America’s charging infrastructure continues to improve, but long distance travel can still be a headache – at least for those who don’t purchase or lease a Lexus RZ 450e.
To make owning an EV as easy as possible, the RZ 450e comes with access to the Lexus Reserve program that gives customers 30 days of complimentary rentals which can be used over the course of three years. The program is dealer-based and owners can use the Lexus app to make reservations.
The program is designed to make long distance travel worry-free and it also helps to overcome the RZ’s relatively short range of up to 220 miles (354 km). However, Lexus advises customers to be aware of possible mileage limitations and to inform the dealer if they intend to take their rental out of state.
Also: 2023 Lexus RZ EV Starts At $59,650 And Offers Up To 220 Miles Of Range
That being said, rentals can be driven anywhere in the United States or Canada “as long as it is returned to the same dealership you picked up from.” Lexus forbids taking rentals to Mexico and warns against taking them off-road as they’ll be “notified” and “additional charges may be incurred.” As a result, you shouldn’t expect to grab an LX rental for a Moab adventure.
The rental program is part of a larger effort to help Lexus customers embrace EVs as the company eyes an electric future. To help ease the transition, dealers are getting special training and the company will have a dedicated customer service line to answer questions about electric vehicles.
Speaking during a press drive last week, officials told us charging is one of the biggest concerns of their customers. To help alleviate this, the company will teach consumers the basics of at-home charging. Lexus has also partnered with Qmerit to connect customers with electricians for charger installation.
