The lack of proper electric vehicle (EV) education for renters leads to distressing experiences: This was the case with Kendra, who faced significant difficulties when she rented an EV from Hertz. A social media post by Sergio Rodriguez, a seasoned EV owner, brought her ordeal into the spotlight. After traveling from Rhode Island to California, Kendra was left to figure out EV charging on her own, which led to an incredibly frustrating day.
Charging Challenges and the Good Samaritan
Upon renting her EV, Kendra encountered her first hurdle: insufficient knowledge about charging the vehicle. Her battery eventually ran low, and after fruitless attempts at different charging stations, her car and smartphone batteries were nearly exhausted. It wasn’t until a Good Samaritan, Sergio, arrived that the situation improved. Utilizing the battery from his F-150 Lightning and a jumper box, he resuscitated her car’s 12-volt battery and helped her understand the charging process, equipping her for future use.
About Inadequate EV Support in Rentals
This story is not unique to Hertz or Kendra. Sergio himself faced reluctance from Enterprise to provide necessary charging equipment or information during a rental, an issue prevalent among various rental companies. These enterprises have yet to accommodate the growing trend of EVs, often leaving customers stranded without essential guidance.
First Impressions: Rentals as EV Introductions
For many individuals, renting an EV can be their initial exposure to electric motoring. Unlike the familiarity of refueling gas vehicles, the absence of adequate charging instructions can leave renters like Kendra in precarious situations. With EV charging infrastructures varying and some areas still lacking sufficient stations, the education gap becomes a significant barrier.
Addressing the Information Gap in EV Rentals
Rental companies can alleviate these issues through customer education and resources. With Teslas, the challenge is easier to overcome by including a mobile charger and a short tutorial on trip planning and Supercharger use. This brief guidance can make a world of difference for travelers unfamiliar with the EV ecosystem. However, complexities arise with other EV makes that may not offer such intuitive features or charging networks.
Getting Renters Road-Ready
Local rental branches need knowledgeable staff to instruct customers on charging protocol and trip planning through mobile applications like Chargeway or A Better Routeplanner. It’s crucial to recommend app installations, such as Plugshare, as station discovery is essential. Additionally, providing a list of necessary apps, a brief guide with QR codes, and support contacts can ensure a seamless experience. Leaving customers without any help should never occur in the age of EV expansion.
In the end, a proactive approach in customer education can not only enhance the rental experience but also contribute positively to the wider adoption of EVs. Companies have a responsibility to ensure clients don’t drive away uninformed, potentially turning what should be an exciting introduction to electric vehicles into a stressful and negative encounter.
