Tesla has started renting out its own cars through select company stores. The company first offered this in California, but job postings show it’s preparing to add Texas, Tennessee, and Massachusetts next.
Rates begin at about $60 per day for a Model 3 or Model Y. You pay more for a Model S, Model X, or Cybertruck, up to $90 per day. All rentals include free Supercharging and use of Full Self-Driving (with active supervision needed). There’s no limit on miles or charging during your rental.
How it works
You can book a Tesla for three to seven days. Renters must be at least 21 years old and have a valid U.S. driver’s license, insurance, and a credit card. If you return the car with less than half the battery, there’s a $30 fee. There’s an extra rule too, the rented car can’t leave the state where you pick it up.
Tesla has listed positions called Rental Readiness Specialists. Their job is to receive new and used vehicle inventory, care for the cars, charge and clean them, and help customers with scheduling and paperwork.
Anyone who rents and then decides to order a new Tesla within a week of the rental gets up to $250 off the purchase. This is a way for drivers to try out electric cars for more than just a short test drive before they decide to buy.
The rental program started soon after the federal tax credit for EVs ended nationwide. Tesla , along with other carmakers, has seen sales drop since this credit went away. Some states, like Texas, offer smaller local subsidies, but those aren’t making up for the loss everywhere. Reports say Tesla ‘s net profit fell by over a third compared to last year.
Trying to adapt as demand slips
Tesla is using rentals as another way to put its electric cars in front of new customers. The company hopes that if people rent their cars and like them, those drivers might become buyers.
For now, only certain cities and stores offer this, but job ads and expansion announcements is a sign that more locations will take part soon.
The company keeps the rental experience simple. You can drive the latest tech, like Full Self-Driving (under certain rules), and use fast Superchargers. These rentals aren’t leases. They are short-term commitments, so you don’t have to worry about being locked into a long contract. For drivers who aren’t sure about going electric, this is a way to try it and see if it fits their daily life.
You may also like to read:
- Tesla FSD V14 brings head‑and‑gaze icons and country border warnings »
- Tesla tests new holiday update with initial 2025.44 rollout »
- Tesla set to launch FSD subscription gifting this holiday »
We’ve launched an official Tesla Owners Online Forum. Join early and claim your "Founding Fuel" badge.
