4 Tips for Renting an EV in Hawaii as a Tourist
Some of Hawaii’s cities have the cleanest air in the US. This is based on the American Lung Association’s 2022 “State of the Air” report, an annual report on air quality nationwide. Here, Honolulu ranked 3rd in the top 25 cleanest cities due to Hawaii’s trade winds and the increasing number of residents switching to electric cars. Another Hawaiian city on the list was Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, which nabbed 4th place.
With Hawaii having thousands of vehicles operating daily as a top destination, it’s refreshing to see that it still has clean air. If you’re visiting soon, you might be inspired to maintain the island’s air quality by renting an electric vehicle (EV). Here are some valuable tips to help you make the most of your EV rental in Hawaii.
Rent an EV at the airport
Getting an EV at the airport has many benefits. First, it is cheaper than renting cars in other locations—like resort towns—where the rates are likely to be higher. Another is that you can start your Hawaiian adventure immediately after leaving the airport.
Fortunately, the car rentals at Honolulu Airport offer a wide range of vehicles. There are convertibles, SUVs, and even minivans. Car rental companies like Avis offer EVs, including the Tesla Model 3, a vibration-free sedan with quick acceleration. Car rental companies can be found at the Consolidated Rent-A-Car Facility, accessible via a short stroll from Terminal 2 or a shuttle from Terminal 1. When you already have a car rental company in mind, check their operating hours on their website. Finally, prepare documents like your license or International Driving Permit for a seamless and hassle-free booking.
Familiarize Yourself with the Electric Vehicle
Driving an EV slightly differs from driving a gas car. Familiarizing yourself with EVs before you rent one can help you avoid inconveniences and accidents on the road.
The Department of Energy’s EV technology overview notes that one distinction of EVs is their regenerative braking mode, which activates once you stop stepping on the accelerator pedal. Immediately, the EV’s electric motor will operate in reverse, meaning that the car is in brake mode. In case of emergencies, you can still step on the brakes to help slow the vehicle. While this seems like a minor difference, it helps to know how to operate EVs for your convenience. Do your research beforehand—and, before leaving the car rental, familiarize yourself with the car you booked and ask employees questions if needed.
Know Where to Charge Your EV
You may find it hard to find charging stations for your EV rental when it runs low on energy—especially since gas stations still outnumber charging stations to cater to the many people who still use gas cars. Fortunately, our article “A Sustainable EV Charging Station” discusses that new charging stations are coming to the Big Island, including GreeInvest's solar and battery EV system stationed at UH Community College in Hilo.
To find and make use of charging stations near you, you can download apps like PlugShare and ChargeHub. Google Maps also has a filter for charging stations you can try out: simply enter your location into the app.
Take Care of the Electric Vehicle
Apart from familiarizing yourself with driving an EV, you need to know how to maintain it—even temporarily. By doing so, you can return the vehicle in good condition and avoid damage fees. One thing to do is to park in the shade—especially in a sunny place like Hawaii. An EV’s thermal management system responds to heat. Sun exposure keeps it running and drains the battery—even when it's not in use. Another is to avoid quick charges. This damages the battery’s life span, which the car rental company may notice and charge you for after returning the car.
Renting an EV in Hawaii is great for preserving the island’s clean air. With these tips, you can enjoy Hawaii hassle-free and fully enjoy the islands as a tourist.