First time driving electric?
Your simple guide to our Tesla Model 3
New to electric cars? A little preparation makes your first trip much easier. This guide covers getting comfortable, planning your journey, charging and returning the car.
Three things to remember
Before you drive away
Allow a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the car while parked.
- Adjust your seat, mirrors and steering wheel.
- Locate the indicators, wipers, lights and hazard lights.
- Check the battery percentage and enter your destination.
- Make sure you understand the key, locking and charging arrangements.
- Check your booking's mileage allowance.
- Ask us about anything you're unsure of before setting off.
Unlocking, driving and parking
Keep the key card with you. Tap it against the reader on the driver's door pillar to lock or unlock.
- Our 2021 Model 3 uses the drive stalk beside the steering wheel. Move the right-hand stalk fully down and release to Drive, fully up and release to Reverse, or press the button on the end to Park.
- Check the selected mode on the screen before moving. Confirm P before getting out.
Why does it slow down when I lift off?
That's regenerative braking: the car recovers energy as it slows.
- Ease off the accelerator gradually for smoother driving. Keep your foot ready to use the brake whenever needed. The slowing effect can change, particularly with a cold or highly charged battery, so don't assume it will always feel the same.
Planning your journey
Enter your destination into the car's navigation before leaving. Check the predicted battery level on arrival and any suggested Supercharger stops.
- Treat range figures as estimates. Motorway speed, weather, heating, hills and luggage all affect how far a charge will take you. Check the prediction during longer journeys and leave a comfortable reserve.
- Plan your final charging stop so you can complete the return journey and hand back the car with at least 20% remaining.
Using a Tesla Supercharger
Please use Tesla Superchargers during your hire.
- Find a Supercharger in the car's navigation. Select it as your destination so the car can prepare the battery for charging where needed.
- Park within reach of the cable. Put the car in Park and open the charge port at the rear left.
- Plug in securely. Check the touchscreen to confirm charging has started.
- Monitor the session. Follow the recommended charge limit and your journey's requirements.
- Stop charging, unlock the connector and disconnect gently. Never force a stuck cable.
- Move promptly when charging is finished or the site requires it — additional congestion or overstay fees may apply.
Who pays for charging?
You pay for all charging used during your hire. Supercharging is not included in the rental price.
- If a Supercharger session is billed to our Tesla account, the applicable cost will be requested through Turo. Any applicable additional charging-site fees are also your responsibility under your booking and Turo's policies.
- A Prepaid EV Recharge Extra concerns recharging after return. It does not cover electricity used during your trip.
Returning the Tesla
Return with at least 20% battery remaining. Allow enough time for a Supercharger stop before returning if needed.
- The 20% minimum also applies if you select Prepaid EV Recharge. Check your Turo booking for the Extra's terms and any other applicable return-charging requirements.
- Photograph the battery percentage and vehicle condition.
- Return the key card and any supplied charging equipment.
- Remove your belongings.
- Follow the agreed parking instructions and complete checkout through Turo.
Need help?
For questions about the car, message us through your Turo booking or contact BR Car Hire on WhatsApp. If a charger won't start or release, check the touchscreen instructions and contact Tesla charging support. For a breakdown or urgent trip issue, use the support options in your Turo booking.
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