Renting and charging a rental EV

[Anonymous]

Saw many EVs available for rent at Hertz and other rental car companies. Very tempting to give an EV a try during the upcoming summer rental.

However, we do not have an EV now so know very little about EV rental other some articles saying that difference rental companies may expect different level of charge when returning. Some articles say download the plugshare or EA Anywhere app. Some said Tesla have its own network and some hotels has charging stations.

Still, it is not clear if and how to pay for charging. Probably will not know if we will get a Tesla or non-Tesla until the moment we pick up the car

If I have a Tesla, do i get free charging at Tesla chargers or do i have to down load a Tesla app? Probably need to put down a credit card at the app, maybe?

If I have a non-Tesla, do i have to join those pricing plan at electrifyamerica? Do I have to done load an app and register with the EV info? put credit card info at the app maybe?

Probably have call the hotels to see what type (Tesla or non-Tesla) of chargers they have, not just if they have chargers?

[Anonymous]

We rented a Tesla via Avis and charged at Tesla superchargers. We didn't need an account or app; we just plugged it in. The account was tied to the car/Avis.

Had to return it at least 75%, I believe?

[Anonymous]

Teslas don’t charge by using an app. The charger knows the car. I know that sounds weird, but that’s how it works. I assume with a rental the charge will just be added on to your final bill, like if you use a rental car and go through tolls.

[Anonymous]

No, when I said the charger knows the car, that’s when you go to a Tesla supercharger. Unless you were somewhere where they don’t exist, there is no reason to go to a non-Tesla charger.

[Anonymous]

We rented an EV in Italy last month. Lots of places to charge. We were unable to charge it back to 75% on return…it added 25 Euros to the rental cost for charging it…a lot less than a full tank of gas!

[Anonymous]

Any insight for what to do with a non Tesla rental?

Anonymous wrote:No, when I said the charger knows the car, that’s when you go to a Tesla supercharger. Unless you were somewhere where they don’t exist, there is no reason to go to a non-Tesla charger.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any insight for what to do with a non Tesla rental?

Anonymous wrote:No, when I said the charger knows the car, that’s when you go to a Tesla supercharger. Unless you were somewhere where they don’t exist, there is no reason to go to a non-Tesla charger.

So, I have a non-Tesla. I'm no charging expert but I've learned a few things.

You can d/l apps like ChargePoint and PlugShare that tell you where chargers are. When you pick up the car, find out what kind of plug it has (my car is J1772) . The apps tell you what kind of plug the charger has. Also tells the 'rules' for the charger (like, price, and when it's accessible like if it's in a gate or closed area). You can also look up chargers on a computer (I do this for my eyes sake LOL)

Plan your trip and where you might charge. Find out the range of your rental and if it can fast charge (it likely can). Ask if it comes with a charging cord so you can plug it into a residential outlet (I don't know if rentals do).

Good luck! My car is a PHEV so I've never gone all EV but I'd like to someday!