At Liftoff, we’re always looking out for the best interests of our guests, our vehicles, and our efficiency. That’s why our policy only requires guests to return their rented electric vehicles with at least a 50% charge, rather than the customary 100% many other rental companies demand.

Here’s the thoughtful reasoning behind our policy:

1. Cost-Effectiveness for Our Guests

Charging electric vehicles (EVs) at superchargers, particularly up to a full 100%, can be significantly more expensive than charging at slower, Level 2 chargers. When guests recharge vehicles to 100% at fast-charging stations before returning them, the high cost of fast charging is initially covered by Liftoff and then passed on to guests through reimbursement requests via Turo. By asking guests only to charge up to 50%, we minimize these high-cost charges, making the rental experience more affordable and hassle-free for everyone involved.

2. Battery Health and Longevity

The longevity and performance of electric vehicle batteries depend greatly on how they’re charged. Frequent use of fast chargers and regularly cycling the battery from full charge down to low levels accelerates battery degradation. By keeping the battery around 50% when returned, we significantly reduce the stress placed on the battery cells. This practice helps maintain optimal battery health, ensuring that our vehicles offer peak performance and reliability for many future trips.

3. Environmental Responsibility

Using Level 2 chargers, particularly during off-peak hours, is more sustainable and energy-efficient. Fast chargers, while convenient, demand substantial electricity during peak times, often sourced from less sustainable methods. Our policy of charging to 50% upon return allows Liftoff to replenish vehicles more sustainably, supporting our broader mission of environmental stewardship.

4. Convenience and Comfort

We understand that your time is valuable, especially after a trip. By eliminating the pressure of finding an available and affordable supercharger to reach a full 100% charge, we allow you to return your vehicle stress-free. Simply bring your EV back with a minimum of 50%, and we’ll handle the rest efficiently and sustainably.

5. Affordable Prepaid EV Recharge Fee

At Liftoff, we offer an optional prepaid EV recharge service for just $10. We intentionally set this fee at a low rate to encourage guests to choose this convenient option rather than supercharging. In most cases, the prepaid fee ends up being significantly cheaper for guests compared to the cost of using a supercharger to reach a 100% charge before returning the vehicle. It also saves Liftoff money because charging from 50% to 100% using our Level 2 chargers is much less expensive than using fast chargers, especially during peak hours. Ultimately, this translates to savings for our guests and reduced operational costs, benefiting everyone involved.

6. Avoiding Delays and Late Returns

Charging speeds dramatically slow down once an EV battery reaches about 80%, making the final charge to 100% significantly longer. This extra time required is difficult for guests to predict and often results in delays and late vehicle returns. By only requiring a 50% charge, we remove this uncertainty, ensuring you can easily plan your return trip without worrying about unexpected delays or extra costs.

Liftoff’s policy is designed with your convenience, cost-saving, and the long-term health of our electric vehicles in mind. It’s just another way we’re revolutionizing EV rentals to serve you better and keep our vehicles running like new.