Originally Posted by
storewanderer
How many miles do you need to drive?
If you only need to drive 10 miles per day for your 8 days, an electric car may work out okay.
You should ensure it is 100% charged before you leave the airport if you take it.
You could also look into if your hotels have charging. Otherwise, assuming you plan to drive, expect 2+ hour stops to charge the vehicle every however many miles. Tesla will have an app to show you where to charge, when to charge, what the wait time is at that particular charging station, etc., I assume Avis keeps that feature enabled...?
Personally I would refuse to rent the electric vehicle at this time.
I'm planning on taking a Tesla this weekend so I can try this out. I have a low-stress trip along highways with plentiful superchargers. So I've done a little research on this, and would like to offer some minor corrections to your post.
First, a Tesla Short Range Model 3, which is probably what would be offered, has a range of 260-300 miles. OP could consider up to 30 miles a day for their 8 days (not 10 miles a day as you've suggested).
Second, the rental terms indicate that the car will go out (and is expected to be returned) with at least 70% charge, not 100%. Unfortunately, OP is not in a position to insist that the car be charged at 100%.
Third, your suggestion of "2+ hour stops" ... "however many miles" assumes that only Level 2 chargers can be found. OP should look to see if there are Supercharger stations along the desired route. Those can top up 200 miles in 15-30 minutes. (My plan is to schedule lunch each direction near a Supercharger station.) Having said that, if Avis provided something other than a Tesla, or if there were no Superchargers along the route, then you are correct -- charging time could be problematic.
Having said all of that, given the OPs need for space and lots of bags, the fact that they reserved (and want) an SUV, and the fact that they are not comfortable with an electric car, I stand by my initial response. They should decline an electric car.