Renting Guide

EV Renting Checklist

Renting an electric car is straightforward once you know a few things. The car itself is easier to drive than a gas car. The part that trips people up is charging: finding chargers, starting a session, knowing when to stop, and understanding how long things take. This checklist covers what to sort out before pickup, how to charge on the go, and what to check before you return the car.

0 of 15 checked

Before You Pick Up

The most common mistake with a rental EV is not preparing before you arrive. Five minutes of setup at home saves you a frustrating hour at the rental lot trying to figure out apps and connectors.

✓ 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

There are two types of public chargers: DC fast chargers (the big ones along highways, 20-30 minutes for a useful charge) and AC chargers (smaller, at hotels, parking garages, and supermarkets, better for overnight or longer stays). You will likely use both 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

Driving an EV feels different from a gas car. The acceleration is instant, the car is quieter, and the braking works differently because of regenerative braking (the car slows down when you lift off the accelerator, recovering energy). You will get used to it within the first 10 minutes. The bigger adjustment is thinking about charge level instead of fuel gauge.

✓ 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

The return process has one extra step compared to a gas rental: making sure the battery is at the agreed charge level. Find a fast charger near the drop-off location and top up. A 15-20 minute fast charge is usually enough to go from 40% to 80%.

✓ 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.

Quick Reference for Your Rental

Keep these numbers in mind during your trip. On a DC fast charger, expect to add about 100-200 km of range in 20-30 minutes. On an AC charger (hotel, parking garage), expect about 30-50 km per hour. Charging slows down above 80%, so stopping at 80% is usually the smart move unless you need every last kilometer. In cold weather, expect 20-30% less range than what the dashboard shows.

If something goes wrong at the charger, the free EVcourse app has step-by-step guides for every common problem: charger will not start, payment failed, connector stuck, charging too slow. Pick your situation and follow along.

Charging speeds and range vary by vehicle model, charger power, and weather conditions. The estimates above are conservative and realistic for most rental EVs. If you are renting in a specific region, check with the rental company for local charging app recommendations.