Renting EV..how does charging work

Kaisr Sose · 16-11-2024 07:44PM #1

I need to rent a car in the UK. I dont own an EV but am considering renting one from Hertz to see what they are like. Something a Polestar 2.

Questions:

Do all EVcars come with a standard plug (granny?) cable to plug into regular socket? This might be sufficient as my daily distance will not be high. With such a a cable I can keep it charged when parked at the house I will be staying at (normal plug only)

Will a rental EV come with a charging account to particular public charger network or do I have to set one up for it?

Is there a pay as you go option for EVs to juat pull in to a filling stationsl, enter bank card, charge and pay ?

Sorry for the basic questions. There is no specific information on the Hertz site and their customer service has not replied to my email sent 2 days ago.

Buddy Bubs · 16-11-2024 07:55PM

No, not all EVs have a granny charger. One of mine came with one, the other didn't. I haven't never once used it anyway.

I very much doubt any charging account is set up and you'll have to do it yourself, same as with petrol/diesel.

Yes, there are pay as you go options and ones you need to set up accounts/download apps etc

Are you renting an EV just because you want to find out what they're like or are you renting a car because you need to rent a car and might as well try EV?

If you have a busy schedule I wouldn't rent an EV at that time, there's a learning curve for first little while. When I got my first EV I had a bit of time and I drove around using some local chargers and getting used to how to use them at my leisure.

By all means do it, but don't try mix your first EV experience with time pressure from.othwr things. It becomes a doddle after a little while but you've to learn at the start.

vicM · 16-11-2024 08:12PM

I rented an EV last year in UK. My Airbnb had a charger so worked out, but the one time I charged publicly the CP accepted card payment. My rental provider however was charging 1£ per % of battery that you brought the car back with a deficit compared when picked up!

CMOTDibbler · 16-11-2024 08:26PM

Newer Polestar 2s from about mid 2023 don't come with a granny charger. So don't bank on getting one. You could always ask the rental company for one if not.

Look on PlugShare for chargers around your base and route if the granny charger doesn't work out. That way you can be prepared for any eventuality.

Kaisr Sose · 16-11-2024 08:49PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122847497#Comment_122847497

Thanks for that, some good points there. I

As I have to rent, I thought it would be a good opportunity to try an EV, out of curiosity about how they drive.

Your point about the learning curve is very valid. I won't be under pressure, nor will I will put up much distance to require significant charging day to day.

A trickle charge off a normal domestic plug is what I would prefer, not messing with apps or setting up accounts for a single trip/use.

I can't get my head around how little information (zero) Hertz have relating to charging. It's such a critical component of the hire of an EV. Last thing I want to find out is having to pay extra to rent a fob or smart change card to access public charging.

Kaisr Sose · 16-11-2024 08:56PM

Thanks. I had to search what CP meant. I wont have access to a dedicated EV home charger where I am staying. Good to know a PAYG option exists. Bringing it back with less charge is an option though I guess the provider charge of £1 per percent is much higher than what you would be charged at network chargers?

It's all new to me.

Allinall · 16-11-2024 08:57PM

if I were you OP, I wouldn’t use a car hire to find out what an EV is like to drive.
Way too much hassle.

Either find a mate who has one, or blag a test drive off a dealer.

Renting cars is stressful enough without the added complication of an EV.

CMOTDibbler · 16-11-2024 09:16PM

It's a car, not a helicopter. What's stressful about renting a car?

Buddy Bubs · 16-11-2024 09:20PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122847634#Comment_122847634

Id say there's no info because they're not going to help you. You're on your own id say and that's fair enough, despite it being new to you.

Download plugshare, find out which chargers are near where you'll be driving and Google how they work, or ask here, I'm sure plenty here have driven in the UK.

I've used weev in the north but not sure if they are in England or not.

pad406 · 16-11-2024 09:47PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058381023/renting-ev-how-does-charging-work

I did this exact thing back in July in the UK. Was there for a week and had no access to anything other than public charging. I really didn't want the hassle of bringing back the car at the same charge (think it was 86% when I collected it), so I paid to be able to bring back at 10%. I can't recall exactly how much it was, but I think around £40. For what the entire trip was costing (holiday) I really wasn't going to sweat £10 or even £20 for the convenience.

I did have to charge once, which was a bit of a faff. First was broken, 2nd was app/membership only, 3rd (success) was simply tap. Didn't put me off though. Will be purchasing one of 2 Polestars by Monday, just can't make up my mind which 🙄

Megastreisand · 18-11-2024 06:45PM

I've rented EVs about 6 times now, mostly from Hertz but only once in the UK. Hertz seem to routinely provide a Shell Recharge fob which will work with most public chargers. I've also brought my own rfid cards which probably won't apply here. Most UK fast chargers seem to accept debit/ credit cards anyway so paying won't be a problem- the prices are usually outrageous though.

I would totally recommend renting a Polestar 2- it's a lovely drive and you'd get a real feel for it over the rental period but you need to familiarise yourself with Plugshare and Shell Recharge and plan where you're going to charge , (there's an absolutely massive hub near Birmingham airport/NEC for example) especially for the return where you would be expected to have from 70- 80% charge - depends on agent/ location-when you hand it back. You're guaranteed to be provided with a type 2 charging cable but not necessarily a granny one.

Renting EV..how does charging work

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