Electric vehicle rentals are now widely available across Western Europe, and the economics are shifting fast. With petrol at $7-9/gallon in many European countries and EV charging networks expanding rapidly, the cost equation isn't as simple as it used to be. We compare the real-world experience of renting an EV versus a petrol car in Europe — covering charging logistics, total trip cost, range anxiety realities, and which type of trip suits each option.
Comparison Table
Provider
Fuel/Energy Cost
Convenience
Range
Driving Experience
Availability
Electric Vehicle (e.g., Tesla Model 3, VW ID.4, Peugeot e-208)
★★★★★
★★☆☆☆
★★★☆☆
★★★★★
★★☆☆☆
Petrol Car (e.g., VW Golf, Toyota Corolla, Renault Megane)
★★☆☆☆
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★☆☆
★★★★★
ℹ️ Good to Know
Scores are based on our hands-on testing, user reviews, and price monitoring across multiple European countries.
1. Electric Vehicle (e.g., Tesla Model 3, VW ID.4, Peugeot e-208)
Pros
Energy costs 50-70% less than petrol — save $100-200 on a two-week trip
Incredibly smooth and quiet driving, especially in city traffic and on motorways
Zero emission zones in London, Paris, Amsterdam — EVs enter for free
Regenerative braking means less brake wear and one-pedal driving in cities
Cons
Charging stops add 30-45 minutes every 200-300 km on long drives
Charging networks inconsistent — excellent in Norway/Netherlands, patchy in southern Europe
Rental rates 20-40% higher than equivalent petrol cars
For city-based trips and touring countries with excellent charging infrastructure (Norway, Netherlands, Germany, France), an electric rental saves money on fuel and delivers a noticeably better driving experience. For long road trips covering 400+ km per day, trips to Southern or Eastern Europe, or itineraries through rural areas, a petrol car remains the practical choice — the charging infrastructure simply isn't reliable enough yet. The tipping point is coming fast though: by 2027, EVs will likely be the default recommendation for most Western European road trips.
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BTS
BestTravelScout Editorial Team
Our editorial team researches and tests travel products hands-on, comparing prices and policies across dozens of providers to bring you honest, data-backed recommendations.