Renting an electric vehicle (EV) can be a great way to save money on gas while traveling, and it can also transform your trip in unexpected ways. Along with being eco-friendly, EVs are full of exciting features and the latest in cutting-edge technology for performance, safety and comfort. As an added bonus, AAA members can receive everyday savings of up to 20% off the base rate on electric vehicles when booking through Hertz.
Even if you are unfamiliar with driving an EV, they are not different from an everyday gas-fueled vehicle. The perception that there’s a learning curve or large adjustment period simply isn’t true. While there may be a few quick adjustments, modern electric cars are designed to be simple and easy to operate for all types of drivers.
EV’s are some of the most sophisticated cars out there, and they're designed to provide an extremely intuitive driver experience. Plus, they're both environmentally and budget-friendly, and with AAA, you'll be saving even more when renting one.
Now, let's look at the top benefits of renting an EV on your next trip:
1. Cost Savings
Some electric cars may cost more to rent upfront, but after that, it’s all about savings since you don't need gas. Plus, with a AAA membership, you'll reduce the initial rental fee even further making it a very budget-friendly option.
Electric vehicles offer major cost savings compared to traditional gas-powered cars. Since electricity is generally much cheaper than gas, you may be able to save around 60% on the cost-per-mile when driving an EV compared to a gas car. This adds up a lot especially on longer road trips.
However, even shorter trips around town are very economical. EVs use regenerative braking, which means that the accelerator pedal can also act as a brake when you ease your foot. When you do this, you end up recharging the battery slightly over time. In stop-and-go traffic, you may even notice your car's battery percentage increasing.
Instead of wasting money at the gas pump, rent an EV and have more money for the fun stuff on your vacation.
2. EVs are eco-friendly
According to the EPA, the transportation sector is one of the largest sources of carbon pollution in the U.S., and this includes gas-powered cars.
Electric vehicles, however, produce zero emissions and significantly reduce the number of harmful pollutants released into the atmosphere. This is a huge advantage for travelers looking to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to preserving our planet’s natural resources, including having cleaner and fresher air.
3. Increased Performance
Electric vehicles also have some significant advantages over traditional gas-powered cars when it comes to performance. Electric vehicles provide higher torque and acceleration, giving them better overall performance when compared to traditional gas-powered cars. Additionally, electric engines are often lighter than gasoline engines, allowing them to have improved handling and a quicker response time. This helps to make them very safe to handle in even wet or suboptimal conditions.
4. Improved Safety
Whether you're traveling with kids or just want a safer experience overall, most electric cars come with advanced safety features designed to keep you safe on the road. These include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and blind spot monitoring. Many electric cars also have advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that can alert you to potential hazards before they become a problem.
Plus, ADAS can help you maintain lane discipline and keep a safe speed in wet or icy conditions. All of these features make EVs a smart choice for families and those who want to stay safe on the road during their trip.
5.Convenience
Electric vehicles are incredibly convenient to drive since they don't require frequent visits to the gas station or auto shop. Additionally, charging stations have become more widespread in recent years, so you’re more likely to easily find places to charge your car when needed. They’re easy to search for on your smartphone’s map, or even on the car's touchscreen for added convenience.
Most cars can charge very quickly, and it's as simple as charging your phone. Simply plug it in, pay by card or app if necessary, and wait.
Plus, with fewer moving parts than a gas vehicle, EVs generally break down less which means you can safely enjoy your travels without worrying about a trip to the auto shop. This makes electric cars a great choice for those who want an easy and stress-free driving experience on their next journey.
6. Enjoy the Fun of High Performance
While you may think that EVs do not have the performance of a gas-fueled vehicle, many EVs can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in under six seconds. So, if you’re considering going electric, you don’t have to sacrifice performance for sustainability.
Although you should always drive safely, the rapid acceleration and torque of an EV can definitely be a thrill when driving on those long road trips in the U.S.. Where a gas-powered car takes time to accelerate, an EV feels almost instant in responsiveness, giving you much more control over exactly how fast or slow you wish to drive.
So why rent an EV? Even with all the cost savings from AAA and not needing gas, you also get to enjoy the pleasure of driving in a high-tech and ultra-responsive vehicle. Whether on the highway or downtown, EVs are a joy to drive at any speed!
7. Appreciate the Silence
Electric cars are great for greenhouse gas pollution, and they’re equally great for noise pollution as well!
The lack of noise from EVs is a huge benefit that many drivers may not even realize. It’s estimated that the average gas-fueled vehicle produces 70 to 90 decibels, while an electric vehicle typically only makes 50-60. This quietness has been found to noticeably reduce stress and improve moods in those living near busy roads where loud engines are constantly heard, and it likely has a great effect on those inside the vehicle as well.
Whether you want to enjoy some quiet time or focus on your music, the quietness will be very apparent and welcoming from the moment you start your drive.
8. Regenerative Braking Comfort
One of the most pleasant and energy-saving features of an EV is its regenerative braking. When enabled, it allows you to use the right pedal for both accelerating and braking. While you’ll likely need to use the traditional brake pedal for more sudden stops, this feature can make stop-and-go traffic and even freeway commuting much more enjoyable.
To use this feature, simply press down on the right acceleration pedal as usual. To slow down, allow your foot to ease back slightly until it stops at a speed that's good for you. You may want to practice this for a few moments in a parking lot to get a feel for it, but don't worry, it's very intuitive and enjoyable. It's also a great way to reduce cramping on longer road trips since your leg moves less than usual.
Plus, this feature recycles the kinetic energy from the braking back into the battery, helping to extend your driving time and save you money on charging.
While this feature is certainly exciting, and may make your travels all the more comfortable, most EVs also allow you to turn it off to revert to a traditional system if you prefer. Since regenerative braking will not allow the tires to roll when the acceleration pedal is not engaged, it's recommended that you turn off regenerative braking in the snow to prevent sliding.
9. Extra Storage, and Front Trunk “Frunks”
Since EVs have significantly fewer parts than gas cars, you’ll find that they have a surprisingly large amount of storage, even in the smaller models. In many EV trunks, you’ll also find a second trunk underneath the main trunk for additional storage. This can be enough for an extra piece of medium-sized luggage in many cases.
This can be a huge boost for family road trips as it allows you to take more without feeling overcrowded.
Plus, many EVs have front trunks, or “frunks”, which can hold smaller items like shoes or bags.
So, instead of leaving those extra clothes at home, rent an EV to enjoy all the extra space for a stress-free trip!
10. New City, New Car
Traveling is the best way to experience new things, and that goes for cars just as much as it does food and activities! Renting an EV can be a great way to try something new without the burden of buying it beforehand. While test-driving an EV is nice, it won’t allow you to fully experience all the benefits like renting one will.
For both recreational and business travel, you’ll enjoy all the pros of an EV from its fast charging to safety features and pleasant ride fully and authentically. If you’re going on a vacation, renting an EV can be a fun way to do something different and feel like you’re truly taking a break from routine.
11. Discover New Places with Charging Opportunities
Most EV chargers are located near restaurants, cafés and other stores so you can walk around while your car quickly charges. To make the most of this time, look for chargers near places you’d like to explore so you can get the most out of the quick downtime. This can be a fun way to try a new café or run into a unique store you may have otherwise missed.
If you’re on a longer road trip, you can also maximize your time by planning your charging around essential stops. Instead of stopping just to charge, try to plan your charge around when you’ll want lunch or a general break from driving. This helps you save time so you’re not stopping for a restaurant at one location, and then at a charger somewhere else.
Of course, if you’re in a more rural area, you may have to simply charge fully when it's available. Luckily, most modern EVs will show you nearby charging stations on the monitor, and they can even help plan your trip by telling you when and where to charge to arrive quickly.
Plus, many hotels now have onsite EV charging stations so you can charge overnight and wake up ready to explore!
Overall Benefits of Booking an EV
Electric cars have become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to their sustainability and convenience. By booking an electric car for your next trip, you can travel in a more eco-friendly way while enjoying some of the following benefits:
- Low Maintenance – Electric vehicles require less maintenance than traditional gas-fueled cars, meaning fewer chances that something will go wrong on your road trip.
- Cheaper to Run – Running costs are significantly lower for electric cars than traditional gas guzzlers. This means more money in your pocket to spend on your trip.
- Greater Range – With advances in battery technology, the range of electric cars has greatly increased over the last few years, meaning you’ll be able to travel farther without needing to refuel or recharge.
- Cleaner Environment – As electric cars don’t produce any emissions, they are much better for the environment than gas-fueled cars.
- Increased Storage – Enjoy much more storage room with often multi-level rear trunks along with front trunks, allowing you to never leave an item behind while traveling.
- Quieter Ride – The quiet nature of electric cars makes them ideal for long drives and city trips, as you won’t be disturbed by engine noise. Plus, you can enjoy the sound of nature as you travel!
- Improved Performance – Electric cars are often faster and smoother than their gas-fueled counterparts, so you can have a more overall enjoyable driving experience.
- Regenerative Braking – With regenerative braking, you can accelerate and brake with only the right pedal. This can be a great comfort for your legs during a road trip, and it will also reduce battery usage to help save you money.
So why book an EV for your next trip? With their environmental benefits, low maintenance costs and convenience (not to mention the money you’ll save on gas!), there’s no better way to get around. Not only will your journey be more enjoyable, but you’ll also be doing your part to help protect the environment.
If you’re looking for a more sustainable and cost-effective way to get around on your next trip, consider booking an electric car through Hertz using AAA offers. You’ll be able to enjoy all these great benefits while helping to protect the environment.
You can save every day when you take advantage of AAA offers on rental cars. Find deals near you through Hertz + AAA offers today!