When It Makes Sense to Rent an Electric Car for a Trip
Even though gasoline prices have decreased compared to last year , the cost of fuel is still high and makes up the bulk of the cost of long-distance travel. So, as electric vehicles (EVs) become more widely available through several national car rental networks, you might want to consider taking one on your next trip.
Of course, you need to consider not only the price of gas, but also the ability to find a charging station when you need it. Here’s what else to consider when deciding whether it makes sense to rent an electric car.
When it makes sense to rent an electric car for travel
Renting an electric car might seem like a great way to save money and the environment at the same time, but it also comes with some logistical challenges. Here are some of them:
Rent in the national network
While it’s possible to rent electric vehicles through peer-to-peer car-sharing apps like Getaround and Turo, it might make sense to opt for a national chain — like Hertz , Enterprise , Avis , or Alamo — when possible.
Of course, your peer-to-peer rental can go without a hitch, but if you are traveling long distances or encounter any problems on your trip, you can contact the company, which has branches around the country, with questions or for a replacement car, can provide some calmness.
driving field
For the most part, rental companies offer electric vehicles with a range (that is, how far it can go on a full charge) of at least 200 miles . You can find a specific model’s range on the EPA website , but this is only an estimate: other variables such as weather and highways are taken into account as compared to city driving.
There are also extended range electric vehicles , which, while all-electric, also have small petrol engines that charge the battery enough to cover long distances between needing to be connected to the grid.
Your route and destination
When it comes to electric vehicles, jumping in a car and flying it is not an option. So, to determine if a rental is right for your trip, take a look at your itinerary and where you will end up, as well as the availability of charging stations .
If there are few charging stations on the route you have in mind and they are far from each other, an electric car may not be the best option for this trip. But even if there are a sufficient number of charging stations, you still need to plan your route carefully so that you are near at least one of them when the electric car needs to be recharged.
Charging time
When planning your route, pay attention to the type of chargers available at stations along the way. DC or level three chargers are the fastest, with most electric vehicles being charged to 80% in 20–60 minutes . On the other hand, second-level chargers typically take four to 12 hours to charge, and are better plugged in overnight than at a stop along the highway.
The cost of gasoline and refueling
Gasoline prices are also an important factor when deciding whether to rent an electric car for a trip, although it can be difficult to estimate the costs if you book in advance as they tend to fluctuate. Use the AAA Gas Cost Calculator to get an estimate of these costs, add them to the cost of renting a gas-powered car, and then compare that to the cost of renting an affordable electric car.
While this should give you a preliminary idea of the cost, keep in mind that charging electric vehicles isn’t necessarily free – and when it is, it can be at a station with tier two chargers.
Ultimately, EV charging costs will depend on your route, how much time you’re willing to spend charging, and how much effort you put into finding free charging stations – which you can do with apps like PlugShare and ChargePoint . .
bottom line
If this is your first time driving an electric car, or you’re not sure what to rent, you might want to consider a plug-in hybrid , which has reserve fuel and takes the stress out of finding charging stations. . However, a hybrid may not meet all of your other needs, so you still need to consider a solution.