Tesla’s New Strategy: Rent an EV to Boost Sales
▼ Summary
– Tesla has launched short-term car rentals at two California locations to counter falling US sales after federal EV tax credits expired.
– Rentals are available for 3-7 days starting at $60/day, varying by Tesla model, with free Supercharging and supervised Full Self-Driving included.
– The program offers a $250 credit toward vehicle purchase for renters who decide to buy a Tesla after their rental period.
– Unlike third-party rental services like Hertz, Tesla’s new initiative allows customers to rent directly from the company without intermediaries.
– This move addresses expected declining EV demand as EV manufacturers seek new strategies to maintain sales following the tax credit expiration.
Tesla has launched a short-term vehicle rental program in select California locations, marking a strategic shift aimed at countering a projected downturn in electric vehicle sales. This initiative arrives as federal tax incentives for EVs have recently expired, potentially cooling consumer demand. For now, the service is available at Tesla stores in San Diego and Costa Mesa, with intentions to broaden its reach to additional sites before the year concludes.
Customers can reserve a Tesla for periods ranging from three to seven days, with daily rates beginning at $60. The specific model chosen will determine the final rental cost. To enhance the appeal, Tesla is bundling several attractive perks. Renters receive complimentary access to the Supercharger network for charging and can try out the supervised Full Self-Driving capability at no extra charge. Furthermore, the company is offering a $250 credit toward the final purchase price for any renter who decides to buy a Tesla.
While other rental agencies, such as Hertz, already include Teslas in their fleets, this new program establishes a direct channel between the automaker and potential customers. The timing is significant, as the electric vehicle market braces for a slowdown following the conclusion of the $7,500 federal tax credit on October 1st. With the initial surge of buyers seeking to utilize the incentive now passed, EV manufacturers like Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid are exploring creative avenues to maintain sales momentum and keep their vehicles moving off the lot.
(Source: The Verge)