🤩🔌 Can Your Hertz Tesla Use a Supercharger? The Ultimate Guide for the Clueless (and the Cool!)
So you snagged a slick, rented Tesla from Hertz, feeling all futuristic and eco-conscious, ready to hit the open road. Sweet! You're practically a VIP in the electric vehicle (EV) world. But then reality hits you like a rogue shopping cart in a parking lot: The battery light is glowing yellow, and you've got that classic range anxiety jitters. Can you just roll up to one of those super-fast Tesla Supercharger spots and juice up? Or are you gonna be stuck using a slow, sleepy Level 2 charger that takes longer than your Great Aunt Mildred's stories?
Chill out, buttercup. The short answer is a resounding, "Heck yes, you can!" Your Hertz Tesla is still a Tesla, and it's totally rigged up to use the Supercharger network. But, and this is a huge but, the process and the bill-paying are a little different when you’re dealing with a rental. It's not like just filling up a gas tank—it’s an electrified adventure with a side of corporate invoicing. Let's break down how you can get that sweet, speedy charge without your wallet weeping.
Step 1: Getting Primed and Finding the Juice
This is where you channel your inner road warrior and figure out where the power is hiding. Don't just drive around aimlessly; this ain't a scavenger hunt.
1.1 The In-Car Navigation is Your Bestie
Forget third-party apps for finding a Supercharger—the car knows best!
On the massive, epic touchscreen that looks like it flew off a spaceship, tap the Navigation menu.
Look for the little lightning bolt icon (or the "Charging" option). This will bring up a map only showing Tesla Superchargers and other charging spots.
Pro Tip: Select the Supercharger on the screen, and the car's navigation will automatically start preconditioning the battery. This sounds technical, but it just means the car heats or cools the battery to the optimal temperature for the fastest charge possible. This is clutch, people!
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
1.2 Know Your Charging Goal
Unlike your gas guzzler, you usually don't need to charge an EV to 100% every single time.
The fastest charging happens when the battery is mostly empty (say, 20%) up to about 80%. After that, the car slows down the charge a ton to protect the battery.
If you're road-tripping, aim for 80% to 90% and get back on the road. Don’t be a space hog and sit there for the last 10%—it takes forever and other drivers will give you the stink eye.
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Step 2: The Plug-and-Play Supercharger Session
This is the easy-peasy part where the magic happens. You don't need an app, a credit card, or a secret handshake.
2.1 Parking Like a Boss
Navigate to the Supercharger station. Find an open stall.
Reverse park right up to the charger. The charging port is on the driver's side, near the rear taillight. Tesla makes this super simple.
Make sure you don't block an empty spot with a long cable hanging across it. That’s just bad karma.
2.2 The Effortless Connection
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
Grab the Supercharger cable. It’s thick, beefy, and has a sleek handle.
Gently push the charge port door on your rental Tesla—it's like a secret button! Pop! It opens.
Plug the connector firmly into the port. You’ll hear a solid click.
The little LED light around the port will flash green. That, my friend, is the sweet, sweet color of electricity flowing into your ride. You are officially charging!
2.3 Monitoring Your Energy Inflow
Walk away and grab a coffee, hit the restroom, or just browse the internet on your phone. Charging takes time—plan on 20 to 40 minutes for a solid top-up (20% to 80%).
You can check the progress live on the car's touchscreen display. It'll show you the current State of Charge (SoC), the rate you're charging at (in kW), and the estimated time remaining. Keep an eye on that 80% mark!
Step 3: Dealing with the Cash Money and the "Oops" Fees
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Since you're rolling in a Hertz car, this is the part where you realize the rental agency is your bill collector.
3.1 The Invisible Bill (Tesla to Hertz)
Unlike a privately owned Tesla, you do not need to use the Tesla app to start or pay for the session.
The Supercharger automatically recognizes the Hertz Tesla as an approved fleet vehicle. The cost of the electricity is automatically tracked and billed by Tesla directly to Hertz.
You get the power now, and the bill later. It's the ultimate electric "tab."
3.2 The Grand Total on Your Rental Receipt
Tip: Remember, the small details add value.
When you return the Tesla to Hertz, they tally up all the charging you did on the Supercharger network during your trip.
The total cost will appear as a line item on your final rental receipt, often labeled something like "TESLA REBILL" or "Supercharger Fees."
Here’s the deal: Hertz should only charge you the exact rate that Tesla charged them. They are generally not supposed to slap on an extra fee just for using the Supercharger. If you see some wild, unexplained surcharge, raise a flag and ask for a detailed breakdown!
3.3 The Dreaded Idle Fee
This is the part that can turn your sweet charging session into an expensive nightmare.
Once your Tesla is fully charged (or close to it, typically 100%, but sometimes 80% at a busy station), Tesla will start hitting you with an "Idle Fee" if you don't unplug and move your car right away.
This is Tesla's way of being a good samaritan and keeping the chargers open for others. These fees can stack up fast!
The Bottom Line: Once you're done, or close to 80% on a busy day, get your butt back to the car, unplug, and move it! This fee will be passed on to you by Hertz, no question. Don’t be that guy.
FAQ Questions and Answers
How do I know how much my Supercharging session cost?
You won't know the cost at the moment of charging. The fees are billed directly to Hertz and will appear itemized on your final rental receipt, typically as a "TESLA REBILL" line item, showing the total charges for all your Supercharging during the rental period.
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
What happens if I use a non-Tesla charger?
If you use a third-party charger (like Electrify America or ChargePoint), you will have to pay for that session on the spot using your own credit card or the station's required app. These charges are not included or billed through Hertz.
How low can I let the battery get before charging?
Hertz generally asks you to return the car with the same battery level as pickup, or pay a fee if it's too low (often below 70-80%). Letting the battery drop under 10% before charging is generally not a good idea, as it's hard on the battery and could result in extra fees from the rental agency.
What is an "Idle Fee" and how do I avoid it?
An Idle Fee is a charge Tesla applies if you leave your car parked in a Supercharger spot after charging is complete. To avoid it, simply unplug and move your car immediately once your charging session finishes or when the battery reaches your desired level.
Do Hertz Teslas come with a J1772 adapter for non-Tesla public charging?
Hertz policies can vary, but generally, Hertz does not reliably provide the J1772 adapter required to use the vast network of non-Tesla public Level 2 chargers. If you plan to use those, you should bring your own adapter, just in case!
I can also help you find the closest Supercharger location to a specific address, if you'd like!
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