Are you a guy who is looking for a way to earn more driving Tesla Uber?
Can you make more money driving Tesla with Uber?
I am here to answer these questions surfing in your mind right now.
No doubt, you can earn more money driving a Tesla with Uber.
You can make up to $35 an hour or more driving a Tesla with Uber.
However, it depends on many factors like where you drive, whether it is a side hustle or a full-time profession, and many more factors which I’ll discuss later in this article.
ENRForce, DrivinginStyle, and many others have shared their personal experience on the impact of driving Tesla on their revenue.
David from ENRForce generated $33 per hour driving Tesla with Uber(after charging a cost) and the other guy generated more than $2500 a week.
Well, they have been driving Uber for a long time. They made an experiment if driving Tesla with Uber can maximize their ride share earnings and I’m happy to say that it worked out for them.
People who drive for Uber find that driving a Tesla brings them more profits because…
1. Uber classifies Teslas into their higher luxury categories…which earn more money.
2. Electricity is about 4x cheaper than gas….saves money.
3. Tesla needs almost zero servicing/maintenance…which saves money and downtime.
Why Driving Tesla for Uber is Profitable?
via Giphy
Well, the answer to this question is simple.
There are 3 main reasons why the Uber-Tesla Program seems profitable.
The very first reason is the economy you get driving an EV is the real temptation for most Uber drivers.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Barnes an Uber driver shared her views.
She opted to rent a standard Tesla Model 3 for a month through Hertz, which has a deal with Uber Technologies Inc. offering drivers a weekly rate of $344 that includes insurance, basic maintenance, and unlimited miles.
Even after accounting for the cost to charge the car, Barnes was paying roughly $450 a week for “the car of her dreams,” less than the nearly $600 required to fuel her Camry.
In her first week, Barnes’ earnings covered the cost of the rental for the month.
The Cost-effectiveness makes this Uber-Tesla deal really impressive.
Related: Tesla Autopilot cameras not working(Fixed)
Secondly, Tesla is generally considered a luxury car, and that’s no different for Uber.
That’s why it qualifies for UberLUX, a premium offering to a select group of Uber riders. It gives a premium experience to the passengers, and they feel more comfortable.
In her interview, Barnes also stated that she used to receive tips of around $1 to $3 on average when she was driving the Camry but, since switching over to the Model 3, those tips have skyrocketed to between $10 and $15 on average.
Barnes isn’t sure if it’s the fact that people appreciate the Model 3’s environmentally friendly nature, or if it’s just because people associate the Tesla with a more premium experience over the Camry.
The last but not least, Uber is incentivizing its drivers to switch to EVs and as Teslas qualify for the Zero Emissions incentive, you will get $1 extra under this program by Uber itself.
Related: Tesla Superchargers: V1 V2 V3 V4
How much can you make driving a Tesla with Uber?
It depends on some factors, like:
- Where do you drive?
- How long are you planning to do this work—is it a side hustle or a full-time profession?
- Are you renting a Tesla because you want to see what it’s like?
I would like to answer this question on a factual basis…
I Rented a Tesla for $334 a week and after all taxes, we paid $445.19 including unlimited miles, maintenance, and insurance. The only additional cost drivers incur is charging the vehicle.
Charging is the only expense that Uber-rented Tesla drivers will have to bear here and this cost hits your income a lot. However, your mismanaged timing for charging your Tesla also affects your revenue.
Related: Tesla Wall charger tripping breaker(fixed)
How Much to Drive to Earn?
However, to pay for the $440($445 rounded off for easy cal.) weekly rental – after-tax fees and damage waiver – one must work 22 hours with active rides, which can be 25 or more hours. That’s assuming your average is $22 an hour. If you’re lucky enough to make more per hour, then your time to zero will be sooner.
Time to Zero, that’s what I work towards – and after that, it’s your money! Driving 22 hours (4.4 hours a day for 5 days) will cover your rental cost. The more you drive, the more you make, that’s simple.
Is it worth driving a Tesla for Uber?
It’s pretty clear I admire Teslas and would prefer to drive one, but should you rent a Tesla through Hertz for Uber? The answer is no!
My biggest complaint with this program is that Hertz promised many things and never delivered on those promises. I had issues with:
- Lower rates that were promised
- Tesla app access
Who wins in this scenario? Tesla, Hertz, and Uber – not the drivers.
Is Renting a Tesla for Uber Worth It?
Renting a Tesla for Uber may or may not be worth it depending on several factors, such as the rental cost, the earnings potential, the charging availability, and the personal preference of the driver.
#1. Rental Cost
The rental cost of a Tesla from Hertz is about $334/week or $497/week depending on the location and the model. This is comparable to the standard sedan rate, but higher than some other low-cost options.
The driver also needs to meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having completed at least 150 trips with Uber and maintaining a minimum rating of 4.85 .
#2. Earnings Potential
The earnings potential of driving a Tesla with Uber may be higher than driving a conventional car, as Teslas qualify for the Zero Emissions incentive and allow the driver to earn an extra $1 on every Uber trip (up to $4,000 annually).
Teslas are also eligible for Uber Comfort and Premier trips, which riders pay a little extra for .
#3. Charging Availability and Cost
The charging availability and cost may vary depending on the location and the type of charger. Tesla has a Supercharger network with thousands of fast-charging locations across the US, which can add up to 200 miles of range in 15 minutes.
However, the driver may need to pay for the electricity, which can range from $0.08 to $0.28 per kWh depending on the state.
The driver can also save up to 45% on fast charging at EVgo charging sites with no monthly or session fees. EVgo has more than 850 fast-charging locations nationwide.
#4. Personal Preference
The personal preference of the driver may also influence the decision to rent a Tesla for Uber.
Some drivers may enjoy the features and performance of a Tesla, such as the touchscreen interface, the Autopilot system, the Caraoke mode, and the fart mode.
Others may find them distracting or confusing, especially if they are not familiar with how to operate a Tesla. Some drivers may also prefer a more spacious or comfortable car than a Tesla.
In summary, renting a Tesla for Uber has its pros and cons, and the driver should weigh them carefully before making a choice.
A Tesla rental may be worth it for drivers who want to earn more per trip, save money on gas, and have fun with a high-tech car.
However, it may not be worth it for drivers who want to minimize their rental expenses, avoid charging hassles, and have more flexibility in choosing their car.
How much do you save driving Tesla with Uber?
A Tesla’s expenses will be far less (especially if he can charge his Tesla at home). Its energy will cost a fifth of the ICE, and it will have almost no maintenance.
A Model-3 (4.01 miles / kWh) costs 3.01 cents per mile at average US energy prices ($0.1042/kWh). An ICE at 30 MPG costs 15 cents per mile (at $4.50 / gal).
Google says that Uber drivers commonly put 1000+ miles weekly on their cars. 1000 miles would cost an ICE driver an extra $120 / week above what a Tesla driver is spending.
FWIW, the 2022 Federal Tax reimbursement for cars (EV or ICE) is 58.5 cents per mile. You may deduct that amount regardless of your actual cost. The less you spend, the more of your profit is not taxed.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, I’m waking up now from my nightmare.
Pros
- Quick – responsive vehicle!
- Sleek
- Impressive
- Maneuverability
- Comfortable
Cons
- No Tesla app access
- Lack of quick charging
- Cost
- White is difficult to keep clean (a big concern for rideshare drivers!)
- Autopilot doesn’t work on older freeways
- Car wash access
- Range vs Autopilot. Hertz should have skipped AP and upgraded to the long-range AWD version. An extra 100 miles would make it perfect for a 10-hour rideshare driver’s day!
- Floor mats – why none?
So will I keep driving my Tesla for Uber through Hertz?…
No.
Why? I think this program is best for full-time drivers – not part-time drivers. After paying the weekly fee and driving part-time, I’m only clearing $100/week.
That’s just not enough, not for me and not as a part-time driver.
However, if you’re a full-time driver and you’ve been nodding along to everything I’ve said so far, try this partnership when it’s available in your city! You may really enjoy it and make enough money to make it all worth it.
Overall, I had a very positive experience with this program, even though I won’t be keeping it. Definitely consider it if you’re a full-time driver – or even temporarily as a part-time driver, especially if you want to see what it’s like driving a Tesla!
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