Drive Electric Orlando (DEO), a first-of-its-kind electric car rental initiative, was officially launched in Orlando, Fla., last week.
“Orlando’s visitors now have an opportunity to try out an exciting technology while saving time, saving money and making a difference,” said Robbie Diamond, president and CEO of the Electrification Coalition, which is leading the Drive Electric Orlando effort. “We see this program as Orlando’s newest and smartest ride, a program that lets visitors see all that Orlando has to offer while leaving the gas pump behind.”
According to Electrification Coalition, Drive Electric Orlando has an extensive network of partners and offers more than 300 electric charging stations throughout the city of Orlando.
“With more than 57 million visitors annually and one of the largest charging networks in the country, Orlando is the ideal location for the Drive Electric project,” said Diamond. “Where better to introduce Americans to the electric car than North America’s leading travel destination and the world’s largest rental car market?”
Enterprise Rent-A-Car, the DEO car rental partner, is renting Nissan LEAF plug-in electric vehicles at its Orlando International Airport location.
“Our supporting role in the Drive Electric Orlando project promotes the adoption of electric vehicles in one of the world’s top tourist destinations,” said Lee Broughton, head of sustainability, Enterprise Rent-A-Car. “We know that the car rental experience is often an extended test drive. Our partnership with Drive Electric Orlando familiarizes travelers with new vehicle technology that they may not otherwise be able to experience.”
All renters will receive brief tutorials on the operation of the vehicles, as well as use of charging stations throughout Orlando. Several hotel partners, including The Peabody Orlando and Renaissance Orlando, offer free re-charging for DEO participants along with valet parking service, says the Electrification Coalition.
