Discover the advantages of renting an electric car, the sustainable choice for both the environment and yourself!

Are you planning a trip and in need of a rental vehicle? Look for a sustainable solution. Ensuring the sustainability of our planet is urgent; otherwise, we risk the future of the coming generations. Therefore, it's essential to make environmentally friendly choices in our daily lives and help change behaviors.

Renting an electric car is the right choice to reduce your environmental footprint: zero carbon dioxide emissions and efficient, cost-effective energy consumption.

In this article, we'll present the main advantages of electric cars, both for you and the planet, comparing them to combustion engine cars.

Keep reading to find answers to the following questions:

• What is the environmental impact of using combustion-engine cars?
• What are the benefits of renting an electric car?
• How can you save on electric car rentals?
• Why should I choose electric car rentals?

Why are electric cars more environmentally friendly than combustion engine cars?

Two of the world's major environmental concerns are greenhouse gas effects and global warming, primarily caused by carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions into the atmosphere.

According to data available on the European Parliament's website, road transportation accounted for approximately 15% of CO2 emissions in the European Union countries until 2021, with over 60% of these emissions originating from combustion engine cars.

Some of the measures taken by the European Union to achieve the proposed CO2 emission reduction targets include:

• The use of renewable energy sources.
• Eliminating CO2 emissions during vehicle production.
• Making cars more efficient and environmentally friendly - electric cars.

One solution involves replacing combustion engine cars with electric ones, as they produce zero CO2 emissions. It has been established that as of 2035, the production of diesel or gasoline cars and vans will be prohibited.

Therefore, everyone needs to contribute. For example, car rental companies should include electric cars in their fleets so that customers have the option to choose the most eco-friendly solution.

What are the advantages of renting an electric car?

Renting electric cars can be beneficial for companies needing long-term services for their employees, as well as for personal and short-term use, such as for tourist, business, or family trips. These vehicles offer several advantages; here are the main ones:

1- Avoiding restrictions in urban centers

Electric cars, being environmentally friendly with zero emissions, are perfect for driving in large urban areas and historic city centers where restrictions on polluting cars are already in place.

For instance, in Lisbon, certain areas prohibit the circulation of cars with license plates issued before 2000 and 1996 on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.

If your trip involves traveling to areas with circulation restrictions like Lisbon, renting an electric car gives you more freedom and avoids worries about bans and traffic schedules.

2- Reducing noise pollution

One of the major sources of noise pollution in cities is the noise generated by cars. Daily exposure to these noises can lead to health and well-being issues, including:

• irritability and stress;
• poor sleep quality;
• headaches;
• hearing problems.

Unlike combustion engine cars, electric cars are silent and significantly contribute to reducing noise pollution.

This feature is especially useful when driving in villages, towns, and historic city centers, where roads are close to homes, and the noise of passing cars can be particularly bothersome, especially early in the morning or at night.

Therefore, renting an electric car enhances your experience, making it more comfortable and environmentally friendly, without the noise of the engine as a soundtrack.

3- Saving money on fuel

Without a doubt, this is the most attractive advantage of an electric car. Since electricity is cheaper than diesel or gasoline, energy consumption costs are lower.

To give you an idea of the cost difference, let's calculate the cost for a 100 km trip, assuming an average of 6 liters of fuel or 16 kWh of electricity. See the results in the following table:

(Data from September 2023 - average values at major fuel stations in Portugal)

As you can see in the table, electric vehicles offer nearly an 80% cost savings compared to gasoline.

In addition to this significant difference in energy consumption costs, at Drivalia, we offer free charging at the following stations:

• Lisbon Airport
• Lisbon Center
• Lisbon Benfica
• Porto Airport

This is ideal for business trips and long weekends with friends, starting from Lisbon or Porto, without worrying about additional costs.

4- Take advantage of free or reduced-rate parking

To encourage the use of electric cars and reduce CO2 levels in the atmosphere, some municipalities have implemented measures favoring electric car owners, such as free or reduced-rate parking.

5- Enjoy a unique experience with Tesla

Imagine driving a Tesla, quiet and equipped with state-of-the-art technology! These electric cars help you plan every detail of your trip and make driving easier.

• Driver assistance with autopilot functions and fully autonomous driving, such as automatic parking, lane change, traffic light and stop sign control, and more.
• No time wasted on long charging stops – in about 30 minutes, the car's battery is 70% charged, thanks to the brand's superchargers.
• Automatic planning of necessary (or unnecessary) stops to your destination.
• Entertainment for both kids and adults, with the ability to watch movies or play games as if you were on a console.

If you rent an electric car, choosing a Tesla is the real experience; the trip you're planning is just the perfect excuse to enjoy it!

How to save on electric car rentals?

With proper planning, you can always save time and money on your trip. If you need to rent a vehicle, here are some practical tips for saving:

- Reserve in advance: This gives you time to choose the best car rental option, compare rates, take advantage of promotional campaigns, and have the desired electric car available for your travel dates.

- Confirm charging stations: Especially for long trips or journeys outside major cities, it's essential to verify the vehicle's range and identify locations for charging.

- Understand what's included in the electric car rental: Sometimes, adding extras can prevent additional expenses. Examples include glass breakage insurance or automatic toll payment to avoid forgetting and incurring fines.

- Avoid battery depletion: During your trip, take advantage of lunch and rest breaks to charge the battery for the next kilometers. This way, you save time and avoid last-minute worries.

Why should I choose electric car rentals?

Promoting behavior change is crucial, as small daily actions make a difference in the planet's future. When there's an option that ensures the sustainability of future generations, that's always the best choice.

Electric cars reflect technological advancements in combating climate change, making them a sustainable choice that helps protect people and the environment from CO2 emissions.

In addition to addressing your environmental concerns, choosing electric car rentals allows you to:

• Avoid circulation restrictions.
• Reduce noise pollution.
• Save approximately 80% on fuel costs.
• Benefit from free or cheaper parking (in various municipalities).
• Enjoy a unique driving experience.

Experience the pleasure of driving without noise and restrictions, with all the comfort and safety you can wish for in a car.

At Drivalia, we also commit to reducing our environmental footprint and invite you to discover the electric cars included in our fleet.

Count on our 30 years of experience and knowledge to meet the automotive mobility needs of those who seek us out. We are available to help you choose the best solution for your leisure or business trip.