Hertz is culling its portfolio of EVs in response to the sharp depreciation affecting some of its most popular models, including the Tesla Model 3. In what appears to be an aggressive effort to offload these vehicles, the rental giant has begun reaching out directly to customers currently renting them, offering an opportunity to purchase the cars outright on the spot.

While we haven’t been able to find an announcement from Hertz directly regarding the scheme, a Reddit user recently shared a screenshot of an email they received from Hertz while renting a 2023 Tesla Model 3. In the email, Hertz offered the renter the chance to buy the EV for just $17,913.

Read: Hertz Offers Teslas For Under $20K, But You Probably Shouldn’t Jump On It

The renter says the Model 3 they rented had less than 30,000 miles (~48,000 km) on the clock, and having the opportunity to buy it at that price sounds like a steal. Last month, we published a story about many of Hertz’s Tesla Model 3s being sold, but none of them were this cheap. A look through Hertz’s current inventory shows it has three 2022 Model 3s available for less than $20,000. However, they all have over 130,000 miles (~209,000 km) on the clocks.

The Redditor hasn’t said if they jumped on the offer to buy the relatively low-mileage Model 3 for just $17,913, but if Hertz has promoted similar offers to other renters, we suspect they’ll be plenty that consider deals like this too good to pass up.

Of course, buying an ex-rental car comes with inherent risks, as it’s almost guaranteed that these vehicles have been driven hard. It’s also worth noting that the Tesla’s battery is warranted for 8 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first) for RWD models. Purchasing a vehicle still within this warranty period is highly advisable, as battery replacements are among the most expensive repairs EV owners can face.

Another user from the same subreddit says they recently rented a Polestar (presumably a Polestar 2) and were sent a similar email, offering them the chance to buy it for $28,500. While we don’t know how many miles it had on the clock, that offer doesn’t seem like such a good deal. A browse through Auto Trader reveals dozens of Polestar 2s available across the US for less than $25,000, many of which have less than 20,000 miles on the clock, making the Hertz offer seem far less competitive by comparison.

Hertz wants to shift some of its all-electric inventory and, after a $1.3 billion loss in Q3 and a $1 billion impairment charge due to the lost value in its EV fleet, it can’t do it soon enough. However, Hertz’s missteps in the EV market could be a win for you (or a friend), as the rental car giant is clearing out older EVs for under $20,000—and in many cases, for less than $15,000.

More: Hertz In A Hole After EV Gamble, Will Sell 30,000 EVs By Year’s End

On the surface, these discounts might seem tempting, but as always, the devil’s in the details. As of this writing, Hertz has over a dozen Teslas on sale for under $30,000. The vast majority sit below $25,000, and four are beneath $20,000. The deals appear to be in that middle ground though.

High Mileage, High Risk

For instance, among the cars under $20k, all have over 120,000 miles on the odometer. That places them well outside Tesla’s 8-year/100,000-mile limited warranty for the battery and drive unit (for RWD models). What might look like a bargain at first glance could quickly spiral into an expensive nightmare if the battery decides to call it quits. Battery replacements for EVs and PHEVs are notoriously expensive. Proceed with extra caution, as we’ve heard that battery replacements for the RWD Model 3 typically start at $13,000.

A Question of Value

The sweet spot in Hertz’s clearance fleet seems to be Teslas priced between $20,000 and $25,000. Many of those have around 60,000 miles and some have as little as 27,583 miles. These cars should still fall within Tesla’s battery warranty, but you’ll want to verify specifics before signing on the dotted line. In addition, Hertz sells them with a 12-month, 12,000-mile powertrain warranty. Elon Musk might think that a $25,000 Tesla is “pointless” but we see some value in these used examples.

Why A New Tesla Might Be Smarter

Above that point, however, and especially when you hit the $30,000 price mark, you might be better off just getting a new one if you qualify for all federal and state tax rebates. These incentives vary based on your location, income, and vehicle choice. For instance, in Massachusetts, qualifying buyers can benefit from the $7,500 federal tax credit combined with an additional $3,500 state EV rebate (both subject to income and MSRP limits) for a total of $11,000 in savings.

On top of that, Tesla is currently offering a 0% APR financing deal for up to 60 months with a minimum down payment of 20%—and the $7,500 federal tax credit can be applied upfront, if eligible.

This means you could drive away in a brand-new Tesla Model Y Long Range for $37,000 before taxes and fees, not to mention paying most of it off with zero interest over 60 months. Compare that to Hertz’s offer of a 2022 Tesla Model Y Long Range with 46,883 miles priced at $29,364 before taxes and fees, and the decision becomes a bit more nuanced. Depending on your circumstances, the price gap may justify going for new over used—or at least give you pause before committing to Hertz’s clearance inventory.

Budget EVs Galore

Should one not love the idea of picking up a used Tesla, Hertz has a few other inexpensive EVs on offer. There are so many Chevrolet Bolts that it’s impossible to pick just one out of the crowd of over 100. The good news is that just about any trim or options are available. Most of them are on offer for under $15,000 too.

That’s not all though. For those with a taste for something a little more upscale, Hertz also has some Volvo C40 Recharge models for under $30,000 with under 20,000 miles in most cases, and several Mercedes-Benz EQBs with under 15,000 miles for less than $30,000 too.

Don’t feel convinced yet? For the true bargain hunters, how about two Hyundai Kona Electric crossovers priced under $13,000 right now? Sure, they have over 100,000 miles each but they could also qualify for tax credits too. The deals are out there right now for interested parties. 

Due Diligence Required

The bottom line? Hertz’s loss could be your gain, but it’s crucial to tread carefully and do your homework, particularly when it comes to battery warranties. These cars might save you money upfront, but as with any used vehicle—especially an EV—future maintenance and battery life should weigh heavily in your decision. Deals like these can feel like a steal, but only if you know exactly what you’re buying into.

Additional reporting by John Halas

Volkswagen might be navigating choppy waters lately, but that hasn’t stalled its knack for exploring some interesting side projects. One standout example is the GenFarm Project in Africa, a fresh initiative featuring VW-branded e-tractors and e-scooters offered as rentals. It’s not every day that you see a carmaker best known for Golfs and Passats moonlighting as a supplier of farm equipment.

The company recently announced that the GenFarm Project has entered its pilot phase. Its goal is to bring modern, sustainable farming technology to rural areas in Africa, an idea that sounds more Silicon Valley than Wolfsburg. Still, there’s merit to the ambition.

More: South African Police Get 50 New VW Golf GTIs For Patrols

At the heart of the initiative are several fully electric tractors supplied by VW’s Innovation Center Europe. These machines are being marketed as “reliable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly” alternatives to traditional diesel-powered equipment. Why go electric in a region where infrastructure can be patchy? According to VW, the high cost of fuel in Africa made EVs the more logical choice.

Under the hood—or rather, under the seat—the electric tractors produce a modest 27 hp (20 kW) and draw energy from a 32 kWh battery. Charging takes place at VW’s facilities using renewable energy from solar panels, and the use of swappable batteries is a clever touch, designed to minimize downtime. The company is betting that this approach will address the two biggest challenges for rural EVs: access to electricity and the need for continuous operation.

Dr. Nikolai Ardey, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Innovation, stated: “Farmers can book an e-tractor including a trained driver for affordable sustainable farming. The unique selling point of the project is the use of the battery swap system. In this way, the battery becomes part of the hub’s energy infrastructure as well as energy storage for the tractor”.

The program isn’t just about tractors. It also incorporates e-scooters, which VW says will provide “mobility services for the transportation of goods and people.”

VW’s operational base for the GenFarm Project is located in Gashora, Rwanda, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Kigali. Known as the Empowerment Hub (or e-Hub), this facility will feature photovoltaic power systems and energy storage infrastructure, forming the backbone of the project’s renewable energy supply. The hub is expected to be fully functional by the first half of 2025.

The origins of the GenFarm Project trace back to 2021 when VW Group’s then-CEO, Herbert Diess, got behind the wheel of the first electric tractor prototype. Since then, the initiative has gained traction through partnerships and government backing. In 2023, the Government of Rwanda provided land for the project’s operations, and support soon followed from the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), a development agency representing the German government.

According to VW, agriculture accounts for 25 percent of Rwanda’s Gross Domestic Product and has long played a “pivotal” role in supporting the livelihoods of its population. By introducing electric solutions, the GenFarm Project hopes to modernize the sector and reduce its environmental impact, all while empowering local communities.

Yesterday we celebrated the launch of the GenFarm project along with our @VWGroup & @VWRWanda colleagues!
This innovative farming pilot will be making use of e-tractors as part of a holistic ecosystem that services rural areas in Africa.
Learn more – https://t.co/ibv0Mp5jqb. pic.twitter.com/CUqjc3oxjq

— Volkswagen Group Africa news (@VWGAnews) October 23, 2024

Hertz’s third-quarter financial results released this week show it’s still reeling from its decision to bet big on EVs. Heavy depreciation on its fleet of electric cars – and ICE models – played a major role in Hertz reporting a net loss of $1.33 billion, compared with a $629 million profit in Q3, 2023, news that sent its share price even lower.

Tesla’s Price Cuts and EV Depreciation

The rental giant splashed out on EVs a few years ago, purchasing around 100,000 Tesla Model 3s and following up with another substantial order for Model Ys without knowing that the value of those cars would soon fall far below predicted levels. Electric cars in general have proved to be more depreciation-prone than combustion-powered vehicles, but Tesla CEO Elon Musk had a role to play in Hertz’s misery when he cut the price of new Teslas, lowering the value of the company’s fleet.

More: Hertz Selling Its Shelby Mustang Mach-E Fleet For A Price That’ll Short-Circuit Your Wallet

But Hertz’s ICE cars must shoulder some of the blame. They’ve also suffered heavy depreciation because some were bought during the semiconductor crisis when vehicle production was limited and prices were high. The agency’s Q3 results include a $1 billion impairment charge related to its fleet’s lower value.

The EV Sell-Off

In an effort to stem the bleeding, Hertz has been offloading EVs en masse. The rental company plans to offload around 30,000 EVs by the end of 2024. Most of these vehicles are expected to be Teslas, and their arrival on the used market has put further downward pressure on resale values, compounding the depreciation problem for both Hertz and the broader EV market.

As reported by Bloomberg, the sell-off is part of a broader plan to align its EV fleet to a number that its customers want to rent. The company expects to complete this fleet overhaul by the end of 2025, but until then, monthly depreciation costs remain sky-high at $537 per vehicle—nearly double the $284 average from Q3 2023. Hertz hopes to reduce that figure to $300 in the coming years, but for now, it’s another sore spot on a balance sheet full of them.

When asked how many EVs are currently in its fleet and how many more it plans to sell, a Hertz spokesperson told Carscoops: “We have not publicly specified the exact number of EVs in our fleet, but as we’ve previously said, we’re rightsizing our EV fleet to better meet customer demand.”

More: Hertz Staff Abandon Post, So Customers, Including Denver’s Mayor, Drive Off In Anything With Keys

Fleet depreciation wasn’t the only bad news in Hertz’s Q3 report. Its core rental business also underperformed, revenue of $2.6 billion being 5 percent less than analysts expected. Hertz’s stock price is down 68 percent this year, and fell 12 percent when the third-quarter numbers dropped.

“There is still work to be done,” said Hertz CEO Gil West. “But I am confident that the enhancements achieved over the course of this quarter demonstrate that we are on the right track.”

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Hertz would sell an extra 30,000 EVs, making 60,000 in total. The correct number is 30,000 EVs in total by the end of 2024. We apologize for the mistake.

The Tesla Cybertruck is a spectacle on wheels—a massive, angular slab that looks more suited to the set of a sci-fi film than the local Walmart parking lot. But it’s not just about turning heads; as one Florida man found out, it can also be a weapon of vigilante justice. When an unsuspecting owner rented his Cybertruck out through Turo he had no idea that his ride would end up in the middle of a high-stakes confrontation with a porch pirate.

The incident happened in Florida close to the renters home in Brooksville. “About to find out how good TURO’s insurance is… Yesterday my renter saw a porch pirate running to car with his box, accelerated and crashed into said porch pirate making a sandwich with the burglar’s car and a tree,” said the owner, Stefen Phelps, on Facebook.

More: Cybertruck Shames Lamborghini In 5-Second Street Race, And Police Aren’t Happy

Video shows the moment when the renter drove up toward his house and saw the pirate leaving the porch before jumping into what looks like a Genesis G80 sedan. With basically zero hesitation, the Cybertruck driver accelerates up to the Genesis, gets beside it, and keeps it from successfully turning left, the only direction available on that particular road. With nowhere else to go, the Genesis driver fails to slow down in time and hits a tree next to the road.

In the process, the Cybertruck driver ended up in a bad position behind the Genesis and also couldn’t stop in time to avoid hitting the sedan. The resulting damage is significant to the Cybertruck. The hood, quarter panel, front bumper, and more are significantly impacted. According to Phelps, Turo Insurance is so far handling the case without issue.

Videos Imgur

As for the porch pirate and his accomplices, Phelps told Carscoops that “I believe there were three people in the car, and they’ve all been arrested. I gave the evidence to the police. They were looking for the last one mid-last week I assume they probably got him by now.”

What remains unclear, however, is whether the Tesla driver might face charges any serious himself. Going full vigilante with a rented EV isn’t exactly a textbook example of self-defense, after all.

Image Credit: Stefen Phelps