Why don’t you see all-electric limos for rent?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions regarding “green” limousine rentals.

In fact, there are electric limousines like the Tesla-S and a much larger number of hybrids. Even so, they remain a comparative rarity for limousine rentals. Some customers might then ask “Where are the electric limousines?

The nature of limousine rentals

There are a number of things that make the job of a fleet manager very challenging when it comes to a limousine rental operation.

  1. As with any rental operation, it is important to achieve a very high percentage usage figure.

  2. Infinite flexibility is required. Urgent requirements can arrive with a few minutes’ notice and vehicles must be ‘ready to go’.

  3. If a problem arises with a vehicle, it should be fixed quickly, easily and preferably inexpensively.

  4. Vehicles must offer exceptional reliability as well as executive comfort.

It is in some of these areas that problems arise for the current generation of luxury electric vehicles.

Limitations of electric luxury limousines

No one seriously questions the great progress that has been made in this area in the last 10 years. It is also difficult to find someone who believes that further revolutionary breakthroughs will not be likely over the next decade.

However, from a fleet manager’s perspective, the current generation of luxury limousines raises some unanswered questions.

  • Recharge. At the time of writing, many vehicles in this class still need to be plugged into a mains electrical system to recharge for several hours. During that time, they are not effectively available for use. If it is empty, a conventional fuel car can be taken to the local garage and filled, a total time of about 20 minutes.

There are ongoing discussions related to quick-change batteries, although that has cost implications, as many replacement batteries are required. Fast-charging batteries are seemingly on the horizon, as are charging systems on the go.

Unfortunately, however, they are not here yet and that means the ‘downtime’ per vehicle is potentially unacceptable.

  • Reach and flexibility. Imagine the real-life situation where a client wants to extend the hire for several hours due to changing business circumstances. In the case of a conventional vehicle, that is not a problem, but if the vehicle is electric and its charge is low, then it will not be possible without changing the vehicle.
  • Infrastructure support. At the moment, comparatively few garages and mechanics have much experience operating fully electric vehicles. In a sense, they are arguably simpler than an internal combustion engine, but they make even more intensive use of solid-state electronics than conventional vehicles.

Until they are more numerous on the roads, many fleet managers will worry about how easily parts can be obtained or how quickly things can be fixed if they go wrong. It will be particularly important to ensure that nationwide support coverage and familiarity with technology are available, even in rural areas, before this concern disappears.

What is probable in the future?

Most fleet managers and limo rental providers will keep an eye on the technology as it develops.

There may be some natural reluctance to become an ‘early adopter’ and risk being the guinea pig, so to speak, but this technology is coming and will have an impact on the limousine rental market.

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