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.
