Hybrid cars continue to rise in popularity across the nation. Because of their reputation as fuel-efficient, easy to drive vehicles, hybrid car rental availability has also gone up every year. But are these cars really a better option than conventional cars? The truth is that when all the benefits of a hybrid are weighed against those of a conventional car, the answer is “not necessarily.” Here are a few reasons to not rent a hybrid car.

Increased Fuel Economy?

One of the biggest reasons travelers cite to renting a hybrid car is to save on fuel costs. Because hybrids get more out of each gallon of gas than conventional cars do, one may be led to believe that the slightly greater daily cost will be outweighed by the savings in gasoline. But this is, in fact, not true in many cases. Because most people tend to drive less than a hundred miles per day with a rental car, the savings from using a hybrid are minimal. Really, the only time hybrid cars provide significant savings is if you drive the car in extended stop-and-go urban environment, or on long trips.

Hybrid Rental Rates Remain High

Hybrid cars do cost more per day in rental fees. Because they are more expensive to purchase in the first place, car rental companies have to charge more for those who want to rent them. Even with competition driving down dealer prices for new hybrid cars, hybrid rental rates remain high in the premium range. So without the savings in fuel making up for the difference, renting a hybrid car could mean paying extra money to drive on your next trip.

Learning to Drive a Hybrid in an Unfamiliar City

Additionally, hybrid cars drive very differently than normal cars. For drivers who are already experienced in driving a hybrid, this is not a problem. But to first-timers, hybrid rental cars will seem to have lighter weight, have different controls, and have their own quirks. One such “quirk” is a idle-top feature that are built into many modern hybrids. Idle-stop allows the car engine to shut down at a stoplight or stop sign (whenever the car is at a stop,) thereby cutting down on fuel consumption. This is well and good, but a small problem with this is that hybrid car renters often find themselves in a new location they have never been to before. And while trying out a new car in a familiar area may work out fine, driving a new hybrid in a new city can be challenging for many people. The last thing you want when trying to fumble over maps is to have a car shut off unexpectedly or to  brake differently.

In fact, this instability could lead to unsafe situations. The easiest way to get into an accident is to combine a lack of direction with confusion from driving a new car. And once you put yourself in harm’s way on the road, you are not only risking your own well-being, but also the well-being of others. Stick to what you are comfortable with and stay safe. It’s more important than saving a few bucks on gas, if any.

Non-Hybrid, High MPG Alternatives Are Available

All carmakers now manufacture smaller, highly efficient, non-hybrid car models as well, and car rental companies are making them available for rent, without the premium rental rates. Modern smaller cars, including the economy and compact sizes, are safe, efficient and very reliable. They also come with all the expected amenities such air conditioning, automatic transmission, stereo radio with CD player, many with ABS and airbags. Additionally, companies like Enterprise and Hertz have Carbon Offset programs so that, no matter what a traveler selects to rent, he/she can still participate in helping the environment.

In summary, hybrid cars are the creation of a movement to stop global warming and improve the environment as a whole. As an idea, they are terrific and are the first of hopefully many steps in creating cars that are not dependent on fossil fuels. But as a rental option, they can be cumbersome and a bad choice for many people at least until hybrids are becoming more mainstream. Higher costs, a steep learning curve, and use in unfamiliar territories can lead to unwanted situations. So if you think you’re not ready to rent a hybrid rental car, you’re probably not.

Post from: Airport Hybrid Rentals

Reasons Why You Should Not Rent a Hybrid Car During Your Travel

The one sure sign that shows that the time for clean cars such as hybrid cars has come is the fact that major and independent rental companies are now renting hybrid cars. This means that for your business or personal travels, you can now contribute to the protection of the environment by renting a hybrid car instead of a regular gasoline or diesel car.

The rental car industry plays its part to contribute to air pollution because of their large fleet of vehicles in operation every day. Travelers, both the business and pleasure kinds, rent cars when they go on trips. The cars are most often rented at the destination that you wish to visit. With the exception of some vacationers, most people require rental cars to get around one particular city, so the car will most likely be used for in-city driving and not long-range driving. This makes hybrid cars the perfect choice for rental car use since hybrid cars are most effective in stop-and-go traffic. If you look at the mile-per-gallon ratings of any hybrid car, the city mile per gallon (mpg) is always the higher number.

If you’ve never driven a hybrid car and are planning to rent a hybrid car for the first time, here are a few things you should know.

Availability of Hybrid Rental Cars

Your choice of a rental hybrid car may be very limited, at least for now. Car rental companies normally give you a list of available vehicles to choose from. The hybrid cars you should most likely expect from car rental companies include the well knownToyota Prius hybrid, the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Ford Escape Hybrid. Also depending on your destination you may also find the Nissan Altima Hybrid offered by some rental companies as well.

You may also come across the Insight hybrid car from Honda, but this car is still very new so fleet sales remain to be seen. Rental companies also have several other hybrid variants you can also choose from such as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, but this vehicle may be more likely available from independent rental companies than at national branches.

Top rental companies such as Hertz and Enterprise have much larger hybrid fleet than any others, therefore do offer a separate section on their websites. Enterprise has a whole section on green rental cars. Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent Car allow you to select a hybrid as part of the rental reservation process. For Hertz, click here to read more information on its Green Collection.

Rental Rates

Hybrid car rental rates are definitely higher than conventional cars. Aside from the fact that you know you’re helping the environment when renting a hybrid, for some travelers, the benefits of higher mpg can offset the higher rate disadvantage. At 48 mpg in a Prius, you can go farther on a tank of gas, and won’t need to fill up as much as when you drive a conventional car. In the end, the extra cost of renting a hybrid versus the savings you get out of the reduced fill-ups can only be decided by your own personal travel needs.

Driving a Hybrid

Hybrid cars drive differently compared to normal cars. Hybrid cars are more fuel-efficient because of regenrative braking (regen), all-electric mode, and even idle-stop, among other features.

Regen in a hybrid allows the car to recharge its battery pack when coasting and braking. This feature recovers energy of the moving car during coasting and braking and puts it back into the battery pack, whereas in a conventional car, energy is not recovered during coasting and lost through brake heat during braking.

All-electric mode (EV mode) in a hybrid allows the car to drive for a short distance (about a mile or two) for under 25 mph using only the electric motor. No fuel is used when driving in EV mode. In fact the engine is not on at all in this mode. This important capability adds to the increase in mpg in a hybrid car.

Finally, idle-stop in a hybrid allows the car engine to turn off at stoplights. This helps cut down fuel consumption and engine emissions, and when combined with EV mode, can really enhance the hybrid car mileage performance especially in stop-and-go traffic. New drivers will need to get used to the engine turning off when the hybrid car comes to a stop, and have trust in the control system and the engine to restart when the light turns green and the accelerator pedal is pressed.

So if you’ve never driven a hybrid car before, you can rent one on your next trip. Whether you’re doing your part to help reduce emissions to the environment, or just wanting to try one out as a test drive to see if a hybrid car makes sense for your next car purchase, be sure to get the attendant to give you a full run down on the hybrid car you’re renting. They’re there to help make your driving a rental hybrid car a very good experience.

Post from: Airport Hybrid Rentals

Renting a Hybrid For the First Time? Tips to Know Before Reserving One

More car rental companies are making hybrid cars and other fuel efficient vehicles available for rent. Here’s a rundown on the top companies renting hybrid cars in the U.S.

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Enterprise has about 7000 hybrid cars in 24 markets across the nation. This includes 10 of the busiest airports. Since 2008, they have increased the size of their hybrid rental car fleet from 4000. According to Enterprise spokeswoman Lisa Martini in an AP interview published on Feb 4, 2009, “consumers and corporate customers have continued to express interest in hybrid cars.” She said demands are particularly high in urban areas and at airports where large numbers of business travelers are most active, so the company has concentrated new hybrid cars in those markets, including Toyota Prius hybrids and Toyota Camry hybrids. Read more about Enterprise renting hybrid cars.
• National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car, also owned by Enterprise, also offer hybrid cars for rent.
  
• Hertz Car Rental: This is another company that has significantly increased its fleet of hybrids. In 2007, they had 1200 of them, and have increased to 4000. Hertz hybrid rental cars can be found in the top 50 airports throughout the US, and even some in global cities overseas such as London. Read more about Hertz renting hybrid cars.
• Avis Rent A Car: Although they don’t have quite the fleet that Enterprise and Hertz do, at 2500 hybrid cars, Avis has a modest foothold in the industry of hybrid rental cars. The main brand available at the moment is Toyota’s Prius, and only in some cities. California and Florida have adopted the hybrid models state-wide, but other cities such as Seattle, Portland, and Dallas have only recently picked up on hybrids. Read more about Avis Prius rental cars.
• Budget Rent A Car: This car rental company is based in New Jersey, where the green movement has shown itself to be in full swing. There are over 2000 hybrid cars in Budget’s fleet, and they often have bargains for weekend rates. Read more about Budget Smartway Certified Green Machines program.
• Dollar Rent A Car: Working from San Francisco, Dollar is new to the hybrid scene. Currently, they have 215 Toyota Priuses in their fleet, but they are working on getting more. The cost of going green is relatively high, and expect to pay a little more for hybrid rentals.
• Fox Rent A Car: Fox Rent a Car was the first company to offer hybrid cars. They can be found at many locations around the world, such as airports in Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Austin, Salt Lake City and Orlando. Ford and Honda are the main models of hybrid cars owned by Fox. Follow the link below to reserve a Fox hybrid rental car.
• Advantage: Advantage has voiced its intent to go 100% green. They offer Toyota Priuses, as well as many other vehicles that get at least 25 miles to the gallon in city travel. As of now, Advantage is the only rental car company that intends to go fully green, according to its website. They have 50 locations in the United States and 130 affiliates overseas.
• Toyota Car Rentals: Toyota, the maker of the Toyota Prius which is the world’s most well-known hybrid, has begun to go green, rental that is. This is actually a service offered by Toyota dealers. Over 80% of Toyota dealers in the nation participate. Read more about Toyota Rent A Car program.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car (owned by Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, which also owns Dollar Rent A Car) offers hybrid cars in airports around the United States. They are located in over 30 countries, and in almost every state in America. However, their rates are expensive. For one day, a Prius rents out for $124.
• Midway Car Rental: Established in 1970, Midway Car Rental is the largest privately owned vehicle rental company in Los Angeles. With over 1,500 vehicles in its fleet and offices in areas around Los Angeles and Hollywood, Midway has hybrid cars and other fuel efficient vehicles for rent. Read more about Midway hybrid rental cars.

No matter what type of hybrid car you want to rent, one of these companies is sure to have a hybrid car that can help you do your part to help the environment and save on fuel costs. Enterprise, Hertz and Avis are the main contenders, because they have locations all over the world and have been among the first to adopt hybrids. There are also signs that other independent and/or privately owned car rental companies are making hybrid cars for rent as well. As in any car renting situation, do your shopping around to get the best rates available.

If you know of a hybrid car rental company that we missed, please add them to the comments below and we’ll include them in updates to this article.

Post from: Airport Hybrid Rentals

Renting a Hybrid Car? Top US Rental Car Companies Going Green with Hybrid Cars

Hartsfield Jackson International Airport is the busiest airport in the world, and as anyone who’s traveled in Atlanta knows, the city itself is busy.

For travelers to Atlanta, hybrid rental cars are often a good way to save on fuel costs as well as helping to protect the environment. Car rentals at airports can be found all over the world, but car rental companies have found themselves riding the wave with the recent green movement. Many are working closely to provide Atlanta Airport car rental service that includes a fleet of hybrid cars.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Enterprise Rent-A-Car is the top company for hybrid rental cars. In 2007, they had 4000 hybrid cars and have recently doubled their fleet to include over 8000 hybrid cars. The company is based in St. Louis, Missouri, and provides rental car services to markets around the world. Most U.S. major cities in which Enterprise maintains its branches in have hybrid cars available for rent. The company is doing its part to minimize its business’ environmental impact by offering hybrid rental cars in selected markets, or by encouraging its customers to participate in its Carbon Offset Program. You can read more about Enterprise’s GreenHouse Gas Emissions Offset Program.

Enterprise allows you to reserve a specific hybrid vehicle, including the Ford Escape, Toyota Prius or Toyota Camry. So if your next destination is Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, Enterprise can help with your hybrid rental car needs. 

Hertz Car Rental

Hertz Car Rental, another well-known car rental company affiliated with Atlanta Airport, has shifted more toward offering hybrid rental cars and other fuel efficient cars. Called Hertz Green Collection, Hertz has nearly 35,000 cars in the Green Collection fleet, of which approximately 4000 are hybrid cars. According to Hertz’s website, all Green Collection vehicles are:

• Reservable by specific make and model
• EPA Highway Fuel Efficiency rating of 28 Miles or more per gallon
• Available at 50 major airport locations in the U.S.

At this time you can reserve Nissan Altima Hybrid and Toyota Prius Hybrid cars from Hertz’s fleet.

Avis Budget Car Rentals 

Hartsfield Jackson International Airport also has strong presence of Avis Budget Car Rentals, which operates both Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car. They are the third-ranked company as far as hybrid cars are concerned. There are 2500 hybrid cars available in Avis’ fleet, including the Toyota Prius, Nissan Altima hybrid and Ford Escape hybrid.

Even if you can’t reserve a hybrid, Avis claims it has other ways for customers to drive responsibly. According to the company, about half the vehicles in its fleet have a fuel efficiency rating of 28 miles per gallon or better (highway), and one-fourth of the fleet is rated at 30 miles per gallon (highway) or better. But for green customers who wants to look cool, the hybrids are the way to go. Visit Avis Prius Rental.

Avis and Budget also offer their customers opportunities to offset emissions through an alliance with Carbonfund.org, one of the leading international non-profit organizations providing carbon offset solutions to individuals and businesses.

Hartsfield Jackson International Airport is well aware of the need for more hybrid cars to offset the levels of pollution in the city and surrounding area. Because of the high volume of travel to and from the city, the airport is very prepared for the rising green movement by aligning itself with the leading airport car rental companies to have the widest selection of hybrids available for visitors. If more cities follow Atlanta’s lead, it’s a safe bet that the travel industry’s negative impact on the environment will be significantly lessened. So the next time you arrive in Atlanta, Georgia, go hybrid.

Airport photo courtesy www.atlanta-airport.com.

Post from: Airport Hybrid Rentals

Renting a Hybrid Car at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport