Electric car hire in Australia
An electric hire car can suit a route with reliable charging, but the booking needs more than a daily rate comparison. Map chargers, a backup stop and the return branch before setting off. Return charge rules differ by company: Avis asks for at least 80 per cent, while Hertz asks you to return the car near the level it was supplied at.
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Key facts
- Avis return charge
- At least 80 per cent, or a recharge fee applies
- Avis EV guide
- An operational guide is emailed three to four days before pickup
- Hertz starting charge
- EVs are generally supplied with up to 90 per cent charge
- Hertz return charge
- Return at the supplied level; a 5 per cent grace applies, and a low battery fee applies at 15 per cent or less
- Hertz electricity
- Daily rates do not include the cost of electricity to charge the EV
- Hertz cables
- Each EV comes with two charging cables, and a replacement cable costs $500 excluding GST
How do you plan an EV hire trip?
Map the charging points for each leg and choose a backup in case a site is occupied or offline. Leave battery margin beyond the navigation estimate, because battery performance depends on how the car is driven.
Hertz allows its EV renters to use public charging networks, and its daily rates do not include electricity, so allow for charging costs in the trip budget.
What should you check before collecting?
Confirm the vehicle model or category and the charging access supplied with the rental. Ask the branch how to start a charge and what cable is in the car.
Avis emails an operational guide three to four days before pickup for its EV bookings. Hertz supplies two charging cables and a keycard with each EV and charges for lost or damaged items.
What happens at return?
Check the required battery level and where you can charge near the return branch. Avis requires at least 80 per cent charge and applies a recharge fee below that.
Hertz generally supplies an EV with up to 90 per cent charge. If you return it below the level it was supplied at, you pay a recharge fee, with a 5 per cent grace. A further low battery fee applies at 15 per cent or less. Read the contract for the car you choose, because other companies may use different levels and fees.
Is an EV sensible for a remote road trip?
Consider charger spacing, backup locations and holiday queues. If the itinerary has long remote stretches, plan each day around confirmed chargers before choosing an EV, rather than assuming every fuel stop also charges.
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Prices are shown in Australian dollars. Check the pickup point and what the agreement allows on the roads in this guide before you book.
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Questions people ask
Can I hire an electric car in Australia?
Yes. Avis and Hertz both rent EVs in Australia, so check the pickup location and dates when you book.
Do I need to charge an EV hire car before returning it?
Usually to the level in your contract. Avis requires at least 80 per cent, and Hertz asks you to return the car near the level it was supplied at.
How do I find EV chargers on a road trip?
Use charger maps or apps and identify a backup site for each longer leg.
Is EV hire suitable for the outback?
Only after checking charging coverage, backups and the vehicle range for each leg.