Tag: EV Rentals

For many drivers, switching from petrol to electric can be a challenging shift. There are several barriers putting the brakes on uptake, not least the unfamiliarity with how EVs operate and perform.

Enter Turo, the world’s largest peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace. The platform is backing the EV revolution by giving drivers the chance to familiarise themselves with the progressive automotive technology.

What is Turo?

Turo’s goal is to put the world’s 1.5 billion cars to better use. The company brings together a vibrant community of hosts who share their cars with guests from around the world.

Guests are able to book the car they want, when and where they want it. Whether they need a set of wheels to run errands, a truck or van to move house, or a swanky ride to mark a special occasion, there are thousands of vehicles to choose from in locations across the globe.

Operating in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Australia, Turo’s international presence also allows travellers to tap into its network of hosts and vehicles whenever they adventure abroad.

Turo’s EV revolution

Turo is no stranger to electric vehicles. They’ve been on the platform since 2012, with a wide selection of the most in-demand and recently launched makes and models available.

In the decade since, interest in EVs on Turo has only increased. In 2022, around 14% of Turo’s Gross Booking Value (GBV) came from trips taken with a vehicle running on alternative energy. 

Electric vehicles make up 13% of all active vehicles listed on the platform in Australia as of 31 March 2023 – a proportion that’s higher than any other country where Turo operates. In fact, electric vehicles are the most-booked cars on Turo in Australia.

It’s clear that Aussies are starting to embrace EVs. However, there are still numerous barriers to purchasing one, including performance concerns and operational changes (think charging infrastructure and the time it takes to charge an EV, and new features like one-pedal driving).

Fortunately, peer-to-peer car sharing platforms, like Turo, have the power to break down such barriers. Beyond being able to book a car for any adventure, Turo provides prospective EV owners the opportunity to truly try before they buy. 

Rather than simply taking a car for a brief test drive, guests can really take their time and get to know the car’s most intricate features before committing to it. They can become familiar with the differences around driving an EV and have the chance to alleviate their concerns.

They’re also able to communicate directly with the host who owns it, providing a human connection to their driving experience and allowing them to discover more about the vehicle from someone who knows it intimately.

Turo’s impact

Turo’s impact certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed. The company was recently declared Carbon Neutral Certified by SCS Global Services, one of the world’s leading third-party certifiers in sustainability standards. 

This makes Turo the first global carbon-neutral car sharing marketplace.  The certification recognises Turo’s achievement of offsetting 100% of its annual greenhouse gas emissions in 2022. 

Moving forward, Turo intends to continue driving down its emissions and maintain carbon neutrality through a number of initiatives. These include boosting the number of electric and hybrid vehicles on the platform, supporting EV financing partnerships for hosts, and promoting hybrid and electric vehicle-based trips by delivering an elevated guest experience.

In the years to come, Turo anticipates a rise in EV demand, and certainly welcomes the increased interest.

Content for this sponsored article provided by Turo

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming a highly charged topic around Aussie dinner tables, at backyard BBQs, and among car and truck rental industry experts. 

We all think about our individual contribution to emissions at some point. As companies, we carry an even greater responsibility to lower emissions. While plenty of forward-thinking businesses are beginning to transition their fleets to electric, the rental industry is in a unique position to make an immediate, tangible and far-reaching impact. 

Renting an EV instead of a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle comes with plenty of benefits. Australia, being the vast continent that it is, poses a real challenge when it comes to decarbonising domestic travel, with high emissions from both air travel and ICE vehicles. This is where electric vehicle rental comes in, with the industry holding a significant opportunity in its hands to play a significant role in cutting carbon emissions. 

SIXT CEO Matt Beattie emphasises that the transition to EVs aligns with the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals of many corporate clients. By choosing an EV, not only do customers cut back on emissions, but it also makes clear commercial sense. 

Recognising the importance of transitioning to EVs sooner rather than later, SIXT Australia has taken steps to build one of the largest EV fleets in the country. Wholly owned in Australia by the NRMA, SIXT is upholding its reputation for evolving in line with changing mobility needs. With more than 160 locations and over 16,000 vehicles across the country, SIXT is encouraging individuals and companies to choose an EV for their rental journeys, thereby contributing to emissions reduction efforts. 

“We’re the only Australian rental provider that has EVs in every state, territory, and at all major airports. We are in the process of expanding our electric fleet and are aiming to have a further 300 new electric vehicles by the end of 2023,” said Beattie. 

Our range caters to various budgets and preferences, and all offer a range greater than 400km. From premium options like the BMW iX3 and Tesla Models 3 and Y to more affordable choices like the BYD ATTO 3, customers have the flexibility to choose an EV that suits their needs. Further encouraging their take up, the pricing of EV rentals is often comparable to equivalent ICE vehicles – even cheaper in some cases. And when you consider their reduced reduced fuel costs, the financial benefit of renting an EV becomes apparent.

To drive this home – pun intended – SIXT has addressed some common barriers to renting EVs, with the aim of making the experience more accessible to more Australians. 

For starters, we’ve decided to price the BYD ATTO 3 at $90 per day and made the minimum rental age 21, attracting a budget conscious and younger demographic who may feel like trialling an EV is currently out of reach. SIXT has also done away with the requirement to return an EV rental with a full battery, unlike ICE rental vehicles. At no extra cost to the customer, EVs can be returned without a full battery, maximising their rental time and removing the need to find a charging station before returning the vehicle. 

Even better, through key partnerships, SIXT is saving customers on their rental journeys as the only car rental company offering free charging at NRMA, Chargefox, and Tesla charging stations, making EV rentals even more affordable. Beyond travellers, SIXT is finding that local customers are renting EVs in increasing numbers. They’re enjoying having the opportunity to test drive different EVs and experience what it’s like to drive, charge and run one in their day-to-day life, before making a purchase decision. 

Along with making a real and leading contribution to emission reduction efforts, EV rentals occupy an exciting space in 2023.  They facilitate not only a new and exciting way to travel, but also an affordable one, and a way for more Australians to access and experience the electric revolution.

Content for this sponsored article provided by SIXT