Renting Guide

EV Renting Checklist

Renting an electric car is straightforward once you know a few things. Most of it comes down to charging. This checklist covers what to sort out before pickup, how to charge on the go, and what to check before you return the car.

Before You Pick Up

✓ Ask the rental company which plug the car uses. Most EVs in Europe use Type 2 (AC) and CCS (DC). In North America, most new EVs use NACS or CCS. Knowing this saves you from pulling up to a charger that doesn't fit.
✓ Download a charging app before you arrive. Apps like Plugsurfing or the local network's app let you find and pay for public chargers. Setting up an account in advance means you won't be standing in a parking lot creating one.
✓ Check if there's a charging cable in the trunk. Some rental companies include one, some don't. The cable is for AC charging at home or hotels. DC fast chargers have their own cables built in.
✓ Ask what charge level they expect on return. Some companies want 80%, some just want it "not empty." Know this upfront so you're not scrambling to find a charger near the drop-off.

Charging During Your Rental

✓ Use DC fast chargers for quick stops. These are the big stations along highways. They can add 100-200 km of range in 20-30 minutes. Look for the CCS or NACS plug.
✓ AC chargers are for overnight or longer stays. Hotel chargers, parking garages, destination chargers. They're slower (add 30-50 km per hour) but often cheaper or free.
✓ You don't need to charge to 100%. Charging slows down significantly above 80%. Unless you need every last km, stop at 80% and get moving.
✓ Plan your charging stops before you leave. Built-in navigation usually shows chargers along your route. If not, use A Better Route Planner or Google Maps.

On the Road

✓ Don't wait until the battery is nearly empty. Start looking for a charger around 20-30%. Chargers can be occupied or out of order, so give yourself a buffer.
✓ Cold weather reduces range. If you're driving in winter, expect 20-30% less range than the dashboard estimate. Pre-heat the car while it's still plugged in if you can.
✓ Regenerative braking feels different. The car slows down when you lift off the accelerator. This is normal. It's recovering energy. You'll get used to it in about 10 minutes.
✓ If you get stuck, call the rental company first. They'll have a roadside assistance plan. Don't stress about running out. Modern EVs warn you well in advance.

Returning the Vehicle

✓ Charge to the agreed level before drop-off. Find a fast charger near the return location. 15-20 minutes is usually enough to top up.
✓ Put the charging cable back where you found it. Trunk, frunk, or under the floor. Rental companies charge for missing cables and they're not cheap.
✓ Take photos of the dashboard showing charge level. Same reason you photograph the exterior. Protects you if there's a dispute.

Charging speeds and range can vary by specific EV model, charger power, and weather, but the estimates above are conservative and realistic. If you're renting in a specific region, double-check with the rental company for local nuances like app recommendations or preferred charging networks.