1) How does hybrid car differ from a conventional car?

Hybrid car run on fuel as well as battery, the battery saves power when the car is powered by fuel, the vehicle automatically taps into the energy stored in the battery energy.

2) How do I charge the battery?

No, you do not have to do anything to charge the battery in a hybrid car! Drive it like a conventional petrol car, the battery is automatically charged by the petrol engine when you drive.

2) How efficient is the hybrid car?

Hybrid cars consumes roughly half the fuel compared to a conventional car, it consumes around 4 to 5 litres of fuel for every 100 km.

3) Why use a hybrid vehicle as a rental?

Given that TravelBee car rental prices are competitive compared to that of a conventional car, you get to keep the saving’s from petrol. Depending how long distance you drive, if you travel long enough the petrol saving itself would substitute the rent payment towards the car. Great for the environment as there is huge reduction in carbon emissions. All these at the same price or lower than that of a conventional vehicle hire.

4) Are the cars reliable?

We rent only Toyota hybrid cars, our cars are regularly serviced and check to ensure their reliability.

• The vehicle is powerful, quiet, and vibration free, for you to have an enjoyable and comfortable drive.

5) Why is a hybrid more fuel efficient.

• Stop idle: Whenever the vehicle comes to a stop, the engine shuts down. No fuel is consumed. This accounts for the very good fuel economy in city driving.
• Small engine: For the size of the vehicle the engine is relatively small. The NHW20 Generation 3 Prius weighs 1300Kgs but the petrol engine is only 1500cc. A conventional vehicle this size would need to have a 2200cc engine to handle the lower end torque.
• Efficient engine: The Atkinson cycle engine runs at lower RPM and is efficient between 2000-4000 RPM. By combining it with an electric motor that provides instant torque from 0-2000 RPM the petrol engine is kept working only in its efficient range.
• Energy recovery: Under braking and downhill the electric motor runs in reverse and energy is recovered and stored in the battery. This energy is used later when required.
• Shape: The vehicle is designed and shaped for low drag coefficient.
• Standard fuel: Vehicle uses standard fuel reducing cost of operation.
• Less moving parts: There are no alternators, starter motors, distributors, cam belts thus reducing friction and inefficiencies.
• Electric Drive: At low speed, depending on the state of charge of the battery, only the electric drive is in operation.

6) Where are TravelBee branches located in New Zealand?

TravelBee has its branch only in Mount Roskill, Auckland and would be expanding to other cities soon.

7) Is there any minimum hire period?

No, there is no minimum hire period. You may hire the vehicle for the period you desire.

8) Can the vehicle be dropped off in other cities in New Zealand?

No, at this stage the pickup and dropping-off vehicles is from Auckland only.

9) What is the driver’s license requirement?

Driver must be 18 years of age, full licence from any country is accepted, licence must be in English.  If your license is not in English, please see to that it is translated to English or you attain an international drivers licence.

10) How do I change my booking?

You would have to contact us by phone or email to make changes to your booking.

11) What extra hire items are available?

We hire snow chains for $30.

12) What’s the excess?

At TravelBee we prefer to provide customers with insurance excess options

Option 1: Risk takers

Note: Overseas full license holders refer to license holders from other countries other than New Zealand & Australia

Option 2: Safe player

Zero excess option available at $24 extra per day, this includes free windscreens and tyre damage cover.

13) Is there any limit on Kilometres on the vehicle?

No there is no restriction on the kilometres on the vehicle.

14) Are the cars automatic transmission or manual transmission?

We offer only automatic transmission cars.

15) Can we smoke in the vehicle?

Sorry, smoking is not permitted in the car.

16) Do I have to pay a bond?

No, we do not charge any bond.

17) If I have an accident and I am at fault, will I lose my entire excess?

You will be liable for up to the amount of your excess towards the repair cost. If the damage is minor, you will only be charged the repair costs and not the entire excess. If your excess is zero ($0) you will not be charged at all (as long as you do not breach our Terms and Conditions).