Model S 60’s, to the ultra fast Model S P100D’s.
- Prices can be quite reasonable if you shop for the right deal.
- Mileage allowances can often be negotiated in-person with the owner.
- Discounts apply for long-term rentals (7 days, 30 days).
- The cleanliness of the vehicle can’t be guaranteed (reviews are the best indicator)
- Some Tesla’s are overpriced
- Insurance coverage can be pricey for the “ZERO out of pocket” package.
Renting a Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S is the most popular and most luxury electric vehicle on the market. From a country that is known (or used to be known) for making affordable but low material quality automobiles (think Pontiac, Saturn, etc).
When it comes to setting the benchmark for all EV’s so far, the Model S is doing it RIGHT. Currently, the lowest EV range is 208 miles (in the 60kW models). And the highest EV range is 335 miles (in the 100kW models).
Renting these from major rental companies will cost from $80-$200 per day.
Renting these on Turo can cost $80-$250 per day. With this option, there’s a lot more to choose from (including different trim levels).
Renting a Tesla Model X
Renting a Tesla Model 3
If you want to rent a Tesla Model 3, there’s currently few options. This is the “Honda Civic” sized car that can get 300+ miles of EV range for less than $40K USD.
The Model 3 is a radically different vehicle, from the interior and exterior styling, to the highly affordable price brand new. Minimalism is the name of the game here with the Model 3. There’s less than 10 buttons in the interior, with almost everything being controlled centrally by a large tablet screen.
It may be the budget option for some, but it stills packs a punch in acceleration, luxury, and storage space.
To rent one on Turo, you can pay anywhere between $80-$175 USD.
Renting a Tesla Roadster 1.0
Lastly we have the original Tesla Roaster 1.0. This was the original Tesla they released in 2008, being one of the most expensive and fastest EV’s on the market. Not only that, but it also got over 200 miles of range on a single charge.
It set the benchmark back then, and Tesla’s new products continue to do so every few years (in 2020 the Roadster 2.0 is going to shatter records in many areas).
Renting a Roadster 1.0 is rather tough, no matter which area you look at. Turo seems to have a few here an there, but they tend to go $250-$500 per day.
This is a special treat car, so be ready to pay accordingly.