Tesla, the leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is now offering short-term car rentals to address the decline in sales following the expiration of federal tax credits for EVs in the US. As reported by The Verge, Tesla has started offering rentals at two of its California stores, with plans for a broader rollout before the end of the year.
Customers can rent Tesla vehicles for three to seven days, with pricing starting at $60 per day depending on the model. To attract renters, Tesla is providing access to Supercharger stations for charging and supervised Full Self-Driving features at no additional cost. Additionally, renters who decide to purchase a Tesla after the rental period will receive a $250 credit.
This move by Tesla not only streamlines the rental process by bypassing third-party services but also strategically addresses the anticipated decline in EV demand following the termination of the $7,500 federal tax credit earlier this month. As major players in the EV market, including Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid, seek ways to sustain interest amid changing market conditions, Tesla’s foray into short-term rentals demonstrates the company’s adaptability in navigating the evolving landscape of electric vehicle sales.
Source: The Verge