Good to know before your Tesla rental

Tesla FAQs

If you’ve reserved a Tesla with your SIXT+ subscription, we realize you may have a few questions. You’ll find answers here to some frequently asked questions, and we hope the information gives you confidence when you pick up your Tesla.

Good to know before your Tesla rental

What do I need to do before picking up my Tesla?

There are two steps you should take before arriving at a SIXT station to pick up your Tesla. Download the Tesla app from the Google Play or Apple app store and set it up. The second step is to enter your credit card information in the Tesla app, and then choose a card to be used to pay at Tesla Superchargers.

How do I set up the phone key?

You can use the key card to set up the Tesla phone key. To do this:

• Activate Bluetooth on your phone.
• Open the Tesla app and follow the prompts.
• Once the setup is complete, your phone will communicate with the car via Bluetooth even when no cell service is available.

Your car will automatically lock and unlock via the phone key feature once you’ve installed the Tesla app on your phone and when your Bluetooth is turned on as you approach or leave the car.

How do I lock and unlock the vehicle?

You can lock or unlock your Tesla using the phone key feature in the Tesla app on your phone. To lock or unlock the doors without your phone, simply place the Tesla’s key card a few inches below the exterior door camera located on the door frame. Your car is locked when the mirrors are folded in.

How do I get into and out of the vehicle?

To open the door from the outside, use your thumb to push the wide part of the handle in while pulling out the narrow part of the handle.

Open the door from inside the car by pressing the button located on the door handle. If for some reason the car loses power, there is an emergency door release located above the window controls.

How can I start the Tesla?

To start the vehicle, place the key card behind the cup holder or power on for driving with the phone key by pressing the brake pedal.

You can also start the Model 3 and Model Y (and others) in the Tesla app. Both the phone and vehicle must be connected to a cellular network, and mobile access needs to be activated on the Tesla touchscreen. Open the app, tap “Controls”, then “Start”. You’ll then have two minutes to start driving the vehicle.

How can I turn off the Tesla?

To turn off the Tesla, you’ll first need to put the Tesla in park by pressing the button on the right lever. Then simply exit the vehicle. If the phone key is connected, the car powers down automatically and locks as you close the doors. If the phone key is not connected, you’ll need to lock the door using the key card.

How do I drive a Tesla?

To drive your Tesla, simply:

• Get into the car using your phone key and buckle up
• Press the brake pedal and use the lever on the right side of the steering wheel to select a gear: Up = reverse; down = drive mode.

Charging

Your Tesla has an approximate range of 270 miles on a full charge. When it’s time to power up, here’s how to do it.

How do I locate a charging station?

Use your Tesla’s navigation system to locate the closest charging station or search in the Tesla app. You can also search in apps like PlugShare or ChargeHub.

What is the cost of charging a Tesla?

The cost to charge using a commercial charger is $10 to $30 on average, depending on the cost of electricity in your area.

Where is the charging port?

You’ll find the charge port behind a door at the rear of the car, as part of the left rear taillight assembly. It’s almost hidden as part of the lights.

How do I charge a Tesla?

The process to charge a Tesla is simple:

• Point the Tesla connector at your charge port and press the top button to open it or press on the charge port door itself.
• The Tesla “T” glows white to indicate your car is ready to charge.
• The “T” blinks green when the charging cable is connected correctly, and charging begins.
• To unplug the charging cable, press and hold the connector button and remove the connector once the “T” turns white. The charge port door will close automatically.

How long does it take to charge a Tesla?

Depending on the size of the battery and the speed of the charging point, charging can be done in as little as 30 minutes.

Is a charging adapter provided in the rental vehicle?

A charging adapter will be placed in the car for your convenience. Please locate it and notify your branch immediately if this adapter is missing. A $50 replacement fee will be applied if you return the vehicle without the adapter.