Renting a car in a foreign country is always a bit of an adventure. Add an electric vehicle to the mix, and the experience can be even more interesting.
I recently rented a Tesla Model 3 from Europcar in Toulouse, France, for a European EV road trip through six countries. While the journey was incredible, my experience with Europcar had a few surprises.
Here’s everything you need to know before renting an electric vehicle from Europcar, including the good, the bad, and what I wish I had known beforehand.
Booking My Europcar Electric Vehicle
Initially, I saw my Europcar rental review as an opportunity to try a different EV. Their fleet includes a solid selection of electric vehicles, from Volvos to the VW ID. Buzz, making Europcar one of the better options for renting an EV in Europe.
Ultimately, I opted to rent a Tesla in Europe through Europcar, as they offer various Tesla models alongside other EVs, providing flexibility and convenience for an electric road trip.
I booked my rental online through Expedia, which had the best rate.
Book Here: Search for European EV Rentals with Europcar
Picking Up My Europcar Tesla in Toulouse
After a long but comfortable flight from Montreal, I arrived in Toulouse eager to grab my car and get on the road. However, finding the Europcar rental location was my first challenge.
The signage at the closed terminal shop pointed me toward a parkade, but the exact location wasn’t obvious. After wandering around a bit, I finally found the rental area.
The pickup process itself was relatively smooth once I reached the desk. I attempted to use my minimal French, but quickly switched to English when I realized the agent was fluent.
That helped avoid any misunderstandings—except for one major issue regarding driving restrictions.
Unexpected Country Restrictions and Additional Fees
When the agent asked about my travel plans, I casually mentioned that I was driving to San Sebastián, Spain, to meet some friends and eat all of the pintxos.
That’s when she informed me that Europcar’s standard rental agreement only allows driving in France and the UK. To take the car into Spain, I had to pay an additional €60.
This caught me off guard. Nowhere during the booking process was this restriction clearly stated. Apparently, the extra cost is to cover if I have any issues in those countries and roadside assistance is required.
Given that I was actually embarking on an EV road trip through six countries, I didn’t push the issue. I just paid the fee, assuming it covered all the countries I was visiting. In hindsight, I should have clarified that point.
Equipment and Car Condition
In Europe, EV charging plug standards vary by region and charger type, but the most common connectors are Type 2 for AC charging and CCS (Combined Charging System) for DC fast charging.
Unlike in North America, many European AC chargers—especially at hotels, parking garages, and slow public stations—don’t have attached cables, meaning you need to carry your own Type 2 cable.
Fast chargers like IONITY, Fastned, and Tesla Superchargers typically have built-in cables, but for destination charging, having your own is essential.
Fortunately, my Europcar rental included all the cables I needed, making it easy to charge at any station without worry. If you’re renting an EV, be sure to check what’s provided or plan to rent or buy a cable for your trip.
That said, the cables were stored in an awkward spot under the sub trunk and secured in place with a metal wire, making them a bit of a hassle to use. I understand the need to secure them but feel like there is a better way.
The car itself had seen better days. It had plenty of visible damage, including dents, scrapes, and plenty of curb rash and dents, which made the initial inspection a little nerve-wracking.
The Europcar agent assured me that it wasn’t a big deal, but I made sure to document everything with photos just in case.
Interestingly, when I returned the car, the drop-off agent didn’t even bother inspecting it, suggesting that minor wear and tear is pretty standard for their EV rentals.
Driving and Charging in France and Beyond
Despite the rental process being less than perfect, driving the Tesla across France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Andorra, and beyond was a fantastic experience.
The Supercharger network is extensive, making it easy to charge along the way. However, I did run into a charging fail in France on my first attempt, which was frustrating but ultimately a learning experience.
I also had issues charging in Italy with hotel chargers not working. Same with charging in Andorra, however the latter was resolved. The Italian hotel staff couldn’t have been more unhelpful.
Charging in Switzerland was straightforward, however I did encounter a few locations where carrying and RFID card would have been useful. Driving through Northern Spain was also a challange, with charging stations failing to start sessions.
Still, by the time I reached Bilbao, Spain, I had gotten into a good rhythm with charging and range management.
Charging Costs and What’s Actually Included
One of the biggest surprises was that Tesla Supercharging wasn’t included, despite Europcar’s website strongly implying otherwise.
To make matters slightly more frustrating, unlike my Tesla rental with Hertz, I couldn’t log into the Europcar Tesla with my own account, meaning I couldn’t use my existing Supercharger credits or personal profile settings.
Additionally, I couldn’t pair my phone or Apple Watch as a key, which resulted in me forgetting to lock the car more than once.
Europcar Rental Return
Returning the Tesla was much easier than picking it up. There was little-to-no inspection at drop-off, which was both surprising and a little concerning given the damage the car had when I picked it up.
The return process was quick, and I received my final receipt via email shortly after. I received the bills for Supercharging sessions over the following week.
What I Wish I Knew Before Renting from Europcar
- Confirm cross-border fees in advance: If you plan to drive outside of France, clarify the cost and which countries are covered.
- Charging isn’t included: Budget for Supercharger fees and third-party charging costs.
- You can’t use your own Tesla account: No access to personal settings or Supercharger credits.
- Inspect the car carefully: Document any damage at pickup to avoid potential disputes later.
- Charging infrastructure is great, but have a backup plan: Apps like PlugShare or ABRP help find chargers in case a station is out of order.
Europcar review: Is it a Good Choice for EV Rentals?
Overall, my Europcar rental experience had its ups and downs. While the actual driving experience was great, the lack of transparency on cross-border fees and charging costs was frustrating.
That said, Europcar does offer a solid selection of EVs, and if you go into the rental knowing what to expect, it can be a good option. It’s also one of the only a few options to rent a Tesla in Europe.
Would I rent an EV from Europcar again? Maybe—but I’d definitely ask more questions upfront to avoid unexpected surprises.
If you’re planning to rent a Tesla in Europe, Europcar is worth considering, but be prepared for a few quirks along the way.
Book Here: Search for European EV Rentals with Europcar
FAQ: Renting an EV from Europcar
Does Europcar include free charging with their electric vehicle rentals?
No, charging is not included, and you’ll need to pay for Supercharging or third-party chargers yourself.
Can I drive a Europcar rental outside of France?
Yes, but you may have to pay an additional fee to drive in other countries. Confirm this before booking.
What EV models does Europcar offer?
Europcar’s fleet includes Tesla models and other electric vehicles like the Renault Zoe and Nissan Leaf.
Can I use my own Tesla account when renting from Europcar?
No, you cannot log into the car with your personal Tesla account or use your Supercharger credits.
Is renting an EV in Europe a good idea?
Yes! Europe has excellent charging infrastructure, and renting an EV is a great way to explore while reducing your carbon footprint.
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