Are you planning an exciting road trip but want to travel more environmentally friendly? Electric rental cars are changing the way we explore the world. They offer a greener, quieter, and often more cost-effective option.
But how do electric cars compare to traditional gas-powered rentals? Are they reliable for long-distance travel? And most importantly, why should you choose electric cars to hire for your next adventure?
This guide breaks it all down—covering everything from the pros and cons to charging tips and real-world examples.
Let’s dive in!
Why Do You Choose Electric Cars to Hire for Your Trip?
Renting an electric vehicle (EV) for a road trip is becoming more popular, and for good reason. Compared to traditional gas cars, EVs offer a cleaner, quieter, and tech-savvy experience that’s perfect for modern travelers.
Environmentally Friendly Travel
One of the biggest reasons people choose EVs is their zero-emission driving. Unlike gas-powered cars, EVs don’t release harmful CO₂, making them a greener choice for road trips.
A gas car emits about 4.6 metric tons of CO₂ per year, while an EV reduces this to zero (if charged with renewable energy).
Many countries offer sustainability incentives for electric rental cars, such as free parking, toll discounts, and exclusive driving lanes.
Cost-Effective Driving
Many travelers assume EV rentals are expensive, but they can save you money in the long run.
Charging an EV is cheaper than buying fuel. A full charge can cost as little as $10-$20, while a gas car may cost $50-$100 for the same distance.
Some rental companies offer free charging credits when you rent an EV.
EVs have fewer moving parts, meaning there’s less risk of mechanical failure during your trip.
Advanced Technology for a Smooth Ride
Most modern EVs come with cutting-edge features that make driving more enjoyable and stress-free.
Autopilot & driver assistance (available in Tesla and some Hyundai EVs) makes long drives easier.
Regenerative braking helps extend battery life by converting braking energy back into power.
Built-in GPS & smart connectivity let you locate charging stations in real-time.
The Pros and Cons of Renting an Electric Car for Road Trips
Before you book an EV, it’s essential to weigh the advantages and challenges to decide if it’s right for your travel plans.
Pros of Electric Rental Cars
Smooth and Silent Drive: EVs offer an ultra-quiet ride, making road trips more peaceful. There is no loud engine noise; it is just you and the open road.
Instant Acceleration: EVs deliver instant torque, unlike gas cars, which means quicker acceleration and a more responsive driving experience.
Fewer Stops for Maintenance: EVs don’t require oil changes, engine tune-ups, or exhaust system repairs—saving you time and stress during your trip.
Wide Availability in Many Countries: Countries like Norway, Germany, the UK, China, and the USA have a strong EV rental market, with plenty of options from top brands like Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, and Volkswagen.
Cons of Electric Car Rentals
Limited Charging Infrastructure in Some Areas: Not all places have enough charging stations, especially in remote locations. However, apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, and Tesla Supercharger maps can help you plan ahead.
Longer Charging Times: Fast charging can take 30-60 minutes, while slow chargers might need 6-12 hours. If you're used to refueling in 5 minutes, this requires some patience.
Higher Rental Costs in Some Cases: EV rentals can be slightly more expensive than gas cars, especially if you choose premium brands like Tesla Model Y or Audi e-tron. However, fuel savings often make up for this.
Choosing the Right Electric Car for Your Road Trip
Not all EVs are the same! Your choice depends on your travel needs, budget, and route.
Here’s a detailed look at the best EVs for different types of travel.
Best EVs for Short Trips (City Driving & Weekend Getaways)
If you’re planning a city break or a short weekend road trip, you don’t need an EV with a massive range. These cars are budget-friendly, easy to drive, and perfect for urban exploration.
Nissan Leaf
Range: 240-300 km (150-186 miles)
Why Choose It? Affordable, compact, and great for city driving
Charging: Can charge to 80% in about 40 minutes using a fast charger
Best For: Exploring city streets, quick weekend getaways, and short daily drives.
Renault Zoe
Range: 400 km (250 miles)
Why Choose It? Small, stylish, and widely available in Europe
Charging: Charges in about 2.5 hours on a Level 2 charger
Best For: Budget travelers looking for a simple and efficient EV.
Hyundai Kona Electric
Range: 480 km (300 miles)
Why Choose It? Small SUV with good storage space and decent range
Charging: Fast charges in about 47 minutes
Best For: Those who want a balance between affordability, space, and battery range.
Best EVs for Long-Distance Road Trips
You need a car with a high battery range and fast-charging capability for road trips covering long distances. These EVs are designed for longer journeys and come with advanced features to make travel smooth.
Tesla Model 3
Range: 500 km (310 miles)
Why Choose It? Fast, efficient, and has access to Tesla’s Supercharger network
Charging: 15 minutes of Supercharging gives about 270 km (170 miles)
Best For: Travelers looking for an ultra-reliable long-range EV with plenty of charging options.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Range: 500 km (310 miles)
Why Choose It? A powerful SUV that offers a fun driving experience
Charging: Charges from 10% to 80% in 45 minutes using a fast charger
Best For: Adventure seekers who want performance and stle.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Range: 480 km (300 miles)
Why Choose It? Spacious, high-tech, and charges super fast
Charging: Can charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes
Best For: Travelers who want a roomy, futuristic car for long journeys.
Toyota Prius Alpha (Plug-in Hybrid Option)
Range: (EV Mode): 50 km (31 miles)
Why Choose It? Affordable hybrid option for travelers worried about charging availability
Charging: Can be charged at home or gas stations (as it also runs on fuel)
Best For: People traveling to areas with limited charging stations.
Best EVs for Families & Group Travel
For family road trips, you need an EV with plenty of space, comfortable seating, and good luggage storage. These EVs provide a great range and roomy interiors for group travel.
Tesla Model X
Range: 550 km (342 miles)
Why Choose It? Large SUV with Falcon Wing doors and seating for 7 people
Charging: 15 minutes of Supercharging adds about 320 km (200 miles)
Best For: Families looking for a luxurious and long-range EV.
Kia EV6
Range: 510 km (317 miles)
Why Choose It? Spacious, stylish, and fast-charging
Charging: Can charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes
Best For: Families or groups who want a balance of space and speed.
Volkswagen ID.4
Range: 450 km (280 miles)
Why Choose It? Great cargo space and comfortable seating
Charging: 38 minutes to reach 80% charge with a fast charger
Best For: Long road trips with lots of luggage.
Isuzu D-Max EV (For Off-Road Adventures)
Range: Expected to be 300-350 km (186-217 miles)
Why Choose It? A rugged electric truck designed for off-road and rural travel
Charging: Fast charging is available in select models
Best For: Explorers and adventure seekers who need a powerful and reliable vehicle.
Choosing the right EV depends on where you're traveling, how far you’re going, and how much space you need.
How to Keep EVs Powered on the Road?
One of travelers' biggest worries about electric cars is running out of battery in the middle of nowhere. But don’t stress—keeping your EV powered is easy with a little planning.
Plan Your Charging Stops Before You Start
Unlike gas stations, charging stations aren’t everywhere yet, especially in remote areas. So before you hit the road, check for charging stations along your route. Apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, and Tesla Supercharger Map can help you find the nearest charging points.
If you're traveling to a new country, check if you need a charging membership or a special card to use public chargers. Some places don’t accept credit cards directly.
Use Fast Chargers When Possible
There are three main types of charging:
- Slow Charging (Level 1): This is like plugging your phone into a regular wall socket. It’s the slowest option, adding only a few miles per hour.
- Public Charging (Level 2): These are found at hotels, malls, and rest stops. They charge much faster and are great for overnight charging.
- Fast Charging (DC Fast Charging): These charge your car up to 80% in 30-60 minutes. Look for Tesla Superchargers or Ionity stations in Europe for the fastest speeds.
Charge while you eat! Many charging stations are near restaurants, shopping centers, or attractions.
Don’t Let Your Battery Drop Too Low
Unlike gas cars, where you can push it to the last few liters, EVs don’t like being on empty. Try to keep your battery above 20% at all times. If a charging station is out of service, you still have enough charge to reach the next one.
Charge Overnight at Hotels
Many hotels now offer free or low-cost EV charging. Before booking, check if your hotel has chargers so you can wake up with a fully charged car and be ready to hit the road again.
If your hotel doesn’t have a charger, look for one nearby and plug it in while you go for dinner.
Use Regenerative Braking to Extend Battery Life
Most EVs have a cool feature called regenerative braking, which recharges the battery every time you slow down. So, if you’re driving down a mountain or braking in traffic, you’re actually gaining power instead of losing it.
Use this feature wisely—driving smoothly and avoiding sudden stops will make your battery last longer.
Have a Backup Plan for Emergencies
Even with the best planning, things don’t always go as expected. Maybe a charger is broken, or there’s a long wait. It’s always smart to:
- Know where the nearest charging station is.Carry a portable charger if your rental company provides one.Have a roadside assistance number, just in case.
Keeping your EV powered on the road isn’t hard—it just takes more planning than driving a gas car. The good news is that charging stations are increasing worldwide, and EV road trips are becoming easier daily.
Electric Rental Cars: FAQs
How much can I save on fuel costs with an electric rental car?
Renting an EV can cut fuel expenses by up to 80% compared to gasoline. Charging costs vary by region but are generally cheaper—for example, in the U.S., electricity averages 0.15/kWh versus 3.50/gallon for gas. Many cities offer free EV parking, and apps like Zapmap help locate affordable chargers. Over a week-long trip, this could save you 50–100, depending on distance and local rates.
What features are essential in an EV for long road trips?
Prioritize EVs with 250+ miles of range (e.g., Tesla Model S, Hyundai Ioniq 5), fast-charging capability (15–30 minutes for 80%), and built-in navigation that plans charging stops. Spacious interiors, regenerative braking, and adaptive cruise control enhance comfort and efficiency.
How do I locate charging stations during my journey?
Use apps like Zapmap (Europe/UK) or PlugShare (global) to find chargers—filter by speed (L2, DC Fast) and amenities (restrooms, cafes). Tesla Superchargers and Electrify America stations are common in the U.S., while Ionity dominates in Europe—pre-plan routes with tools like A Better Routeplanner.
What steps should I take if my EV battery dies unexpectedly?
Safely pull over and contact roadside assistance provided by your rental company. Services may tow the EV to the nearest charger or deliver a portable charger. Always keep the rental agency’s emergency number handy, and inform responders it’s an EV to avoid delays.
How does cold or hot weather impact an EV’s battery life?
Extreme temperatures can reduce the range by 10–30%. To minimize loss, precondition the battery while it is plugged in (warming it in cold climates or cooling it in heat). Avoid excessive heating/cooling systems, and park in shaded or covered areas when possible.
What is regenerative braking, and how does it extend battery range?
Regenerative braking captures energy when slowing down, converting it into battery power. Activate it via the EV’s settings—it’s ideal for hilly terrain or stop-and-go traffic. This feature can boost the range by 5–15%, reducing the need for frequent charging stops.
What types of electric vehicles are available for rent?
Options include Battery electric vehicles (BEVs, like the Tesla Model 3), Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs, like the Toyota Prius Prime), and Hybrids (HEVs). BEVs offer zero emissions and fast charging, while PHEVs combine electric and gas power for longer trips without charging anxiety.
Why use apps like Zapmap for EV road trips?
Zapmap provides real-time data on charger locations, speeds (L1, L2, DC Fast), and availability. It also shows pricing, payment methods, and user reviews. The app’s route planner optimizes stops, ensuring you never stray far from a charging point.
How do I pay to charge for a rental EV?
Most networks require apps like ChargePoint or the rental company’s platform. To use these apps, you link a credit card, scan the charger’s QR code, and pay per kWh or session. Some chargers accept contactless cards, but apps often offer discounted rates or membership perks.
Which in-car features drain an EV’s battery quickly?
Heated seats, climate control, and infotainment systems consume significant power. To maximize range, use these features sparingly—precondition the cabin while plugged in and rely on seat warmers instead of full heating. Cruise control at 65–68 mph also conserves energy.
Wrap-Up
So, is an electric rental car the right choice for your next road trip? If you want to save money on fuel, reduce your carbon footprint, and experience a modern driving adventure, the answer is yes!
While charging and range planning require some adjustment, the benefits of lower costs, a smooth ride, and sustainability make EVs a fantastic choice for travelers.Rent an Electric Car with Finalrentals Today.
