Hybrid, flex fuel or low emissions vehicles are the latest on offer for rental car enthusiasts. In spite of their utter popularity, being few in number, green cars are not widely available with all car rental companies. Off late, companies have been trying to increase their collections, yet much needs to be done. Rental companies like Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz, and Avis-Budget have added hundreds of hybrids to their fleets in recent years to meet growing demand. However, the reason rental car companies are fighting is the same limited hybrid inventory that has put retail consumers on long waiting lists. Figures show that there has been a record increase in hybrid vehicle registrations of 56.9% alone in the Midwest.

Advantages of hybrids over other varieties of rental cars

1. Smaller hybrid cars emit less carbon dioxide and help in saving both the environment and the expenditure on fuel.

2. Hiring hybrid cars also account for additional discounts. The saved money may be utilized in paying the premium for renting the hybrid.

3. The fuel cost saved on hybrid cars could also be gathered and used for going on mini vacations with family to avoid paying for costly airfare.

4. Fuel-efficient gas or electric cars facilitate longer trips and extended vacations.

Class of hybrid cars

Full Size class cars like the Toyota Prius, Chevy Impala and Nissan Altima are commanding premium hybrid rental rates that outweigh the gas savings compared to mid-size SUVs or intermediate class cars like the Ford Focus. A Toyota Prius also provides higher mileage in town and lower mileage on the highway, aided by the automatic engine shut-off feature that occurs when the car comes to a stop and prevents wasted energy.

Rental rates also depend on regional demand. Rental companies are moving toward sustainable business in all directions, from increasing the overall fuel efficiency of fleet to contributing funds for ecological projects.

Precautions for first-time Hybrid Renters

- When renting a hybrid for the first time get the procedures relating to operations of the car explained in detail to overcome any unwanted situation like managing a dead battery and so on.

- Since stepping on the brakes of a hybrid car charges its battery so you must be awrae of the special gear functionalities. Too much braking can overcharge the battery leading to overheating of the brake pads. The Prius has a special gear – the ‘B Mode’ to avoid overheating.

- Premium hybrid cars though costly are great options and should be booked well in advance to avail the best deal.

Need for a hybrid car

Since going green and efficient is becoming a business imperative, the car rental companies are left with no choice but to become proactive in renting hybrids. The rise in demand is due to consumers hoping to pay less for fuel, but their desire to conduct an extended test-drive of hybrid vehicles to learn more about the driving experience, before purchasing a hybrid. To avail the best deal in hybrid rentals, reservations should be made well in advance specifically by make and model.

All about hybrid cars

A hybrid car rental is ideal for you if you wish to rent a car but concerned about the environment and high gas costs. Hybrids are aptly designed for the twenty first century with progressive engine design, electronic braking, 1st class aerodynamics, 5 star safety and options for satellite navigation. Fuel-efficient, fashionable, and fun to drive hybrids are a great alternative for holiday rentals. Though they are heavy on the pocket, yet hybrids ensure a smooth eco-friendly drive. It is a customer-friendly type of car that could drive upwards 50 miles per gallon.

By Jacob Bass