Tesla is one of the hottest car companies around right now. Sleek modern styling coupled with an all electric engine. What’s not to like. But, can you rent a Tesla? The answer is generally yes, depending on the rental car company. We explain.
Tesla’s are known for their sleek look, modern features and most importantly, being all electric. The car company has skyrocketed onto the automobile scene with their striking, energy efficient cars.
Each day more and more Teslas hit the streets and their popularity seems unbridled at this point. Much of this is driven from the combination of their futuristic look along with an affordable entry point for their low end model, the Tesla 3.
Generally speaking, the Tesla is considered a luxury car and that is especially true of the more expensive Tesla S – a higher end four door car with a longer range. It’s the Tesla S model that is also the more widely available model when it comes to car rentals.
Can I rent a Tesla?
Yes, in fact many of the large rental car companies, including Hertz, Enterprise and National (to name a few) include the Tesla Model S in the rental fleet inventory. In the following sections we examine which rental car companies rent Teslas, who doesn’t, as well one company who will rent you the rare Tesla Model X.
Car Rentals are hot right now – kinda
Car rentals are one of the few areas of travel industry that has seen a meaningful increase in customers. This is largely because of an increase in summer road trips.
While the industry is still mired in the doldrums of the worst travel crisis the industry has ever faced, rental cars have made some progress in the recovery as cooped up families are hitting the road desperate for some sort of travel experience.
Road trips are relatively safe ways to still get out and make the most of what could be an otherwise lost year. Renting a car is one way to amp up your experience – especially if it’s a fun car.
And a Tesla definitely counts as a fun car! While Teslas are not widely available in rental car fleets there are a few that can be rented at most of the major rental car companies. We explain.
Does Hertz rent Teslas?
Yes, Hertz rents Tesla’s as part of their “Dream Car” collection. Specifically, they rent the Tesla Model S car. Renters can use their Hertz Gold benefits, if they are part of the loyalty program, to enhance their renting experience.
The Hertz Dream Collection focuses on the car of your dreams, high performance cars, selected for their sporty design and powerful performance. It is with great pleasure that Hertz has introduced the head-turning, heart-pumping Dream Collection.
Hertz Website
Hertz, who recently filed for bankruptcy, and is also selling much of their rental car fleet in a desperate bid to lower cost, will also sell you a Tesla – although generally speaking, it’s better to lease Teslas than own them.
Does National Rent Teslas?
Yes! National Car Rental will rent the Tesla Model S as part of their Luxury Car collection. National Car Rental, popular with business travelers, is part of the Enterprise Rental Car family of businesses. Their Emerald Club is arguably the best rental car loyalty program and you might be able to use some of your hard earned free rental days to rent a Tesla.
Can I rent a Tesla from Enterprise Rent-a-Car?
Yes! Enterprise Rent-a-Car, known for their famous tagline “We’ll pick you up” includes the Tesla Model S in their fleet of car rental vehicles. The Tesla falls into their luxury car line, so you will pay a little more for it, but hey, they’ll come get you so that’s kind of cool!
Does Alamo Rent a Car have Teslas?
Alamo Rent a Car will rent a Tesla Model S car as part of their luxury electric rental fleet. Alamo, who is part of the Enterprise family of rental car companies, allows renters to use the Alamo Insiders program to score discounts on rental cars – including the Tesla Model S.
Can I rent a Tesla from Sixt?
Yes! Sixt rents both the Tesla Model S and Tesla Model X car. In fact, Sixt is one of the few companies to rent a model other than the Model S.
The Tesla Model X is the only SUV in the Tesla family and is known for it’s incredibly unique bat-wing style rear doors.
Sixt is German owned rental car company who’s made great strides in competing against the big name players like National and Hertz. While not as popular with business travelers – yet – Sixt has become a compelling player in the leisure travel space.
Sixt has a relatively robust portfolio of luxury class cars and is one of the few companies that will rent you a Model X.
Can I rent a Tesla from Turo?
Turo is more like Uber and Lyft than Avis or National. In fact, Turo is a car sharing company where individuals can rent their car to other people through the Turo platform. Don’t own a car, but need to snag one for a weekend trip? Use Turo. Or maybe you just want to rent a luxury car for fun. Use Turo.
Same goes for a Tesla. Unsurprisingly, Teslas are quite prevalent on Turo including all three Tesla models: 3, S, and the X.
Companies that don’t rent Teslas
While many companies do offer a Tesla a luxury rental car option, there are quite a few who do not. Here’s our list of companies who don’t (as far as we can tell) offer Teslas for rental:
- Advantage Rental Car does not rent Teslas
- Budget Rental Car does not rent Teslas
- Dollar Car Rental does not rent Teslas
- Thrifty Car Rental does not rent Teslas
Renting a Tesla – it’s pricey, but can be done
There you have it. Can I rent a Tesla? In fact, you can. It might cost you a little more than a typical midsize rental car, but could be a lot of fun on your summer road trip. Have fun out there this summer! Be safe, where a mask, and hit the road!
Images: Tesla.com
Other rental car tips & stories
We talk about rental cars quite a bit here at the CBoardingGroup. Here’s a few other pieces you might be interested in:
- 9 Rental Car Hacks
- Car Rental Carbon Offset – save the planet while renting a car
- Under 25 Car Rental Tips
- Never Prepay your Gas when renting a car
- How to rent a car abroad
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6 comments
they charge a huge fee if its not returned fully charged ?
That’s a good question – I actually don’t know!
Hey Mike, so, I asked National Car Rental on Twitter and they said no…no need to bring it back fully charged.
FYI it can be very competitive to rent from Enterprise and I’d recommend NOT reserving via their luxury or exotics portals where they will charge more. I’ve made a reservation to rent a Tesla S in August at SFO. Surprisingly it was cheaper than any of the city locations (including Fisherman’s Wharf which has had some great deals due to the absence of tourists)and the rate is for unlimited miles, the other locations offered 100 miles a day. I’m paying $475 including ALL taxes and fees which seems incredibly reasonable.
Forgot to say that’s for a one week rental!
I thought that rate was for a day. I was gonna say reasonable?