Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer just a futuristic concept—they’re here, and Tesla is leading the charge.
But if you’re considering making the switch, you’re probably asking yourself: Is a Tesla the right fit for me?
Driving a Tesla is nothing like driving a traditional car. There’s no engine noise, no traditional dashboard, and no gas stations.
Instead, you get instant acceleration, regenerative braking, a giant touchscreen, and self-driving features like Autopilot. These differences can be exciting but also overwhelming.
That’s why renting a Tesla before buying one is the smartest way to see if it matches your lifestyle.
A quick dealership test drive might let you feel the acceleration, but it won’t tell you what it’s like to live with an EV—how easy charging is, how reliable the range is, or whether the tech features actually make your life better.
By renting a Tesla, you get the full experience—on your terms.
You can test charging at home, explore different driving modes, and see if the car’s technology aligns with your needs.
In this guide, we’ll break down why renting a Tesla is the best way to make an informed decision before buying.
Why Renting a Tesla Makes Sense?
If you’re thinking about buying an EV, a rental is the best way to test the waters.
A dealership test drive is usually limited to 20 minutes and a controlled route. That’s not enough time to explore everything a Tesla has to offer.
With a rental, you can:
- Drive it for days, not minutes. See how a Tesla fits into your daily routine, whether it’s commuting, running errands, or taking a road trip.
- Test real-world charging. Experience what it’s like to charge at home, work, and public stations to see if it’s convenient for your lifestyle.
- Explore the tech at your own pace. Get hands-on with the touchscreen interface, Autopilot, and other smart features without dealership pressure.
- Compare fuel savings. Track how much you spend on electricity versus what you’d normally spend on gas.
Many drivers hesitate to switch to an EV because of concerns about charging, range, or driving experience. A tesla car rental gives you the time and freedom to explore these factors, eliminating uncertainty.
Pro Tip: If range is your biggest concern, rent a Tesla for a weekend trip to a destination with charging stations. This will give you a true sense of how easy it is to manage long-distance travel.
Next, let’s take a closer look at Tesla’s unique tech features and why they matter when renting.
Feel the Future: Hands-On with Tesla’s Tech
One of the biggest reasons to rent a Tesla before buying is to fully explore its unique technology.
Teslas are packed with cutting-edge features that set them apart from traditional cars. A rental gives you time to get comfortable with these features without dealership pressure.
Autopilot & Full Self-Driving (FSD)
Tesla’s driver-assistance features are some of the most advanced in the world. Autopilot helps with highway driving by automatically steering, accelerating, and braking.
Full Self-Driving (FSD) goes even further, offering navigation on city streets and the ability to stop at traffic lights.
Some drivers love these features, while others prefer more control. Renting a Tesla lets you experience Autopilot on real roads to see if it enhances your driving or if you find it too much.
Regenerative Braking
Unlike gas cars, Teslas use regenerative braking to recover energy every time you lift your foot off the accelerator.
This means the car slows down on its own, reducing brake wear and extending range.
This can take some getting used to. Some drivers love the one-pedal driving experience, while others find it jarring at first. Renting lets you practice and decide if it’s a dealbreaker.
Touchscreen-Only Controls
Tesla’s interior is minimalist, with almost everything controlled through the central touchscreen. From adjusting the air conditioning to opening the glovebox, it’s all digital.
Renting allows you to test how intuitive (or frustrating) this setup is. Do you prefer physical buttons, or do you love the sleek, futuristic interface?
Sentry Mode & Smart Summon
Sentry Mode turns your Tesla into a security system, recording any suspicious activity around the car. Smart Summon lets you move the car remotely in parking lots.
These high-tech features can be game-changers for security and convenience. Renting gives you time to test them in real-world situations.
Pro Tip: If you’re unfamiliar with Tesla’s controls, spend 15 minutes in the parking lot exploring the touchscreen before hitting the road. It will make your drive smoother.
Charging & Range: Is Tesla Practical for You?
One of the biggest worries for new EV drivers is range anxiety—the fear of running out of battery before reaching a charging station. A Tesla rental helps you test this in real conditions.
How Far Can a Tesla Go?
Tesla range varies by model:
- Model 3 Long Range: Up to 602 km
- Model Y Long Range: Up to 533 km
- Model S Plaid: Up to 652 km
These numbers depend on driving habits, weather, and terrain. Renting lets you see how far you actually get in your own driving conditions.
Where Can You Charge?
Tesla has a Supercharger network across Australia, allowing you to recharge quickly. You can also use public chargers or install a home charger if you decide to buy.
A rental allows you to try charging at different locations, see how long it takes, and determine if an EV fits your lifestyle.
Pro Tip: Use the Tesla app or PlugShare to find nearby chargers before starting your trip. This prevents unnecessary range anxiety.
Cost Savings & Maintenance: Is an EV Really Cheaper?
One of the biggest reasons people switch to Tesla is cost savings. But do EVs really save money? Renting lets you compare expenses without commitment.
Fuel vs. Electricity Costs
On average, charging a Tesla costs 70% less than filling up a gas car. For example, a 100 km drive in a gas car might cost $12–$15, while the same trip in a Tesla might cost $3–$5.
Lower Maintenance Costs
Teslas have fewer moving parts than gas cars, meaning no oil changes, fewer brake replacements, and lower maintenance bills.
Renting lets you compare costs firsthand—track how much you spend on charging and see if it’s worth making the switch.
Software Updates & The Tesla Ecosystem
Tesla isn’t just a car—it’s a constantly evolving tech product. Unlike traditional vehicles that remain the same after purchase, Teslas receive over-the-air software updates that add new features, improve range, and refine Autopilot.
Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates
Tesla frequently rolls out software updates that improve performance and add new functionality—just like a smartphone update.
Renting a Tesla gives you a glimpse into this evolving ecosystem. Owning a Tesla means the car you buy today will keep improving over time.
Tesla Mobile App
With the Tesla app, you can lock/unlock, precondition the cabin, monitor charging, and even summon the car from a parking space.
A rental lets you explore these remote features and see if you enjoy the Tesla experience beyond driving.
The Final Question: Is Tesla Right for You?
By now, you’ll have tested the key aspects of Tesla ownership:
- Does the driving experience feel intuitive and enjoyable?
- Is charging easy and convenient in your area?
- Do Autopilot and software features enhance your driving?
- Are the cost savings worth switching from gas?
If the answers are mostly yes, then Tesla might be a great fit. If you still have doubts, renting has at least helped you make an informed decision before buying.
