How Do I Charge My Rental Car?

Before You Pick Up the Car

1. Need to consult the leasing company

Before picking up your rental EV, ask these essential questions:

• What is the vehicle’s estimated range on a full charge?
  
• Does the rental include any charging network memberships?
  
• What type of charging connector does the vehicle use?
  
• Is a charging cable included with the rental?
  
• Are there any preferred charging partners?
  

2. Download Necessary Apps 

In terms of apps to prepare your smartphone for car charging, here are some recommendations:

• PlugShare
• ChargePoint
• EVgo
• Electrify America 
• Your rental company’s dedicated app (if available)
  

Understanding Your Rental EV’s Charging System

1. Common Charging Port Types

Most rental EVs will use one of these charging standards:

• J1772 (Level 2): Standard for all North American EVs
  
• CCS (DC Fast Charging): Common on most non-Tesla EVs
  
• Tesla Connector: Specific to Tesla vehicles
• CHAdeMO: Found on some older Japanese EVs
  

Charging Speeds

• Level 1 (120V): 3-5 miles of range per hour
  
• Level 2 (240V): 15-40 miles of range per hour
  
• DC Fast Charging: Up to 200+ miles of range per hour
  

Finding Charging Stations

1. Best Practices for Locating Chargers

• Use multiple apps to cross-reference station availability
  
• Check user reviews for reliable information
  
• Have backup options planned for your route
  
• Look for stations near your planned destinations

2. Popular Charging Networks

• Electrify America 
• ChargePoint 
• EVgo 
• Tesla Supercharger (Tesla rentals only)
  
• Local utility networks 

Different Types of Charging Methods

1. Level 1 Charging

• Use: Emergency backup only
• Where: Any standard 120V outlet
• When: Overnight parking at hotels/accommodations
• Duration: 8-12 hours for meaningful charge

2. Level 2 Charging

• Use: Regular daily charging
• Where: Shopping centers, hotels, parking garages
• When: During shopping, dining, or overnight stays
• Duration: 4-8 hours for full charge

3. DC Fast Charging

• Use: Long-distance travel
• Where: Major highways, cities
• When: During quick stops on more extended trips
• Duration: 20-45 minutes to 80% charge

Payment and Charging Costs

1. Payment Methods 

• Credit cards 
• Charging network apps 
• RFID cards (if provided by the rental company)
  
• Digital wallet payments

2. Cost Considerations

• Per-kWh rates (varies by region and network)
  
• Time-based fees 
• Network membership discounts
  
• Idle fees 

Tips for Efficient Charging

Best Practices

1. Charge to 80% unless you need maximum range
   
2. Plan charging stops around meal breaks
   
3. Avoid letting the charge level drop below 20%
   
4. Use DC fast charging primarily for long trips
   
5. Take advantage of overnight charging at hotels
   

Time Management 

• Start charging before peak hours
  
• Use charging time for meals or breaks
  
• Consider charging while shopping or sightseeing
  
• Monitor charging progress through apps
  

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Common Problems and Solutions

1. Charger Not Working 

1. • Try different charging stations at the exact location
     
   • Check if the cable is connected correctly
     
   • Restart charging session
2. Payment Issues 
   • Keep multiple payment methods ready
     
   • Contact network customer service
     
   • Use customer service numbers on charging stations
     
3. Connection Problems 
   • Ensure proper alignment of connector
     
   • Check for debris in the charging port
     
   • Verify that the y charging port door is fully open
     

Emergency Situations

• Keep the rental company’s roadside assistance number handy
  
• Know how to contact charging network support
  
• Have backup charging locations identified
  
• Understand your vehicle’s low battery warnings