- Joined
- Jun 13, 2022
- Messages
- 6,425
- Reaction score
- 9,332
- Points
- 2,631
- Location
- Paignton, UK
- Driving
- MG4 Trophy LR
Hi,
I mentioned this last summer but as we've done the same again and we have some new members I will go over what I've learned from the last two years.
Having an EV as a hire car is - right now - a hidden gem. Because a lot were bought by fleets and few holidaymakers know EVs, some of the cheapest hire deals are on EVs.
We've just taken return flights to Bordeaux, with a hire car for a week for £420 all-in (two people with a single driver).
After last year's little Fiat 500e, "Bepé", who was fun but underpowered and cramped:
This year I was all excited to get a new EV, something different to try and then, Lo!, we received "Chantèlle":
It has been interesting to try an SE SR car. The range has been excellent, probably due to temperatures, but I do miss the 360 camera and reversing camera when parking!
Anyway, the point of this post is to advertise that it is easy and simple to hire an EV, both times we have done it through our airline, we have had two different hire companies and a good experience.
Some points to note:
1. Both times the EV was given to us with 100% charge.
2. Both times granny and Type 2 chargers were in the boot. This time they were secured to the car with security wire and bolts but on long lengths so that did not impede charging.
3. This time there is no requirement to return the car charged at all, it can be empty. Last time there was a €7 flat fee if not returned >80%.
Just a few points to note about France specifically:
- Although charging infrastructure is very good, if you are in deepest rural France you can still be 30+mins drive from the nearest Rapid charger.
- If charging at your destination (as we do), be aware French properties pay more for a high capacity electrical supply and the default can be as low as 6kW. So you may need to restrict a granny charger to 8A or less to avoid tripping the power out if you are charging and then want to use the kettle / oven / water heater / etc...
I mentioned this last summer but as we've done the same again and we have some new members I will go over what I've learned from the last two years.
Having an EV as a hire car is - right now - a hidden gem. Because a lot were bought by fleets and few holidaymakers know EVs, some of the cheapest hire deals are on EVs.
We've just taken return flights to Bordeaux, with a hire car for a week for £420 all-in (two people with a single driver).
After last year's little Fiat 500e, "Bepé", who was fun but underpowered and cramped:
This year I was all excited to get a new EV, something different to try and then, Lo!, we received "Chantèlle":
It has been interesting to try an SE SR car. The range has been excellent, probably due to temperatures, but I do miss the 360 camera and reversing camera when parking!
Anyway, the point of this post is to advertise that it is easy and simple to hire an EV, both times we have done it through our airline, we have had two different hire companies and a good experience.
Some points to note:
1. Both times the EV was given to us with 100% charge.
2. Both times granny and Type 2 chargers were in the boot. This time they were secured to the car with security wire and bolts but on long lengths so that did not impede charging.
3. This time there is no requirement to return the car charged at all, it can be empty. Last time there was a €7 flat fee if not returned >80%.
Just a few points to note about France specifically:
- Although charging infrastructure is very good, if you are in deepest rural France you can still be 30+mins drive from the nearest Rapid charger.
- If charging at your destination (as we do), be aware French properties pay more for a high capacity electrical supply and the default can be as low as 6kW. So you may need to restrict a granny charger to 8A or less to avoid tripping the power out if you are charging and then want to use the kettle / oven / water heater / etc...
