Type in a location above, or select from the list below.

Zipcars live in 500+ cities across North America and Europe. See all Zipcar cities

United Kingdom

Canada

Try an EV for the First Time with Zipcar

Electric Vehicles are getting popular and with Zipcar, EVs aren't inaccessible anymore! Curious about trying an electric car for the first time? Zipcar's electrics are a convenient car rental option. This guide will provide you with valuable insights into renting an electric vehicle and experiencing the flexibility at your fingerprint!

Join now

The Benefits of Renting an EV

Launched in 2018 with an initial fleet of 300, that number has grown to over thousands in 2024! EVs have become increasingly popular in recent years and you might’ve thought about driving one yourself. There’s plenty to gain from renting an electric car. From zero emissions to a smoother ride, here are the top benefits of switching to electric:

There's a lot of discussion about the performance and costs of electric vehicles. If you're used to driving traditional gas-powered cars, it's understandable to have questions. With Zipcar, you can experience the benefits of electric driving without the worries of ownership. We handle all the details, from vehicle care to charging, so you can focus on enjoying the ride.

One of the most significant advantages of electric vehicles (EVs) is their positive impact on the environment. Unlike traditional gas-powered cars, EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution and contributing to a cleaner planet. Even when considering the energy required for charging, EVs generally have a lower carbon footprint compared to gasoline and diesel vehicles. By choosing an EV, you can actively contribute to a more sustainable future.

EVs don’t have internal combustion engines, meaning they’re much quieter than traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. This can make car journeys more enjoyable for you and everyone else in the car. The majority of EVs are also automatic, meaning no clutch or gears to deal with. This can often make an EV feel smoother to drive.

Rent an EV: Your Guide to Electric Car Hire

When you rent an electric car with Zipcar, we handle many of the details, including charging and insurance. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when trying an electric vehicle for the first time.

The cost of renting an electric car can vary based on your destination and type of car but at Zipcar, you can rent an electric vehicle at the same rate as our petrol fleet! When choosing an electric car rental provider, it's essential to consider the additional costs they cover. Zipcar includes charging, insurance, maintenance, and 24/7 breakdown assistance in our rental rates, offering you significant savings.

Easily book your electric car rental through the Zipcar App. After approval, simply log in and navigate to the "Book a Car" page, and search for the perfect vehicle to suit your needs.Choose from a variety of rental options, including hourly and daily rates. Zipcar also offers Flex trips, allowing you to pick up a car in one location and drop it off in another within our designated Zipzones.

The charging time for an electric vehicle can vary significantly, ranging from 30 minutes to several hours. Different factors influence charging speed, including the vehicle's battery capacity, the charger's power output, and the current state of charge. There are different types of EV chargers, including ultra-rapid, rapid, fast, and slow. Before plugging in, always verify that your vehicle is compatible with the specific charger type. Check here our latest guide on EV terms and Charging tips.

There are a few different places you can charge an electric car. You can find a comprehensive list of places to charge an EV on apps like Zap Map (which shows you 95%+ of the charging points across the UK). At Zipcar, we charge our EVs for you, but if you do find yourself needing to recharge the car, head over to the nearest rapid charging point and we’ll refund you the cost for charging just like we cover the cost of fuel. Also, if you charge one of our electric cars and end your trip on over 60% charge you'll get £20 driving credit!

When fully charged, an electric car battery can last anywhere from 100 to 300 miles. Both the battery life and how far the car will go on a ‘full tank’ depends on the type of EV you’re renting out.

What to Expect When Trying Out an EV

There are a few ways EVs differ from traditional cars. When renting an electric car for the first time, here’s what to expect.

Unlike manual cars,electric vehicles(EVs)areexclusively automatic! This will simplify your driving experience, eliminating the need to shift gears. Simply press the start button, and enjoy a comfortable and quiet ride! EVs are quicker in acceleration and smoother deceleration with much less vibration than you’d expect from a conventional vehicle. Enjoy a more comfortable and enjoyable driving experience!

Meet our electric cars

Drive electric cars with Zipcar! Enjoy access to over thousands of electric cars whenever you need them. We cover the cost of charging, and you don't pay extra! They’re a cleaner, greener (and pretty fun!) way to travel. Take charge and drive them wherever you need – heading to the beach for a day trip, planning a weekend getaway, or simply navigating the city, Zipcar's electric vehicles are the perfect choice!

Vauxhall Corsa-e

Hyundai Ioniq

Nissan Leaf

Join now

Try an EV for the First Time with Zipcar

The Benefits of Renting an EV

Less Hassle

Less Hassle

Lower Emissions

Lower Emissions

A More Relaxing Drive

A More Relaxing Drive

Rent an EV: Your Guide to Electric Car Hire

How Much Does it Cost to Rent an Electric Car?

How Much Does it Cost to Rent an Electric Car?

How Do You Rent an Electric Car?