Summary
- Transitioning rental car fleets on Maui to EVs could help the state meet energy goals
- Lack of charging infrastructure on Maui has hindered the transition to EV rentals
- Major national rental car companies at Kahului Airport did not respond to questions about their EV fleets
- Bill introduced on Maui aims to require more Level 2 charging stations in public parking lots
- Eco Rental Car only has two electric cars in its fleet due to limited charging infrastructure
Article
Transitioning rental car fleets to electric vehicles (EVs) could help Hawaii meet its energy goals, but the lack of infrastructure leaves customers worried about “range anxiety” while traveling around the island. Although Maui has gained new EV chargers this year, there is still not enough infrastructure to support a large number of EV rentals for visitors. The slow pace of charger installation reflects the broader challenges Hawaii faces in adding stations and increasing EV use due to cost and permitting issues.
Major national rental car companies at Kahului Airport have not disclosed how many electric vehicles are in their fleet, leaving uncertainty about the percentage of clean-energy vehicles available on Maui. Demand for EV rentals remains low on the island due to inadequate charging facilities, particularly the lack of Level 3 chargers. Visitors are hesitant to choose EVs due to range anxiety, especially if they stay in locations without charging options. While some companies like Enterprise Rent-A-Car are accommodating customer requests for balanced fleet options, the overall lack of infrastructure remains a major obstacle.
The limited number of fast-charging stations in Maui adds to the challenges of range anxiety for EV users. There are only seven fast-charging stations listed on Plugshare, with some offline or out of service. A proposed bill by Councilmember Tamara Paltin aims to require more Level 2 charging stations in public parking lots, following a law already in place on the Big Island. There is a significant need for more public charging infrastructure on Maui, not only for tourists but also for local residents who cannot charge at home.
Eco Rental Car, a company focused on providing environmentally friendly vehicle options, currently only has two electric cars out of their 20-car fleet, with the rest being hybrid electric-gas cars. Customers often prefer hybrids due to the limited charging infrastructure on the island. The lack of charging options at rental facilities and public locations makes it challenging for visitors to choose EVs. The island’s airport has mostly Level 2 charging stations, with one Level 3 station, showing the need for faster charging options to encourage EV adoption.
The state of Hawaii has set a goal of zero emissions for all transportation sectors by 2045, including vehicles, aviation, and boats. However, the state has faced criticism for the slow rollout of charging infrastructure, with only a small percentage of registered vehicles being EVs. With the help of federal funding, additional Level 3 charging stations are planned for Maui and other islands, but more investment is needed to expand the network. Electric car advocates emphasize the importance of prioritizing EV adoption to mitigate the climate crisis and reduce emissions.
Civil Beat’s coverage of environmental issues, particularly EV adoption and infrastructure development on Maui, is supported by various grants. The push for more charging infrastructure and faster charging options reflects the growing need for sustainable transportation solutions in Hawaii. Providing EV options for both residents and visitors is essential in achieving the state’s energy goals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Support from policymakers, rental companies, and clean-energy advocates is necessary to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles and create a more sustainable transport system in Hawaii.
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