Fiat finally unveiled its electric car during last year’s L.A. Auto Show and when it goes on sale in California this summer it will come with a free alternative vehicle.
The “ePass” program lets owners borrow rental cars for up to 12 days per year for free from Enterprise, Alamo and National car rental brands.. Offering buyers the chance to escape their EV for a little while might seem counterintuitive, but Fiat is offering the service to calm potential range anxiety. Fiat reached the agreement with Enterprise Holdings – parent company to the three rental agencies – last week.
“It gives [consumers] that ultimate flexibility,” Fiat North America boss Tim Kuniskis told Automotive News. “If I own a 500e and I need a pickup to help my buddy move, or if I need a standard car because I want to take the family to go see grandma in New York, I can do that.”
Sales will be limited to California – at least for now.
A business account with enough points to 12 days worth of car rentals will be tied to the purchase of each car. That program will be extended two years beyond the initial period by having those points replenished, but after the total three year period the offer will end.
Drivers won’t be restricted to which car they borrow either. Instead, they can use points to go toward more spacious cars like a minivan or truck.
[Source: Automotive News]
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