# Renting an electric car on holiday: charging, return rules and the fees to watch

> Electric cars are now common in rental fleets. ECC Austria reports that you are often asked to return them at 70 to 75% charge or at the level you received, so photograph the charge level at pick-up and return. Check that all charging cables are in the car, plan the final charge at a fast charger, and know that charging prices vary from about 0.30 to 0.80 euros per kWh. A missing charge or cable can lead to a fee, just like missing fuel.

Updated: 2026-10-22 · Source: https://scratchfair.com/en/blog/renting-an-electric-car-tips

You booked a compact car and the desk hands you the key to an electric one. Or you chose an electric car on purpose, to save on fuel. Either way, it changes the routine. ==With an electric rental car, the charge level takes the place of the fuel tank, and the same kind of fees apply if it is wrong.== These tips come from what the European Consumer Centres advise.

## 1. Read the charge rule in your contract

ECC Austria reports that renters are often asked to return an electric car at 70 to 75% charge, or at the level at pick-up. Some contracts ask for a minimum percentage, others charge a fee per missing kWh or a flat recharging fee. Find the rule before you leave the desk.

| Rule type | What you do |
|---|---|
| Same level as pick-up | Photograph the level at pick-up and return at least that |
| Fixed minimum, such as 70% | Plan your last charge to reach it |
| Pay for missing charge | Ask the price per kWh or the flat fee |
| Prepaid charge | Return it at any level, but check what you paid for |

## 2. Photograph the charge level at pick-up

Take a photo of the dashboard showing the charge percentage, the range and the mileage, with the time visible. ECC Austria advises photographing the charge level at both pick-up and return. It is the electric version of the fuel gauge photo. Our [pickup photo checklist](https://scratchfair.com/en/tools/pickup-checklist) lists the other angles.

## 3. Check the cables

ECC Germany advises checking that all charging cables are present at pick-up. A missing cable at return can be charged to you, and without the right cable you may not be able to charge at your hotel. Note the cables on the pick-up report, and photograph them in the boot.

> [!TIP]
> Ask the desk to show you how the charging port opens and how to lock and unlock the cable. Two minutes at pick-up saves a lot of searching at a charger on a hot afternoon.

## 4. Find out how charging is paid

Ask whether the car comes with a charging card, whether you pay at the charger by card or app, and whether the rental company adds a fee. ECC Austria notes that charging prices vary widely: some networks charge about 0.30 to 0.80 euros per kWh, and others charge by the minute while the car is parked at the charger.

## 5. Do not charge to 100% before a long drive

ECC Austria explains that charging slows down sharply above 80%. For long drives, stopping more often and charging from a low level to about 80% is usually faster than waiting for a full battery.

## 6. Plan the final charge with time to spare

For the last charge before return, ECC Austria advises using a fast DC charger rather than a slow city AC charger, so you do not miss your return time. Remember that a return a few minutes late can cost an extra rental day, as ECC Austria also points out.

## 7. Photograph the charge level at return

At return, photograph the dashboard again: charge level, range, mileage and time. Keep the receipt from your last charging session; it shows when and where you charged.

## 8. Know the island and remote area risks

ECC Malta has highlighted electric car charging in its 2025 guidance. On islands and in remote areas, fast chargers can be scarce. Check a charging map for your route before you choose an electric car, especially for day trips far from your base.

## 9. Check a charging fee like a fuel fee

If you receive a charge for missing battery charge, treat it like a refuelling charge: ask what the fee is based on, compare it with your photos and the contract, and object in writing if it does not match. Our guide on [refuelling charges after return](https://scratchfair.com/en/knowledge/return/refuelling-charge-after-return) explains the steps, and the [sample letters](https://scratchfair.com/en/tools/letter-templates) give the wording.

> [!WARNING]
> Charging fees often appear on your card days later. Note the date of any charge in the [deadline calculator](https://scratchfair.com/en/tools/deadlines) so you can still dispute it with your card issuer.

## Fuel policy, electric style

The logic is the same as with fuel. ECC Austria calls full-to-full the fairest fuel policy for petrol cars, and for electric cars the equivalent is returning at the level you received. See [fuel policies explained](https://scratchfair.com/en/knowledge/pick-up/fuel-policy-full-to-full-explained) for how the policies compare.

## A short example

You rent an electric hatchback in Lisbon with 80% charge and a contract asking for at least 70% at return. You photograph the dashboard at pick-up and note two cables in the boot. On the last day, you charge from 40% to 78% at a fast charger near the airport, photograph the dashboard at return, and keep the receipt. A week later, the company charges a 35 euro recharging fee. You reply with the photo showing 77% at return and the contract clause, and the fee is withdrawn.

## FAQ

**Do I have to return an electric rental car fully charged?**

Not always. ECC Austria reports that companies often ask for 70 to 75% charge, or the level at pick-up. The exact rule is in your contract, so read it before you drive off.

**Can I charge the rental car at my hotel?**

Often yes, if the hotel has chargers and the car has the right cable. Check at pick-up which cables are in the car; ECC Germany advises making sure all charging cables are present.

**Who pays for public charging?**

Usually you, at the charger. Some rental companies offer a charging card. Ask at the desk how charging is paid and whether there is a fee for the card.

## Sources

- [ECC Austria: Rental car tips, press release 30 June 2026 (PDF, German)](https://vki.at/system/files/2026-06/2026-06-30_PA_EVZ_Mietwagen.pdf)
- [ECC Germany: Rental car on holiday, press release (German)](https://www.evz.de/aktuelles/pressemitteilungen/mietwagen-urlaub/)
- [ECC Malta: Newsletter issue 3, 2025 (PDF)](https://eccnetmalta.gov.mt/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ECC-Malta-newsletter-issue-3-2025.pdf)