Tesla Model Y for Rent: Californians Can Now Drive the Best-Selling EV for a Monthly Fee

Key Points:

• Tesla Model Y is an electric crossover that came out in March 2019. It is a mid-size SUV that uses the same platform as the Tesla Model 3.
• The starting price for this vehicle is $39,000, and it has an estimated range of 315 miles.
• Model Y is part of Tesla’s goal to produce an electric car with appeal beyond early adopters and luxury buyers, achieved through aiming to reduce production costs by using common parts across its lineup of vehicles.

Californians, rejoice! Tesla has just released the Model Y. You can now get behind the wheel of this best-selling EV for a monthly fee. Model Y is perfect for anyone who wants to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, or enjoys driving a luxury car. With its unique design and state-of-the-art features, the Model Y is sure to turn heads wherever you go.

Billed as the “safest and best-selling electric car in the world,” Model Y is available for rent at affordable prices. The company says the move aims to give more people a chance to experience its cars and help reduce emissions. Tesla has plans to expand the rental program to other states in the coming months. Keep reading to learn more about Tesla Model Y and how you can rent it today!

What Is the Tesla Model Y?

Tesla Model Y is an electric crossover that came out in March 2019. Production started at the Fremont plant in January 2020, and deliveries began on March 13, 2020. The starting price for this vehicle is $39,000, and it has an estimated range of 315 miles. It is a mid-size SUV that uses the same platform as the Tesla Model 3.

The Model Y hopes to fill the gap between the entry-level Model 3 and the larger Model X. Like the Model 3, it has a minimal front fascia without a grille and all other steel/aluminum body panels. The EV has standard all-wheel drive and can go from 0-60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in 3.5 seconds.

Tesla plans to produce the Model Y at Gigafactory 1 in Sparks, Nevada, and Gigafactory Shanghai in China. Global sales are expected to start in 2020. As of July 2020, over 10,000 Model Ys have been delivered in the United States.

Tesla Model Y Goal:

Model Y is part of Tesla’s goal to produce an electric car with appeal beyond early adopters and luxury buyers. To achieve this goal, Tesla aims to reduce production costs by using common parts across its lineup of vehicles. For example, the electric motors for Model 3 and Model Y come from Telsa’s Gigafactory 1.

The Model Y shares about 75% of its parts, including battery pack and powertrain, with its sibling Model 3 sedan. This allows for more significant economies of scale and lower production costs than building the car on a new platform.

This strategy contrasts with other automakers, who typically use different vehicle platforms for sedans and SUVs. Both have different size classes, and require separate sets of tooling and assembly lines. Tesla expects the move will shave about 20% off the cost of building each vehicle.

Why Crossover SUV and Not A Sedan?

The decision to build a crossover SUV rather than a sedan was driven by market demand. Global SUV sales grew 38% between 2015 and 2018 while sedan sales declined 14%, according to IHS Markit. Tesla’s effort to maximize utilization rates at their factory in Fremont, California which was designed for high-volume production of sedans. The factor has an extra capacity and could produce SUVs without a significant increase in capital expenditure.

The company also considered building a compact SUV on the same platform as its future semi-truck. However, it opted not to due to challenges with managing weight distribution given the truck’s large battery pack. Instead, Tesla chose a smaller SUV given its experience with building the larger Model X.

Tesla Y Model Competition

The launch of the model comes as competition in the electric crossover SUV segment is heating up. Several new entries are expected from Audi, Jaguar Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar, Porsche, and Volkswagen Group subsidiary. Audi, Bentley Motors Limited., Lamborghini, SEAT S.A., Škoda Auto, Spyker Cars Nederland BV have joined the fray. As of July 2020 only three other fully electric crossovers are available for sale. These are Audi e-Tron SUV, Jaguar I-Pace, and Mercedes-Benz EQC. All three generally received positive reviews upon their launches but have suffered from reliability issues which have hurt sales.”

What Makes the Tesla Model Y Stand Out from Other EVS?

Tesla Model Y for rent stands out amongst other electric vehicles. The car has a range of about 300 miles, which is longer than other comparable EVs on the market.

Additionally, the Model Y can charge much more quickly. It takes just 45 minutes for Model Y to attain 80% charge. This makes long road trips much more feasible in an electric vehicle. In terms of performance, the Model Y can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.

Finally, Model Y comes equipped with superb safety features and autonomous driving capabilities, not common with Tesla. All these factors make the Tesla Model Y one of the most appealing EVs on the market.

Why Is Tesla Offering the Model Y for Rent?

Model Y is the newest addition to the Tesla lineup and is one of the hotly anticipated cars of 2022. So why is Tesla offering the Model Y for rent? The answer is simple: to lower emissions, not standards. By availing Model Y for rent, Tesla can provide people with an all-new way to drive and environmentally responsible electricity. By renting the Model Y, you can help Tesla lower emissions. Drivers can advantage of the car’s incredible range and charging infrastructure.

How Does the Tesla Model Y Help Reduce Emissions?

The Model Y has several features that help reduce emission. Regenerative braking captures energy, while the onboard charger helps recharge the batteries while driving. You can recharge on the go, without having to stop at a charging station. This helps extend the vehicle’s range and reduces the need for prolonged charging.

What Are the Monthly Rental Rates for the Model Y?

If you’re looking to lease Model Y, you’re probably wondering how much it will cost you monthly. The average monthly rental rate for a Model Y is reasonable, falling between $665 and $740. Of course, your monthly payments will depend on several factors, including lease duration and nearest rental dealership. Overall, the Model Y is an excellent value for your money. 

What Do You Need to Know Before Renting the Tesla Model Y?

Model Y promises to combine the best features of the company’s Model S sedan and Model X SUV while offering a more affordable price tag. But what do you need to know before renting one of these cars? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• The Model Y is only available with all-wheel drive, so select that option when configuring your vehicle.
• Tesla recommends charging the car before your trip. Charging from empty to full takes upto 12 hours.
• The Model Y has a range of up to 315 miles on a single charge.
• Tesla’s Supercharger network is not as widespread as other EV manufacturers. You may need to rely on public or home charging for longer trips.

How Does the Rental Process Work?

Renting a Model Y in California is pretty simple, and straightforward. You can make your reservation through a dedicated app on iOS and Android devices. Once you reserve a car, you will be given a 3-month minimum with 28 days of the termination notice. You will be able to pick up your Model Y from a delivery center located in Santa Monica. If you want the car delivered to another location in California, there’s an additional charge of $100 (plus tax). Renting a Tesla Model Y Long Range costs $690/month with a $7,900 start fee to $1,350 monthly with a $1,000 start fee. These rates already include up to 1,000 miles per month and essential routine maintenance and roadside assistance. In addition, customers must pay a refundable security deposit of $500 upon booking their reservation.

Breaking EV News

June 8, 2023 — It’s official. EVs manufactured by two U.S. automotive giants — Ford and General Motors — will be able to charge at 12,000 Tesla Superchargers at the start of 2024. And as of 2025, both brands will feature Tesla’s North American Charging Standard connector on their EVs. This move will virtually ensure that Tesla’s North American Charging Standard connector will become the U.S. EV charging standard.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/RoschetzkyIstockPhoto.