Frequently Asked Questions about EVs
If you haven't hired an EV before, you probably have some questions about how the process differs from hiring an ICE car. Things like driver's licence requirements, and protection products remain the same, but fuel policy is different.
Quick Links
EV Hub | Quick-Start Guide | EV Charging | Our EV Branches | EV Terminology Explained | EV FAQs
EV FAQs
The pick up branch will aim to have your EV charged to 80% for you, however this is not always possible depending on when the EV was returned and how busy the branch is.
Specialist apps map all the different charging points across the country. You can even plot a trip and see where you can recharge along the way. These apps can be downloaded and used on the go.
Google maps will also show you your nearest charging point if you search ‘EV charging points’.
If your EV was charged to 80% when you picked it up, this is the level of charge you should return it at. Most Enterprise branches operate a like for like policy so, whatever the level of charge on your EV when you picked it up, this is the minimum level you should return it at. Your EV will never have less than 10% charge when you pick it up.
If you return your EV with a lower charge you will be billed for the cost of charging it back to the pick up level.
No, the opposite is true as there are no gears to change so it is more like driving an automatic. Braking and acceleration are both more responsive so hills and bends are easier to navigate in an EV.
It depends on the model of EV you are driving, how you drive, the distance you travel and the conditions you're driving in.
Electric cars are fully battery powered while hybrid vehicles combine power from a battery and a backup conventional engine.
Many passenger EVs are designed for 200-300 miles of range, varying on make/model, route of travel, weather and driving conditions. Your pick up branch should be able to advise you on the average range of your EV.
It depends on the level of your battery when you start and the speed of the charging station. As a guide, plan on spending the following amounts of time to reach roughly 80% charge:
- 6-12 hours for slow charging
- 2-4 hours for fast charging
- 1-2 hours for rapid charging
- 20-60 minutes for ultra-rapid charging
We also suggest you ask your local Enterprise branch for assistance with understanding what type of charging is best for your make and model. For even more information, visit our EV Charging page.
Your EV's digital dashboard will indicate when the battery is low and needs charging. A charging map app will show you the nearest charging station for the type of EV you are driving.
You will receive multiple alerts when your EV battery is running low. At the first alert you should look for a charging station as, when your EV battery is running out of charge, it will switch into a failsafe mode and begin throttling power to your vehicle, which can affect power steering, brakes and more.
We have electric vehicles from different manufactures and continue to work with a number of partners on this as the landscape continues to evolve quickly. View our electric fleet.
Just like all rental vehicles, EV rates are determined by several factors including location, dates of travel, length of rental and availability, as well as when the reservation was made.
EVs are currently available at selected Enterprise branches across the UK.
You are responsible for paying for charging your EV hire car. Access to public EV charging varies by market, as does the cost to use the chargers. Some charging stations are free and others have a higher cost, typically dependent on the charging speed. A charging map app will let you know the cost for different charging stations and some will even allow you to pay for several networks through your mobile.