Renting an Electric Vehicle: What You Need to Know

Before booking, think about the type of trips you’ll take. Will you stay in the city or cover longer distances? This choice impacts the EV model you should rent and the charging options you’ll need.

For city driving, a small Nissan Leaf or Chevrolet Bolt is ideal. For longer highway trips, a Tesla or Hyundai Ioniq 5 offers better range and more comfort.

Summer vs. Winter Range

Range changes with the seasons and weather. In summer, an EV can travel 350–450 km. In winter, in Canada and northern U.S. states, that drops to about 250–300 km. Always plan a safety margin for your trips.

For example, if you expect to drive 2,000 km on a trip, make sure to include stops with available fast chargers.

Each rental company sets its own rules. Always check:

• Included mileage (often 200–300 km/day in Canada and the U.S.)
• Cost per additional kilometre
• Included or optional insurance
• Charging policy: some companies require the car to be returned with a certain battery level

A valid driver’s license is required. Most companies also require a credit card for the booking and security deposit.

You’ll find several options on both sides of the border:

• Traditional companies: Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, and Budget now offer more EV models.
• Peer-to-peer platforms: Turo is popular in Canada and the U.S., letting you rent a Tesla or other recent EVs at competitive rates.

Traditional companies provide structured service, while peer-to-peer platforms often give you more flexibility and variety.

Charging Types

There are three main options in North America:

• Home charging: Plugging into a regular 120V outlet overnight gives 60–80 km of range. Enough for short city trips, but not for long-distance travel.
• Public Level 2 charging: Best for overnight hotel stays or long activities. Takes 4–8 hours.
• Fast charging (DCFC): The most practical for road trips. Delivers up to 80% in 20–40 minutes.

In short, charging times vary greatly depending on the station type. Choose wisely based on your trip.

Main Networks

• Canada: FLO, ChargePoint, and Tesla Superchargers.
• United States: Electrify America, EVgo, and Tesla Superchargers.

All networks are centralized in one app, making your road trip much simpler and stress-free.

Finding Charging Stations Easily

Before leaving, check the ChargeHub map. It covers both Canada and the U.S., helps you compare charging options, and shows real-time availability. You’ll know exactly where to stop, based on connector type and charging speed.

Driving an EV feels different, but you’ll enjoy it quickly:

• Instant acceleration:Power is immediate, especially in models like Tesla. 

• Quiet ride:The silence makes trips calm and comfortable.

• Regenerative braking:Lifting your foot slows the car and lightly recharges the battery.

Drive smoothly to maximize your range and enjoy the experience.

Here’s a quick checklist to make the process easier:

1. Define your routes (city, highway, or long trip)
2. Check included mileage in your contract
3. Compare rental options (companies vs. platforms)
4. Review included or required insurance
5. Download the ChargeHub app to locate stations
6. Plan routes to schedule charging stops
7. Pick an EV model that fits your needs

Renting an EV in Canada or the U.S. lets you experience the benefits of electric driving without a long-term commitment. You get to test the technology, enjoy the comfort, and see if buying one could fit your lifestyle.

Sometimes, a garage may even give you an EV as a courtesy car. In that case, it’s important to know where to charge and how to quickly find stations nearby to avoid surprises.

EV rentals in Canada and the U.S. can be a rewarding experience when you plan ahead. Define your needs, review the contract, plan your charging stops, and set your budget. With these tips, you’ll enjoy your trip, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a 2,000 km road trip.