Electric cars are becoming a common sight in hire fleets — especially in Europe. They can be a great choice on holiday, but they require different planning to petrol cars. Here's what to know before you book one.
Benefits of hiring an electric car
- Lower running costs — charging is significantly cheaper than petrol in most countries
- No fuel policy stress — most suppliers charge by the amount of charge used, or ask you to return it full
- Driving experience — smooth, quiet, instant acceleration. Many people prefer it.
- Environmental — zero direct emissions, especially meaningful in cities
- City access — EVs are exempt from congestion charges and low-emission zones in many European cities
Challenges to plan for
- Range — most hire EVs have a real-world range of 150–250 miles. Fine for day trips; requires planning for long drives.
- Charging time — rapid chargers (30–45 mins) are not available everywhere. Overnight charging at accommodation is the most convenient approach.
- Charging network — varies enormously by country. Norway and the Netherlands are excellent. Rural areas in Southern Europe and beyond can be sparse.
- Availability — EV hire cars are still a smaller portion of fleets. Book early.
Best destinations for EV hire
- Norway — world-leading EV infrastructure, chargers at most hotels and tourist stops. Fiords look even better in silence.
- Netherlands — dense charging network, flat terrain, short distances between cities
- UK — rapidly improving network; most motorway services have rapid chargers
- France — strong motorway charging network; rural areas can be thinner
Where to be cautious
EV hire is less straightforward in countries with less developed charging infrastructure — rural areas of Southern and Eastern Europe, parts of Asia and Africa. If you're planning to drive remote routes, a petrol or hybrid may be more practical.
Cost comparison
EV hire is often 10–20% more expensive per day than equivalent petrol models. However, the saving on fuel can offset this, especially on longer rentals. Compare total cost of ownership including expected charging costs when making your decision.
Compare electric car hire prices now — filter by fuel type to find EVs and hybrids.