Megan Padilla
Ready to get behind the wheel of America's transportation future? Visitors can rent a 2016 Chevy Volt electric car from Enterprise on their next visit to Orlando, the only city in the U.S. offering such a rental program. And besides doing right by the environment, renters can also receive a bundle of cost-saving and value-added benefits during their Orlando stay.
The Drive Electric Orlando (DEO) program debuted in September 2013 and has gained significant traction since through partnerships with Orlando's hotels, theme parks and other attractions along with Visit Orlando, the City of Orlando and Orange County.
The program is an initiative of the Washington-based Electrification Coalition, a 10-year-old organization that created the program as a way to give consumers a chance to test drive electric cars, which they hope will then incentivize the renters to one day buy an electric vehicle.
Customers rent cars through Enterprise at its Orlando Airport location; the company recently bolstered its commitment to the program by its growing its fleet of 2016 Chevy Volts (it has 15 in its fleet). The rentals are commissionable to travel agents.
While renting a hybrid vehicle usually comes at a premium price, Enterprise has priced Volt rentals at the intermediate level. And renters who book through the DriveElectricOrlando.com portal will receive a discount on that rate.
"We know that renting a car is often an opportunity for an extended test drive, so we are committed to offering our customers the opportunity to experience the latest vehicle technologies," said Nathan Prior, director of business rental sales for Enterprise in Orlando.
The 2016 Volt's charge covers 53 miles before switching to a back-up gas generator that can drive another 400 miles. Since Orlando now has more than 300 charging stations in key tourist areas and at about 40 partner hotels, it's easy to keep the car charged while also taking advantage of the stations' premium parking spots. Many of the partner hotels offer free parking or valet service for renters (a list of hotels can be found at the DEO website). Users can download the free PlugShare app (iOS and Android) to find the nearest charging station.
DEO has helped facilitate many of the new plug-ins. Premium parking/charging spots are now available at Universal Orlando, the Orlando Convention Center and Disney's Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom parks. (The Magic Kingdom just recently installed five plug-in stations at the front of the parking lot and painted blue lines through the lot to direct drivers to those spaces.)
Most recently, six Orlando hotels added charging stations, including B Resort near Disney Springs and the Alfond Inn, located in Winter Park, a popular dining destination. The City of Orlando installed charging stations at the Amway Center's Geico Garage, which serves the downtown arena home to the NBA's Orlando Magic and the Orlando Solar Bears minor league hockey team as well as host to many major concerts and events.
Among the benefits added to the DEO program recently is a free three-month trial membership to Clear, the privately run identity-authentication service that uses biometric technology to expedite passage to airport TSA security checkpoints. Renters and their families also receive a discounted annual rate if they choose to extend the membership.
Also new is VIP treatment at Epcot's Test Track ride, a very popular Fast Pass attraction. It's not just front-of-the-line access but also admission to an exclusive air-conditioned lounge with complimentary cold beverages where you can relax and take a break.