First, I think they were just too far ahead of the market. I don’t think there are enough EV owners out there for this to work well.

I wouldn’t mind renting an EV, I’ve done it. But that’s because I’m an owner. I wouldn’t expect any random ICE owner to be ready to just accept one.

But from talking to my local Hertz (I asked him about this when I had to rent from them last year) basically no one in my area wants them. I assume very few of their customers are existing owners.

On top of that I know that they’ve had big problems because even though they’re saving a ton of normal maintenance the cost of scratch and dent/fender bender stuff is way higher than expected since only Tesla sells Tesla parts. Makes me think going with another brand would’ve been smarter on this specific point.

There’s of course anti anti-EV sentiment out there combined with anti-Musk stuff now. There’s no way that’s helping.

I think renting EVs is a good idea. I understand they chose Tesla both because they have the volume and the charging network. But I think that bit them on repairs and sentiment.

Mostly I think they were just a couple years too early. I think they thought the market would move faster than it has. I thought it would.

Once more drivers are used to EVs a lot of the problems go away. Then all your left with is charging and repair costs, both fully solvable.