Curious about driving a Tesla but not ready to buy? Renting one in Phoenix or Scottsdale is the perfect way to experience electric driving in a city built for it. This guide covers everything: which model to rent, where to charge, what it costs, and how to get the most from your Tesla rental.

Why Rent a Tesla in Phoenix?

Phoenix is one of the best cities in America to experience a Tesla:

  • Perfect EV weather: No range-killing cold (batteries love Arizona's mild winters)
  • Supercharger network: Phoenix metro has 25+ Supercharger locations
  • Carpool lane access: Arizona lets EVs use HOV lanes regardless of passengers
  • Sprawling city: Plenty of driving to actually experience the car
  • Tech-forward culture: Scottsdale especially embraces electric vehicles

Tesla Models Available for Rent

Here's what you'll find on ItWhip and what each model offers:

Tesla Model 3

The most popular Tesla rental—sporty sedan with impressive range and performance.

  • Range: 270-350 miles depending on variant
  • 0-60: 5.8 seconds (Standard), 4.2 seconds (Long Range), 3.1 seconds (Performance)
  • Seating: 5 adults comfortably
  • Cargo: 23 cubic feet (front trunk + rear)
  • Daily rate on ItWhip: $85-$130

Best for: Couples, business travelers, anyone wanting the Tesla experience at the best value

Tesla Model Y

The crossover SUV version—same tech, more space.

  • Range: 260-330 miles depending on variant
  • 0-60: 5.0 seconds (Long Range), 3.5 seconds (Performance)
  • Seating: 5-7 adults (optional third row)
  • Cargo: 68 cubic feet with seats folded
  • Daily rate on ItWhip: $100-$150

Best for: Families, road trips, anyone needing more cargo space

Tesla Model S

The flagship luxury sedan—premium everything.

  • Range: 375-405 miles
  • 0-60: 3.1 seconds (base), under 2 seconds (Plaid)
  • Seating: 5 adults in extreme comfort
  • Features: Yoke steering (newer models), gaming computer, premium sound
  • Daily rate on ItWhip: $180-$300

Best for: Luxury experience, long highway drives, impressing clients

Tesla Model X

The SUV with falcon wing doors—unmistakably Tesla.

  • Range: 315-350 miles
  • 0-60: 3.8 seconds (base), 2.5 seconds (Plaid)
  • Seating: 6-7 adults
  • Features: Falcon wing doors, massive windshield, towing capability
  • Daily rate on ItWhip: $220-$350

Best for: Families wanting the full Tesla experience, making an entrance

Browse all Tesla rentals available in Phoenix.

Charging Your Tesla Rental

First-time EV renters often worry about charging. In Phoenix, it's genuinely easy.

Tesla Supercharger Locations

Phoenix metro has extensive Supercharger coverage:

  • Phoenix: Biltmore, Desert Ridge, Camelback, downtown
  • Scottsdale: Fashion Square area, North Scottsdale
  • Tempe: ASU area, Tempe Marketplace
  • Mesa/Gilbert: Multiple locations along US-60 corridor
  • Chandler: Near shopping centers

Supercharging adds about 200 miles of range in 15-20 minutes. You can easily top off while grabbing lunch.

Charging Costs

Expect to pay $0.30-$0.45 per kWh at Superchargers. For context:

  • Full charge (nearly empty to full): $20-$35
  • Typical top-off (50% to 80%): $8-$15
  • Cost per mile: Roughly $0.04-$0.08 (vs $0.15-$0.20 for gas)

Most hosts return the car with adequate charge and include charging credits in the rental price—check your listing details.

Home Charging (If Available)

Some hosts include access to their home charger for overnight charging. This is typically free and convenient if you're picking up/dropping off at their location.

Destination Charging

Many Scottsdale hotels, resorts, and restaurants have Tesla destination chargers—slower than Superchargers but free and convenient while you dine or sleep.

What to Know Before Your First Tesla Drive

It Drives Differently

  • Regenerative braking: The car slows when you lift off the accelerator. You'll adapt within minutes.
  • Instant torque: Acceleration is immediate and strong. Be gentle at first.
  • Near silence: No engine noise—just tire and wind sound.
  • One pedal driving: Many drivers barely touch the brake in normal driving.

Key Features to Explore

  • Autopilot: Most rentals include basic Autopilot (adaptive cruise + lane centering). Great for highway driving.
  • Navigate on Autopilot: Some have this—the car handles highway interchanges automatically.
  • Dog Mode/Camp Mode: Keeps climate running when parked.
  • Sentry Mode: 360-degree security recording.
  • Premium audio: The sound system is exceptional.

Things That Might Trip You Up

  • Door handles: They're flush with the body. Push the wide part to pop them out.
  • Starting: No start button—just get in with the key card nearby and press the brake.
  • Gear selection: Use the stalk on the steering column (or touchscreen on newer models).
  • Mirrors: Adjust in the touchscreen, not manual buttons.

P2P vs Traditional Tesla Rental

You can rent Teslas from Hertz and other agencies now. Here's why P2P often wins:

Pricing

  • Hertz Tesla rental: $100-$200/day + taxes/fees = $130-$260 total
  • ItWhip Tesla rental: $85-$150/day + small service fee = $95-$165 total

P2P typically saves 20-40% on identical vehicles.

Vehicle Condition

Traditional rental Teslas often have high miles, worn interiors, and uncertain maintenance. P2P hosts maintain their own cars—they care about condition because it's their personal asset and their ratings depend on it.

Convenience

Airport rental counters mean shuttle rides and lines. P2P hosts deliver to your terminal or hotel—you meet the owner, get a personal orientation, and drive away.

Support

With P2P, your host is a real person who can answer questions via text. Traditional rentals route you to a call center.

Tesla Day Trips from Phoenix

Arizona offers perfect Tesla road trips—enough range to explore without charging anxiety.

Sedona (115 miles)

Round trip: ~230 miles. Comfortable in any Tesla without charging. Supercharger available in Camp Verde if needed.

Tucson (115 miles)

Round trip: ~230 miles. Multiple Superchargers in Tucson for extended exploration.

Flagstaff (145 miles)

Round trip: ~290 miles. Plan for a 15-minute Supercharger stop, or charge in Flagstaff during your visit.

Grand Canyon South Rim (230 miles)

Round trip: ~460 miles. You'll need to charge—Supercharger in Flagstaff is your stop. Plan appropriately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special license to drive a Tesla?

No—standard driver's license. If you can drive an automatic transmission car, you can drive a Tesla.

What if I run out of charge?

The car provides ample warning—you'll see range dropping and charging suggestions. Tesla's navigation routes you to Superchargers automatically. True "running out" requires ignoring multiple warnings.

Is insurance different for Teslas?

ItWhip's standard coverage applies to Teslas just like other vehicles. Some hosts require higher deposits for premium vehicles—check your listing.

Can I take the Tesla off-road?

Teslas are not off-road vehicles. Stick to paved and well-maintained dirt roads. Off-road use violates most rental agreements.

What if something goes wrong with the car?

Contact your host first—they know their vehicle. Tesla also has 24/7 roadside assistance accessible through the car's touchscreen.

Book Your Tesla Experience

Ready to drive electric? Browse Tesla rentals in Phoenix and Scottsdale on ItWhip. Filter by model, price, and pickup location to find your perfect match.

Whether you're test-driving before buying, exploring Arizona in style, or just curious about the hype—renting a Tesla for a few days tells you everything you need to know.

Check out all electric vehicle rentals available in Arizona.