Exploring Electric Vehicles Through Rentals

Are you intrigued by electric vehicles but not quite ready to commit to buying one? Renting an electric vehicle can provide you with a firsthand experience to see what it’s like to drive one. Some car rental companies are even offering discounts on electric vehicle rentals, making it an enticing option for curious drivers.

However, to ensure a smooth electric vehicle experience, especially during a rental for a vacation, careful planning is essential. While fast-charging stations have become more prevalent compared to a few years ago, they are still not as widespread as traditional gas stations. This means that when embarking on a trip with a rented electric vehicle, you need to plan your charging stops strategically to avoid running out of power.

For shorter getaways or vacations where you plan to stay in one location and take day trips, an electric vehicle rental can be a convenient and eco-friendly choice. On the other hand, if you are considering a cross-country road trip, while it is possible with an electric vehicle, it requires additional planning to navigate charging station locations and availability along the route.

Most electric vehicle owners install charging stations at their homes, allowing them to charge their cars overnight without relying heavily on public charging stations. However, when renting an electric vehicle for a trip, mapping out charging stations along your planned routes is crucial for a stress-free journey.

Currently, there are approximately 70,000 public charging stations with 186,000 charging ports spread across the United States. Despite this growing infrastructure, the distribution of charging stations is not uniform throughout the country. Fast-charging stations, which can significantly reduce charging times, are more commonly found on the East and West Coasts and in select regions like Texas.