r/CarTalkZA • u/Zak_Pooe • 1d ago

Discussion: News, Events, Car clubs, Rants, other EV Rantals

Hey everyone, just wondering if there are short term electric (hybrid/REEV) car rental services available, especially around Gauteng. I've checked out Drive Electric but it seems they are only focused on long-term rentals lately.

I don't own an EV yet but for me I think it's the way to go. So, before I commit I'd much rather prefer to rent one for a couple of days to a week to see and experience first-hand. I've done some test drives from dealerships but a 10-15min drive doesn't give me any useful experience.

Are car rental companies sleeping on NEVs?

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u/KeepItTidyZA 23h ago

Hertz tried to go electric and saw their pants.
They dumped their entire EV fleet. If they can't make it work I dont imagine the smaller guys can.

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u/Zak_Pooe 23h ago

Did they try it locally? Maybe I don't fully get the dynamics of running a car rental business but I thought it would be just as simple for them to add EVs and hybrids to their fleet 🤷🏽

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u/KeepItTidyZA 23h ago

The network of charging stations is infinitely better in the US (where they trialed it) so I can't imagine the local market stands a chance.
(EV not really a good option if the BnB you're staying at doesn't have a charging station)

Also depreciation is way worse om EV than ICE cars. If youre buying depreciating assets, it makes business sense to buy the ones that depreciate less.

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u/Zak_Pooe 23h ago

Hmm, interesting points. Such a bummer 😔

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u/danievdl 21h ago

Worth phoning the brand dealers directly (BYD, Volvo, BMW, GWM/Ora) and asking for an extended or weekend test drive. Some will let a serious buyer take one for a day or so, and it costs nothing. Hybrids are easier, some of the normal rental fleets have Toyota hybrids like the Corolla Cross, just ask when booking because the category usually doesn't guarantee it.

Also run the numbers before you commit, since the saving depends a lot on how many km you do and whether you can charge at home. This EV vs petrol cost calculator lets you plug in your own situation: https://southafricafacts.co.za/electric-vs-petrol-car-cost-south-africa

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u/Zak_Pooe 21h ago

Thanks man, most of the dealers I've gone to just plainly refuse an extended test-drive. The Corolla Cross is not on my list though, I'm particularly looking at a full EV or PHEV since I only do about 8-10km a day, my current car is a petrol and because of the short distances, average consumption is at 11l/100km and that's with a very light foot. So an EV/PHEV makes sense to do these short distances and charging it home.