For most people, electric cars are still a novelty. If you haven’t owned one, chances are you’ve never driven one either. The good news is that there are several options for renting an electric vehicle (EV) for a day or two to see how you like it. Here’s what you need to know to get the most out of your first EV rental experience.
The Type of Vehicle You Need Depends on Where You’re Driving
Before you rent an electric car, think about what you’ll use it for. The type of vehicle you need depends on where you’re driving.
Consider renting a smaller electric vehicle (EV) if you’re sticking to city streets. They’re great for short trips and usually have enough juice for more than 100 miles. However, they may not be ideal if your road trip takes you on the highway.
Be Sure to Pay Attention to the Charging Plan You Choose
If you want to rent an electric vehicle on a regular basis, it may benefit you to sign up for a charging plan with a membership fee. These plans vary based on how much electricity they provide and how often you use them.
If you’re only renting an electric vehicle once in a while, it would probably make more sense to pay by the hour or by the energy consumed at each session rather than paying a monthly fee.
Check the Car’s Mileage to Avoid Overage Fees
When you rent an electric vehicle, most companies will give you a limited number of miles that you can drive each day, usually about 100 miles for each day you have the car.
If you go over that limit, expect to be charged extra fees from $0.10 to $0.25 per mile, which can quickly add up. These fees are sometimes waived if you’re only driving a few extra miles, but it’s best to check with the rental company before reserving
Asses the Location of the Charging Points
The range of electric vehicles has improved, but there are still some limitations on how far you can drive before recharging.
So if you’re planning a road trip, make sure that any charging points you need along your route are open and available when you want to use them.
Consider a Car with a Higher Range if there’s a Chance You’ll be Driving Long Distances
Consider a car with a higher range if there’s a chance you’ll be driving long distances. Assuming you don’t get stuck in traffic and are driving at a steady speed on highways, it’s not hard to drive an EV 100 miles and still have charge left over. But there’s no such thing as an electric gas station, so it’s best to err on the side of caution on longer trips.
Understand the Possible Costs Associated with Charging Your Electric Car
Charging costs can vary. If your rental includes free charging, that’s great. But if you have to pay for charging, you’ll want to factor in the extra cost before reserving a vehicle.
If your car isn’t charged when you get it, check with the rental company about how much it will cost to charge it and where you can charge it. There could be fees for fast charging. If you plug in at regular outlets, the cost will vary based on your travel area and whether the outlet is public or private.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, now you have a better idea about electric cars and what it takes to rent one during your travels. We hope that, even if you decide not to rent one during your next trip, we have inspired you to learn more about the exciting world of EVs at PCO rentals. Check out our electric rental car selection or get in touch with us for more details.
