Car rental equivalent
Discussion
I flew into Edinburgh last week and had a Polestar 2 from Hertz. Came with 82% charge (they say they should all have 80%+, and were charging one that wasn't on site). If it came with less I'd ask for another one.
I drove to Aberdeen, charged it up there at a drive through Starbucks (25 mins to 80%) and then charged just short of the forth road bridge at a Starbucks - again, 30 mins to get to 90% to give me the headroom to get it back over 80%.
It was quiet, comfortable and the charging was easier than expected. However I'd given myself extra time to make sure I could get it all to work!.
They're not ideal for hire cars due to the time to charge, but in reality it worked out fine. And it was cheaper than a Kia Piccanta, which was the alternative...
I drove to Aberdeen, charged it up there at a drive through Starbucks (25 mins to 80%) and then charged just short of the forth road bridge at a Starbucks - again, 30 mins to get to 90% to give me the headroom to get it back over 80%.
It was quiet, comfortable and the charging was easier than expected. However I'd given myself extra time to make sure I could get it all to work!.
They're not ideal for hire cars due to the time to charge, but in reality it worked out fine. And it was cheaper than a Kia Piccanta, which was the alternative...
I'd never considered that you'd be charged for not charging. They spend time getting washed and prepped. They can charge them then.
If I turned up and was given an electric car without warning there's no way I'd accept it.
I know nothing about running one and the last thing I need before rushing to the plane is finding a charger that could be anywhere and sitting there for the best part of an hour.
If I'm hiring a car the chances are high that I'll be doing many, many miles in totally unfamiliar places. It would be the worst possible option.
Wouldn't mind one in day to day life but a rental is not that.
If I turned up and was given an electric car without warning there's no way I'd accept it.
I know nothing about running one and the last thing I need before rushing to the plane is finding a charger that could be anywhere and sitting there for the best part of an hour.
If I'm hiring a car the chances are high that I'll be doing many, many miles in totally unfamiliar places. It would be the worst possible option.
Wouldn't mind one in day to day life but a rental is not that.
If I'm on holiday for a week, I can usually drive all week without having to refuel in a hire car.
Some of the Skodas I've been given have a 600km+ range from unleaded, which makes them much more practical.
The cars are full when you pick them up, so after a flight you just jump in and never have to worry about charging them up all holiday.
Some of the Skodas I've been given have a 600km+ range from unleaded, which makes them much more practical.
The cars are full when you pick them up, so after a flight you just jump in and never have to worry about charging them up all holiday.
Whataguy said:
If I'm on holiday for a week, I can usually drive all week without having to refuel in a hire car.
Some of the Skodas I've been given have a 600km+ range from unleaded, which makes them much more practical.
The cars are full when you pick them up, so after a flight you just jump in and never have to worry about charging them up all holiday.
A holiday wouldn’t be a holiday without having EV charging stress. Add in being late for flights and a few young children and you’ve got a real pleasurable mix. Some of the Skodas I've been given have a 600km+ range from unleaded, which makes them much more practical.
The cars are full when you pick them up, so after a flight you just jump in and never have to worry about charging them up all holiday.
I saw the EV’s crawling to St. Malo last summer, obviously to conserve charge. Then I witnessed at the Hotel the arguments over chargers. I could see the stress in people as I had a drink at the bar opposite reception. When my children were young in a 520d we could get to almost the south of France from Calais on a Tank.
aberdeeneuan said:
I flew into Edinburgh last week and had a Polestar 2 from Hertz. Came with 82% charge (they say they should all have 80%+, and were charging one that wasn't on site). If it came with less I'd ask for another one.
I drove to Aberdeen, charged it up there at a drive through Starbucks (25 mins to 80%) and then charged just short of the forth road bridge at a Starbucks - again, 30 mins to get to 90% to give me the headroom to get it back over 80%.
It was quiet, comfortable and the charging was easier than expected. However I'd given myself extra time to make sure I could get it all to work!.
They're not ideal for hire cars due to the time to charge, but in reality it worked out fine. And it was cheaper than a Kia Piccanta, which was the alternative...
Agreed.. Unless I was already an EV user and knew how the EV world works (Foibles / nuances / planning) then I'd refuse it. I drove to Aberdeen, charged it up there at a drive through Starbucks (25 mins to 80%) and then charged just short of the forth road bridge at a Starbucks - again, 30 mins to get to 90% to give me the headroom to get it back over 80%.
It was quiet, comfortable and the charging was easier than expected. However I'd given myself extra time to make sure I could get it all to work!.
They're not ideal for hire cars due to the time to charge, but in reality it worked out fine. And it was cheaper than a Kia Piccanta, which was the alternative...
No chance I'd take one.
If you’re heading up the m1 or m6 there are plenty of opportunities at motorway services to charge with a rapid charger whilst you stretch your legs and pay a visit. I’d get north of Birmingham and charge up and same halfway down on the way back. Shouldn’t need more than 20-30 mins and you’ll have charge for the rest of the trip. Register with Tesla to use the superchargers, they aren’t (comparatively) expensive,
Imasurv said:
If you’re heading up the m1 or m6 there are plenty of opportunities at motorway services to charge with a rapid charger whilst you stretch your legs and pay a visit. I’d get north of Birmingham and charge up and same halfway down on the way back. Shouldn’t need more than 20-30 mins and you’ll have charge for the rest of the trip. Register with Tesla to use the superchargers, they aren’t (comparatively) expensive,
I am swaying back and forth about giving it a try. But, you have reminded me of a nightmare I had on one of my visits. Both the M1 and M6 were closed. . As was the M56. Unbelievably, all planned! The UK has 2 motorways that head North and they closed both at the same time for roadworks. Oddly, due to timing I am sure, Waze and google maps did not know this. I spent hours following diversion signs while Waze and google maps tried to get me back on closed motorways. There is zero chance I could have done that in an EV as a newbie.Every time I do this trip I get the car and stop at the same service station to eat Greggs. No need to fill up, just grab food and go. 5 minutes. I head up to my destination 200 miles later. I potter about visiting friends and family over the course of a week and head South back to the airport. It is only on my return journey that I have to fill up. I think I have done my first fill at the airport.
With a Tesla, using their numbers I will only have a buffer of 16 miles for the first trip. Realistically, I will have to stop at Woodall services. I see it is only 15 minutes for 162 miles so not that bad. Another 50 miles to my destination. If we assume no charging at my destination I would have a balance of 60 miles to get me back to the same super charger on my way home. I can work with that. Stop at Newport for 15 minutes and then 15 minutes at Heathrow. It can be done but it doesn't feel like something I want to do.
Also, I am not convinced the model Y is equivalent to the X5 I booked and that might be the sticking point. A Taycan I could see but not a Model Y.
I despise Motorway Service Stations with a passion but thankfully I do avoid them unless I need the loo.
In and out in 5 mins. No way I'd want to hang around for 30 minutes or more whilst waiting for an EV to charge up.
Plus everything is at 2079 prices
The very rare times that I need petrol whilst on a motorway, I turn off at the next junction.
In and out in 5 mins. No way I'd want to hang around for 30 minutes or more whilst waiting for an EV to charge up.
Plus everything is at 2079 prices
The very rare times that I need petrol whilst on a motorway, I turn off at the next junction.
Here is the update…
Landed in Heathrow this morning and through security within seconds. Contemplated having a shower but thought I was doing so well on time I decided to go to collect the car.
Got on the shuttle and that’s where things started to unfold. The driver was amazingly nice and I have to give credit to him.
However, on the short journey I happened to over hear an elderly couple. The husband was near tears. He kept saying “I don’t know how I dis it. I’m sure o didn’t rent and electric car.” His wife was looking at the booking form and confirmed they had an EV. They were beside themselves because they had a lot of driving and were unfamiliar with the technology.
I apologized for over hearing their conversation but wanted them both to know it wasn’t the husbands fault. I had booked a petrol car and was confirmed with an electric car. That’s when the entire shuttle joined and said they had all got bait and switched.
We got to the rental building and when the doors opened we were overwhelmed by the noise. 30+ groups, couples or families, and everyone was complaining about the bait and switch
When it was my turn I told them I was in a similar situation and wanted what I had paid for. I pointed out the Volvo XC90 and said that would do. The guy behind the desk was rude and defensive. He said “I’m not going to quote you for that as you will hold it against me”. Clearly he had been dealing with this all day, everyday.
I conceded and said, “OK I will take the Tesla and make it work”.
“Right, we have a model 3 for you today as we don’t have any Model Ys”.
“Nope, when you run out of the booked vehicle you upgrade!”
I’m the highest level of rewards member so asked of that could help.
“Nope”
I ended up with an XC60 hybrid. I notice they were careful not to mention the hybrid part just in case. It’s new and not a bad car. It’s not the X5 I booked but UK rental car companies are terrible for giving what US customers book. I don’t know why but it’s always a fight.
I was polite throughout, but they have clearly had to deal with a lot of frustrated customers.
Now, here’s the rub. Hertz wrote off $400M in the last quarter due to EVs not being rented. They are dumping Tesla as a manufacturer. Clearly, to boost their numbers they are bait and switching everyone.
It’s a real shame they have taken this approach. I count myself as EV curious and have been negotiating the purchase of a Taycan. When I was leaving Hertz I saw a Taycan getting dropped off. I’d have jumped at that and dealt with the downsides of doing 240+ mile trip to the middle of nowhere. Ironically, my XC60 is plugged in charging the battery as the Airbnb has a slow charger and I figured I’d give it a go.
Landed in Heathrow this morning and through security within seconds. Contemplated having a shower but thought I was doing so well on time I decided to go to collect the car.
Got on the shuttle and that’s where things started to unfold. The driver was amazingly nice and I have to give credit to him.
However, on the short journey I happened to over hear an elderly couple. The husband was near tears. He kept saying “I don’t know how I dis it. I’m sure o didn’t rent and electric car.” His wife was looking at the booking form and confirmed they had an EV. They were beside themselves because they had a lot of driving and were unfamiliar with the technology.
I apologized for over hearing their conversation but wanted them both to know it wasn’t the husbands fault. I had booked a petrol car and was confirmed with an electric car. That’s when the entire shuttle joined and said they had all got bait and switched.
We got to the rental building and when the doors opened we were overwhelmed by the noise. 30+ groups, couples or families, and everyone was complaining about the bait and switch
When it was my turn I told them I was in a similar situation and wanted what I had paid for. I pointed out the Volvo XC90 and said that would do. The guy behind the desk was rude and defensive. He said “I’m not going to quote you for that as you will hold it against me”. Clearly he had been dealing with this all day, everyday.
I conceded and said, “OK I will take the Tesla and make it work”.
“Right, we have a model 3 for you today as we don’t have any Model Ys”.
“Nope, when you run out of the booked vehicle you upgrade!”
I’m the highest level of rewards member so asked of that could help.
“Nope”
I ended up with an XC60 hybrid. I notice they were careful not to mention the hybrid part just in case. It’s new and not a bad car. It’s not the X5 I booked but UK rental car companies are terrible for giving what US customers book. I don’t know why but it’s always a fight.
I was polite throughout, but they have clearly had to deal with a lot of frustrated customers.
Now, here’s the rub. Hertz wrote off $400M in the last quarter due to EVs not being rented. They are dumping Tesla as a manufacturer. Clearly, to boost their numbers they are bait and switching everyone.
It’s a real shame they have taken this approach. I count myself as EV curious and have been negotiating the purchase of a Taycan. When I was leaving Hertz I saw a Taycan getting dropped off. I’d have jumped at that and dealt with the downsides of doing 240+ mile trip to the middle of nowhere. Ironically, my XC60 is plugged in charging the battery as the Airbnb has a slow charger and I figured I’d give it a go.
abzmike said:
Pit Pony said:
h0b0 said:
abzmike said:
Whenever I hire a car the selection process seems to be picking whatever is around the lot. I’m sure they’ll be able to accommodate if you don’t want electric. Is this for the US? There will likely be a stack of big SUVs to pick from.
I hope they can accommodate me at the counter. I was wondering if it was more of an uphill battle now they have guaranteed a Tesla. I once was handed the keys to a megane scenic, at Rome Airport. I handed them back with one word.
No.
Why Sir?
Because French.
Cue a big smile and the keys to a big lancia saloon.
I have a rental booked with Thrifty at Chicago O’Hare this week. I should have a sizeable SUV, Escalade, but X5 or Cadillac’s equivalent.
I would absolutely refuse an EV or a plug in hybrid. I’ve driven a Taycan 15km, but not used any chargers or plugs for a vehicle. It would stress me even though I know I don’t have a long drive to my family’s home.
Let’s see how the highly rated Thrifty do on Wednesday…..
I would absolutely refuse an EV or a plug in hybrid. I’ve driven a Taycan 15km, but not used any chargers or plugs for a vehicle. It would stress me even though I know I don’t have a long drive to my family’s home.
Let’s see how the highly rated Thrifty do on Wednesday…..
h0b0 said:
I hope they can accommodate me at the counter. I was wondering if it was more of an uphill battle now they have guaranteed a Tesla.
I would imagine so, especially if it’s an airport location - bigger fleet and ime as an inbound Brit always seem to ask where you’re headed. If I mention my aging parents and mum’s mobility issues then I usually get offered my choice of what they have ready from a particular category. I now always book from the same provider for this reason, so it’s working for them in my case. croyde said:
I despise Motorway Service Stations with a passion but thankfully I do avoid them unless I need the loo.
In and out in 5 mins. No way I'd want to hang around for 30 minutes or more whilst waiting for an EV to charge up.
Plus everything is at 2079 prices
The very rare times that I need petrol whilst on a motorway, I turn off at the next junction.
It's not hard to find a supermarket or retail park near to much of the motorway networkIn and out in 5 mins. No way I'd want to hang around for 30 minutes or more whilst waiting for an EV to charge up.
Plus everything is at 2079 prices
The very rare times that I need petrol whilst on a motorway, I turn off at the next junction.
RC1807 said:
I would absolutely refuse an EV or a plug in hybrid. I’ve driven a Taycan 15km, but not used any chargers or plugs for a vehicle. It would stress me even though I know I don’t have a long drive to my family’s home.
Me too, we have a Tesla at home so I'm entirely comfortable with charging etc, I've just got far better things to be doing on a trip than putting up with the hassles of an EV. The cost of fuel makes up such a small part of the trip cost that even any potential saving there isn't worth bothering with.A decent plug in hybrid would be fine although it very likely wouldn't see a plug!
Bill said:
Whataguy said:
I’d be wary of an electric, hertz doesn’t guarantee that it will be fully charged.
WTAF?!? That's bonkers. If they're going to hire out EVs then they should install a fast charger at the depot. I had a hire for collection in Orlando a few weeks ago, "upgraded" to a Polestar 4 which I was quite keen to try out - loaded it up with the bags etc, and got in ... it had 10miles of range left. Not enough to get from the airport to the house and im not fannying around finding a charger at 10pm when ive just got off a 9hr flight. Was not impressed and the Presidents Circle staff were so blase about it all.
Was told to pick anything else in PC to use instead, went for the Yukon XL next to it, it was empty too - literally zero range on the fuel gauge - ended up in an Escalade which was 3/4 full.
It seems to be getting very common for people to not refil/recharge and the hirer to not top off / fill - makes it so awkward for return at the same level too.
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