Renting an electric car: what to know before your first trip
More and more owners on Drivego rent out an electric car, and for many renters it is the first time they drive one. The good news: it is simpler than it looks. Here is what to check before you set off.
Plan with the real range
The range shown on the listing is the official figure. On the motorway, in winter or with the air conditioning on, count on 20 to 30% less. Ask the owner what they actually get in everyday use, and plan your stops around that number rather than the brochure.
Know where you will charge
- At home or at your hotel: a standard socket adds about 10 km of range per hour, a wallbox three to five times more.
- On the road: fast chargers on motorway services bring the battery from 20 to 80% in 30 to 45 minutes.
- In town: supermarket and car park chargers are handy while you shop.
A charging app (Chargemap, ABRP or the network's own) shows the stations on your route and whether they are free.
Check what comes with the car
At the handover, make sure the charging cable is in the boot, and ask whether a charging card or app account is included. Agree with the owner on the battery level at return: most ask for the same level as at pick-up.
Drive it like an electric car
Use the regenerative braking, which recovers energy every time you slow down, and the eco mode on long trips. The car is silent at low speed: keep an eye out for pedestrians in town.
Ready to try? Filter the search by Electric & hybrid to see the cars available near you.