These days, you do not need to purchase an electric car to experience zero-emission transport. New Zealanders will now be able to rent a Tesla Model Y, courtesy of GO Rentals.
The car rental company has added at least nine Model Ys to its fleet, after Tesla introduced the electric SUV in the country in August. Clients will be able to rent the EVs from the Auckland Airport.
However, the company plans to make them available at other locations, including Auckland City, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown, and Nelson, before the end of the year.
“As travel opens up and we head into Summer, we are pleased to be expanding our options of how locals and International visitors can enjoy traveling around the country, the Tesla Y is a phenomenal model to offer our customers. There are plenty of advantages in opting for an EV – and not just to protect the planet. You don’t have to fill it up on return! Charging using the Tesla supercharger network is super-efficient. You can get from 20% to 80% in about 30mins if the battery is preconditioned,” James Dalglish, COO of GO Rentals, said.
GO Rental says the Model Y will connect to its mobile rental app. It will allow drivers remotely lock and unlock, use the horn, and monitor the battery level.
Other rental companies adding EVs to their fleet include Hertz and SIXT. Uber is also partnering with Hertz to give drivers Tesla EVs.
Even though the Model Y was only launched in mid-August, it is already New Zealand’s most popular car, according to local sales data. In September it was able to outsell two perennial favourites, the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.
