Considerations When Hiring an EV
27 Jul 2026
27 Jul 2026
8 min read
Summary
Hiring an electric car has never been easier. Most major rental companies now offer EVs alongside their petrol and diesel fleets, and the options are only growing. Whether you’re between cars, planning a trip, or just curious about going electric, there’s a lot to like. But hiring an EV does come with its own set of questions - especially around charging. The good news? The considerations when hiring an EV are easy to get your head around once you know what to look for.
Charging options during your hire
The biggest question for most first-time EV hirers is: where do I charge? There are three main routes.
Public rapid chargers are found at motorway services, supermarkets, retail parks and car parks across the UK. Speeds vary from around 22kW (slower AC) up to 150kW or more at ultra-rapid points. Networks like Pod Point, bp pulse, Osprey and Gridserve cover most major routes, and apps like Zap-Map make them easy to find.
En-route charging works well for longer journeys. Plan a charge stop into your route in the same way you’d plan a fuel stop. A 20–30-minute rapid charge at a motorway services is usually enough to top up significantly and keep you moving comfortably.
Home charging is the most convenient option of all. If you’ve got a driveway or dedicated parking, you can plug in overnight and wake up with a full charge — no detours, no waiting around. If you don’t yet have a home charger installed, you can use a standard 3-pin socket as a temporary option. It’s slower (around 7–10 miles of range per hour), but it works for short overnight top-ups.
More on home charging below.
Can you charge a hire car at home?
Yes, in most cases. Hire cars are private vehicles, and a home charger works with any compatible EV regardless of who owns it. You’ll connect via the car’s charging port using a Type 2 cable, and the session runs just like it would with your own car.
That said, it’s worth checking a couple of things with your hire company before you drive away:
- Does the car come with a charging cable? Most do, but not all. A Type 2 cable is standard for home charging.
- Does the hire agreement cover home charging? Most hire contracts allow it, but check whether there are any restrictions or whether they expect you to return the vehicle with a certain charge level.
- What’s the policy on charging costs? You’ll pay for the electricity you use. At home, that’s at your standard tariff rate (or cheaper overnight on a smart tariff). It’s typically far less than petrol equivalents.
If you’re using a 3-pin plug, you don’t need any special equipment. Most EVs are supplied with a 3-pin to Type 2 granny cable. Just be aware: charging speeds are slow, around 2.3kW, so it’s best suited to overnight top-ups on shorter-range days.
If you’re thinking about making home charging a permanent fixture, a dedicated Pod Point charger gives you faster, smarter charging — up to 7.4kW, with smart scheduling and app control built in. Find out more about our home charger range.
What does it cost to hire an EV?
Cost is where most people want the detail, so here it is.
Hire rates for EVs have come down significantly in recent years. Day rates now sit broadly in line with comparable petrol or diesel models, and sometimes cheaper. A mid-range EV like a Peugeot e-208 or Vauxhall Corsa Electric might hire from around £40–60 per day depending on the rental company, duration and time of year.
Deposits are standard practice. Expect to pay £100–300 as a security hold on your credit card, released on return. Some premium models or longer hires may require more.
Mileage limits often apply. Most hire agreements include a daily or total mileage cap (typically 100–200 miles per day), with excess mileage charged on top. If you’re planning a longer trip, check this before you book.
Insurance add-ons are available from most hire companies. Excess waiver policies reduce your liability in the event of a claim. It’s usually worth taking, especially if you’re new to the specific model.
Early return policies vary. Some companies offer flexible returns; others charge a penalty for returning early. Worth checking if your plans might change.
| Cost factor | Typical range |
| Day hire rate (mid-range EV) | £40–60/day |
| Security deposit | £100–300 |
| Excess mileage | 10–30p/mile |
| Insurance excess waiver | £10–20/day |
Costs to factor in beyond the hire price
A few things that don’t always make it into the headline rate.
Charging costs at public networks can add up, especially on longer trips. Rapid chargers at motorway services can charge anywhere from 55p to 85p per kWh, which — depending on the car — works out around 10–18p per mile. That’s competitive with petrol, but not as cheap as home charging, which typically runs at 7–30p per kWh depending on your tariff.
Mileage caps can catch people out. If you’re planning a road trip, add up your total expected mileage before you book, and factor in any excess charge.
Returning the car charged vs uncharged is worth knowing about. Some hire companies require you to return the car with the same charge level it left with. Others are flexible. If you’re returning to a depot without a nearby charger, plan your final day’s charging accordingly.
Deposit holds sit on your credit card for the duration of the hire and sometimes a few days after return. It won’t cost you anything (assuming no damage), but it affects your available credit in the meantime.
Choosing the right EV model for your hire
Not all EVs are equal, and the right model depends on how you plan to use it.
Battery size vs journey length. A smaller city EV like a Fiat 500e has a real-world range of around 150–170 miles. A larger model like a Tesla Model 3 Long Range will do 320+ miles. If you’re driving across the country, pay attention to range, not just the badge.
Boot space. Some compact EVs compromise on practicality. If you’re travelling with luggage, check the boot capacity before booking.
ULEZ and clean air zone benefits. EVs are exempt from London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and most other clean air zone charges. If your trip involves driving into a city centre, that’s a meaningful saving.
Connector types. Most modern EVs charge via a CCS (Combined Charging System) port for rapid charging, and a Type 2 port for home or destination charging. Older Nissan LEAFs use CHAdeMO for rapid charging instead. When you’re planning your charging stops, check that your car’s connector is compatible with the network you’re using.
Practical checklist before you collect:
- What’s the real-world range on a full charge?
- What charging port does it use (CCS, Type 2, CHAdeMO)?
- Does it come with a cable for home/destination charging?
- Is there a cable for rapid chargers, or do the chargers provide them?
- What’s the sat nav coverage for charging networks?
Is hiring an EV a good way to test before you buy?
Absolutely. It’s one of the best ways to find out if electric suits your lifestyle before committing to a purchase.
A few days in an EV puts you in the driving seat (literally) for the real decisions: does the range work for your daily patterns? Are you comfortable planning charging on longer trips? How does it feel to plug in overnight at home?
For many people, hiring an EV removes the uncertainty that’s held them back from buying. They find that charging is simpler than they expected, running costs are lower, and the driving experience tends to win them over quickly.
If the hire leaves you wanting one of your own, the next logical step is getting a home charger installed. Overnight charging at home is where you’ll get the most value from your EV, and a dedicated Pod Point charger makes it easy, affordable and rewarding. Explore our home charging options.
Insurance and hire terms: what to check before you sign
This is an area where EVs differ from petrol cars, and it’s worth reading the fine print.
Charging liability clauses. Some hire agreements include a clause about how the car is charged. A handful of companies specify approved networks or prohibit certain types of charging (such as very high-speed chargers above a certain kW threshold). It’s rare, but worth checking.
Damage to charging cables. Cables are often considered accessories rather than part of the vehicle, which means they may not be covered under the standard excess waiver. If you damage a cable (by reversing over it, for instance), you could be liable for the replacement cost. Handle cables carefully, and stow them properly when not in use.
Returning charged vs uncharged. Some hire companies require a minimum charge level on return, similar to returning a petrol car with a full tank. Check the exact requirement in your agreement, and plan your final charge accordingly.
EV-specific excess. A small number of hire companies apply a separate excess for EV-specific incidents, such as battery damage or charging port faults. It’s uncommon, but if the agreement mentions it, factor it into your insurance add-on decision.
Roadside assistance and EV cover. Check that the hire company’s breakdown cover includes EV-specific support, such as a flat tow if you run out of charge. Standard roadside assistance doesn’t always cover this.
Final thoughts
Hiring an EV is easier than most people expect. Charging is more accessible than ever, costs are competitive with petrol equivalents, and the driving experience tends to surprise people in the best way.
The key is going in prepared: know your car’s range, know your connector type, plan your charging stops on longer journeys, and check the hire agreement for any EV-specific terms.
And if the hire experience gets you thinking about buying? Home charging is where it all clicks into place. Charging overnight on your driveway, waking up with a full battery every morning, is the part that converts most people from curious to committed.
Explore Pod’s home charger range and find out more about Pod Drive, our home charging package, designed to make the switch as easy as possible.
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