This is our Evee Electric Car Hire Review and take on to note the good and bad things we noted in Evee Electric Car Hire.
Many car-sharing services in Australia, like Popcar, GoGet, and Uber Carshare, help people rent a car for the short and long term. But so far, finding an eco-friendly option has been very tough. This is where Evee is trying to seek your attention.
Electric cars have recently been trendy due to their eco-friendly and cost-saving benefits. As a result, many electric car rental companies are emerging, offering a greener and more sustainable transportation option. Among them, Evee Electric Car Hire is one you can’t ignore.
Evee Electric Car Hire provides customers with convenient, affordable, and environmentally friendly transportation solutions. However, this company also has both its positive and negative aspects. Like all we do!
In this article, we will explore the good and the bad of this electric car rental service. Thus, it helps you decide if you’re considering Evee for your next rental. But before moving further, we must understand Evee Electric Car Hire and its history in detail.
So, let’s explore together.
What Is Evee Electric Car Hire?
Evee Electric Car Hire is the largest electric-only car-sharing platform in Australia. It specializes in providing electric cars for rent. They offer a range of electric vehicles for short-term rentals like Tesla and other popular electric models.
Customers can rent any car from this company for few hours, days, or weeks, depending on their requirements. The best thing about Evee is that it allows customers to reduce the cost of ownership.
Evee Electric Car Hire aims to promote sustainable transportation. Besides, it also enables people to experience electric vehicles without the commitment of purchasing one. They also appear to have comprehensive insurance coverage as opposed to Uber Carshare.
Evee matches people with vehicle owners who charge them a fee, and the company takes a 35% cut. Owners, labeled as ‘hosts,’ can also deliver the car for an extra cost. Apart from that, they also offer advice on how to drive a particular vehicle.
The History Of Evee
In the early 2000s, electric cars started gaining popularity. There is also an increasing concern about climate change and pollution. Moreover, people want greener transportation options. Hence, this led to different manufacturers’ production and development of electric cars.
Yet the high cost of electric cars and limited infrastructure challenged their widespread adoption. As technology and infrastructure improved, all types of electric cars became more accessible.
In the late 2000s, major car rental companies in Australia began including electric cars. Thus, it allows customers to experience electric vehicles without purchasing them. Inspired by this trend, Evee Electric Car Hire came in 2015 to provide clean and convenient transportation options.
They initially started with a small fleet of electric cars in selected cities in Australia. But then, as demand for electric vehicles grew, the company expanded its fleet and coverage areas. Its expansion into every significant city includes Sydney, Canberra, Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart, Gold Coast, Cairns, Brisbane, and Alice Springs.
Evee offers Australian drivers access to industry-leading electric cars such as Tesla, BMW i3, Audi e-tron, and Hyundai Ioniq. The average Evee car rental traveling is 160km/day. So, comparing it to a petrol-powered vehicle, each Evee hire saves up to 12.8kg of CO2 based on 80g C02 saved per kilometer.
Unlike traditional car rental companies, Evee’s primary focus is customer satisfaction and support. They offer competitive pricing, excellent customer service, and a commitment to sustainability. It is because of this that Evee is popular among environmentally conscious consumers.
Looking ahead, Evee Electric Car Hire is exploring partnerships with hotels, airports, and other travel-related businesses to expand their reach. They are continuously growing and promoting the adoption of electric cars.
The Cars Available For Renting – Luxury VS Non-Luxury Cars
When you think that now is the time to rent a car, you may have a good idea of the vehicle you want. Depending on your trip, you might have an exact model in mind, like you need a luxury or a non-luxury car.
The highest-priced car rental category is the luxury, which includes sedans and SUVs. These cars fit five people, with two large and two small suitcases. On the contrary, a non-luxury car is a mass-produced vehicle lacking high-end features, premium materials, and extravagant design.
Some non-luxury cars include Honda, Ford, Toyota, Chevrolet, Kia, Nissan, Hyundai, and Volkswagen. Traditional luxury car brands are; BMW, Audi, Benz, Lexus…etc. while Lexus is considered the best by many.
Evee Car Hire offers a wide range of luxury and non-luxury cars. These cars cater to different preferences and budgets of customers. Below is the table that gives an overview of the types of vehicles available for renting.
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Evee Electric Car Hire |
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| Luxury Cars | Non-Luxury Cars |
| · This type of category consists of high-end and premium vehicles.
· Some luxury cars available for rent at Evee Car hire include Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, BMW, Audi, and Lexus. · At Evee, luxury cars have advanced features, impressive specifications, and modern technology. · The luxury vehicles have plush interiors and powerful performance. · They are ideal for special occasions and business trips. |
· Non-luxury cars suit budget-conscious customers who want vehicles for everyday use and family trips. · These cars include popular brands like BYD, MG, Great Wall, Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai. · They provide reliable and fuel-efficient transportation. However, the best thing is they maintain safety and comfort. · The non-luxury vehicles are cost-effective for those who prioritize functionality and value for money. · Compared to luxury cars, non-luxury cars are more affordable to rent for any special occasion and business trip. |
We will discuss luxury and non-luxury cars with their features and pros and cons.
1. Tesla Model S
Many Tesla models are available at Evee, but we will discuss the (P85) model. It’s a luxury car performance model S, including Autopilot and Panoramic Sunroof with upgraded brakes. The Model S has a premium price tag compared to most non-luxury vehicles, including Tesla’s own range.
Features
· 380 km range
· Park assists
· Free, fast-charging
· Driver assistance
· Air suspension
· Five seats
Price: From $275 for one day
Damage Liability: $4,500
Pros
· The Tesla Model S P85, offers impressive acceleration, reaching 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds.
· Tesla’s Supercharger network provides fast charging options. Thus, it allows to replenish the battery quickly during long trips.
Cons
· When purchased new, the Tesla Model S P85 is expensive. It might be out of budget for some buyers.
· Tesla vehicles have higher maintenance costs.
· Range anxiety.
2. Tesla Model 3
The most famous Tesla Model 3 (Standard Range Plus) comes with great reviews and all the new feature upgrades. It also includes Full Self-driving software. This Tesla model comes under the luxury car category (although that’s arguable!).
Features
· 400 km range
· Tesla FSD
· Free, fast-charging
· Child seat
· Driver assistance
· Five seats
Price: From $200 for one day
Damage Liability: $4,500
Pros
· The Model 3 Standard Range Plus 2021 can accelerate in just 5.3 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.
· Electric vehicles require less maintenance, and this Model 3 benefits from this, saving owners money and time.
Cons
· It has a high starting price compared to gas-powered vehicles in its class.
· There needs to be more cargo space.
· Range anxiety.
3. Hyundai Ioniq 5
If you are considering buying an electric car, the brand-new Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the best. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a non-luxury car. This car won multiple awards, including World Car of the Year 2022. All rentals include free charging, and the vehicle provides child seats if requested.
Features
· 400 km range
· Apple Car play
· Five seats
· Charging adapters
· GPS
· Driver assistance
Price: From $200 for one day
Damage Liability: $4,500
Pros
· Hyundai Ioniq 5 stands out with its sleek and aerodynamic design, offering a bold and futuristic look.
· This model supports 800-volt charging, which allows for ultra-fast charging speeds. It can charge in just 18 minutes, from 10% to 80%. Hence, this car is best for long-distance travel.
Cons
· The Ioniq 5 limited availability is due to high demand and production constraints.
· While the Hyundai Ioniq 5 supports fast charging, its availability of fast charging stations may vary depending on the region.
· Range anxiety.
4. Volvo XC40 Recharge
You can try out the new Volvo XC 40 (Pure Electric model), as it has good acceleration and handling. It’s a luxury car with Autopilot (Autosteer + Traffic-aware Cruise Control) and an LFP Battery with good practical capacity.
Features
· 450 km range
· Air suspension
· All-wheel drive
· Air suspension
· Five seats
· Fast charge
Price: From $250 for one day
Damage Liability: $4,500
Pros
· Volvo XC 40 (Pure Electric model) has zero emissions. It gives a greener and more sustainable driving experience.
· The latest model of the XC40 Recharge has an impressive range. Therefore, you can drive long distances without frequently charging.
Cons
· XC40 Recharge is more expensive than traditional SUVs.
· It has a potential range of anxiety. Despite having a competitive field, the fear of running out of charge on longer journeys may deter some potential buyers.
5. BYD Atto 3
The BYD Atto 3 (Extended Range) comes with BYD’s latest technology, and the Blade Battery is one of the safest in the world. It has a slick and unique BYD Design. The BYD Atto 3 is a non-luxury car.
However, this car is the best value for money as it includes full features like Active Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. Moreover, it has a full panoramic sunroof and a rotatable 12.8-inch infotainment screen with SatNav and Spotify.
Features
· 350 km range
· Heated seats
· Bluetooth
· Five seats
· Android Auto
· Hi-Fi sound
Price: From $100 for one day
Damage Liability: $4,500
Pros
· BYD Atto 3 contributes to a cleaner and greener environment, producing zero tailpipe emissions.
· Its compact, small size makes maneuverability in congested urban environments easy. Moreover, it can squeeze into tight parking spots and navigate narrow streets.
Cons
· Due to its compact size, the BYD Atto 3 has limited seating and cargo space.
· This car has limited power and acceleration. So, it is a drawback for those who want a sportier driving experience.
6. Mini Electric
The Mini Electric is one of the best-driving EV city cars on the market in Australia. As a hatch, this car is perfect for two people with plenty of legroom. Individuals can fold down the back seats, and they can have loads of boot space as well.
Whether the Mini Electric is a prestige, luxury or non-luxury car depends on personal opinions and perspectives. However, the Mini brand is generally associated with a more premium and upscale car image than other non-luxury brands.
Features
· 170 km range
· Five seats
· Two doors
· App access
· Charging adapters
· Audio input
Price: From $150 for one day
Damage liability: $4,500
Pros
· Mini-electric car is virtually silent. Similarly, it provides a smooth driving experience due to the absence of engine noise and vibration.
· The electric motor present in this mini-car generates full torque from the start, resulting in quick and responsive acceleration.
Cons
· Over time, the battery capacity of a mini-electric car can degrade, resulting in a costly battery replacement.
· Mini-electric vehicles have a shorter range compared to gasoline vehicles.
· Range anxiety.
Tips And Tricks When Renting From Evee
When renting a car from Evee Electric Car Hire, there are vital issues to remember to ensure a smooth experience. Below is the table that discusses some essential points.
| Key Issues | Explanation |
| Deposits And Deposit Refund Scams | • Customers will pay a deposit upfront when hiring an Evee Electric Car Hire. However, customers say deposit refund scams can occur where the company unfairly delays the refund without valid reasons.
• It is essential to inspect the car to avoid such scams thoroughly. In addition, also maintain clear communication with the rental car company. |
| Cancelling Bookings With Short Notice | • Cancelling with short notice can result in extra charges.
• It is essential to review the cancellation policy before making a booking. Try to inform the rental car company as early as possible. |
| Issues With Insurance Arrangements | • The rental company must provide adequate insurance protection.
• If Evee fails to provide reliable insurance arrangements, it can lead to confusion and financial liabilities for customers. |
| Lack Of Support During An Insurance Claim | • This point refers to the problem of Evee Electric Car Hire not providing adequate support to customers when making an insurance claim, just like Uber Carshare.
• Customers will expect a car hire company to guide them through the insurance process if they get into an accident. |
| Stripe Identity Verification | • Evee Electric Car Hire requires customers to undergo a process of identity verification using a service called Stripe.
• By implementing Stripe Identity Verification, Evee aims to ensure that the person renting the electric car is a legitimate customer. |
| Extra Charges | • Extra charges include late returns, damage to the vehicle, excessive mileage, etc.
• Customers must be aware of potential extra costs to avoid unexpected financial burdens. |
| Age Restrictions | • Individuals younger only as aged 21 or 25 may rent a car at Evee.
• This restriction is in place to make sure that a renter has enough driving experience. |
| Discount Codes | • Evee electric car hires offer discount codes to encourage people to rent their electric cars.
• These codes provide the customers additional benefits, making the rental more affordable. |
| Fast Chargers And Their Availability | • Fast chargers are charging stations that can reduce the charging time of electric vehicles.
• Evee electric car hires provide access to fast chargers. |
| Low Operating Costs | • Electric cars have lower operating costs compared to traditional gasoline vehicles.
• Evee electric car hire takes advantage of this by allowing customers to save on fuel expenses. |
| Range Anxiety | • Range anxiety means the fear that an electric vehicle may run out of charge before reaching its destination.
• Evee Electric Car Hire aims to address this concern by ensuring their cars have a sufficient driving range on a single charge. |
| Unique Driving Experience | • The Evee Electric Car Hire in Australia offers a unique driving experience. Unlike traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, electric cars provide a silent ride.
• Electric motor’s instant torque and acceleration can excite the driving experience. |
| Easy Reservation Process | • Evee provides an easy reservation process for their electric car hire service.
• Customers can conveniently book their preferred electric vehicle online or through their mobile app. |
| Customer Service | • Good customer service is at the forefront of Evee as it values its customers and strives to provide excellent service. The company has a dedicated customer support team helps customers throughout their rental journey. |
Available Car Models As A Percentage
The total new vehicle sale in Australia includes battery electric vehicles. They accounted for a record 7.4% over the first half of the year. Around 60% of all EVs belong to Tesla, which sold over the year’s first half.
The Tesla Model Y is the top-selling SUV, and the Model 3 is the top-selling passenger vehicle, according to the Car Expert, so Tesla’s popularity is nothing to be surprised by.
One of the market surveys shows that half of Aussies prefer an electric car (50.8%), at least as a short-term experience. They like traditional cars by just about 36.2%.
If we talk about Evee Electric Car Hire, they have mostly Teslas. The following are the cars available at Evee with their percentages.
E.g. Total number of cars available was 65, closer to Adelaide Airport.
1. 58 Tesla (89%) with their models.
· 42 Tesla 3 (The lowest-cost Tesla) – 65%
· 9 Tesla X (It includes a Large car/SUV crossbreed with gull-wing doors) – 14%
· 7 Tesla S (Large and high-performance sports car.) – 11%
2. 3 Audi e-tron – 5%
3. 2 Hyundai Ioniq – 3%
4. 1 BMW i3 – 2%
5. 1 Electric Mini – 2%
Conclusion
In conclusion, Evee Electric Car hire has both positive and negative aspects. On the positive side, the best thing about this company is that it provides an eco-friendly and sustainable transportation option. Most importantly, they appeal to customers who are conscious about reducing their carbon footprint.
Additionally, compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, electric cars require less maintenance. Furthermore, Evee Electric Car Hire offers convenient rental options to customers. They can book cars online, which gives them a hassle-free rental experience.
However, there are also some drawbacks to consider. For instance, there needs to be more charging infrastructure for electric cars. Thus, this thing makes it challenging to find charging stations when needed. Another area for improvement is the higher rental cost and limited range of some electric vehicles. Ultimately resulting in ‘range anxiety’, which can kill your driving experience.
Evee Electric Car Hire offers several benefits, such as eco-friendliness and convenience. Customers must carefully consider their travel needs and the availability of charging infrastructure before opting for an electric car rental.
If you are interested in renting a luxury car, check out our car rental options; you may find many attractive brands there, too.
Thanks for reading!