When researching car rental options for an upcoming trip to the USA, I knew I would rent an electric vehicle (EV), so I jumped online.
I came across a great resource and service that saved money and provided us with a unique and memorable experience.
TURO is a carsharing marketplace, and with the increasing number of electric cars becoming available on its platform, it was an easy choice. Even with our travel challenges, which in today’s times are more prevalent, TURO provided brilliant service and ultimate convenience.
We rented a Hyundai Ioniq which is the company’s first all-electric car. It was delivered door-to-door to our family’s home so we could hit the road straight away. We met the owner who was informative, courteous, and extremely helpful.
The service was very personal, and we loved every minute of driving on the freeways and ocean roads of Southern California. The car was whisper-quiet with pushbutton starts and smooth gear changes and was fitted with sensors to give warnings to increase safety (this really helped when my daughter learnt to drive on the opposite side of the road for the first time whilst tackling the busy eight lane freeways).
Access to charging stations is something that took a little bit of time to understand, but the unique maps search feature in the car helped us find our favourite charging stations while travelling. The app ChargeHub gave us up to date information of stations in use which also specified the types of chargers available. An overnight charge was easily attained as well so we used this feature when staying with our family and friends. Our total out of pocket cost was minimal compared to the costly petrol charges we would have had. It was a win/win overall, better for us and better for the planet.
So, I mentioned travel challenges … locking our keys in our rented EV in Southern California just before flying to New York presented a challenge. Apparently, when you leave the keys in the vehicle to say goodbye and give a quick hug, the vehicle can lock automatically.
TURO representatives were quick to sort roadside assistance for us to retrieve the keys before we took off again. A delayed flight helped relieve the stress, but we made it to New York, albeit just a bit later than planned. We rented the same car at both ends of our trip in California.
Over six weeks our combined flights gained us high carbon mileage. We came home ready to offset our travel footprint and I am more eager than ever to own an EV.
As we spent quality time with those we love, I am grateful for the chance to explore the EV revolution around the world with my daughter. She too aims to purchase an EV.
As technology improves and the world catches the “electric buzz”, this option will be more cost effective and more enticing for many with a growing capacity to provide better outcomes reaching towards Net Zero Emissions.
Zero Emissions Noosa provides a great community platform to be part of as emphasis on reducing our emissions is growing in Australia. Bring your ideas and your passion and please JOIN us. Be part of a great team as we aim towards Net Zero Emissions together.
For more information contact Meghan Halverson, Community Engagement Zero Emissions Noosa communityengagement@zeroemissionsnoosa.com or zeroemissionsnoosa.com.au
