Which car rental company is cheapest in Europe?

Prices vary by location and dates. DiscoverCars and RentalCars.com typically offer the broadest selection, while AutoEurope often wins on all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees. Use our search to compare all providers for your specific dates.

Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Europe?

Yes. Almost all car rental companies require a credit card (not debit) for the security deposit. The hold amount varies by car category and provider — typically €200–€1,500. Some companies accept debit cards with additional verification.

Can I take a rental car across the border from Lithuania?

Most major rental companies allow cross-border travel within the EU. Always confirm with your chosen provider before booking. Trips outside the EU (e.g., Belarus, Ukraine, Russia) are almost always prohibited.

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Lithuania?

The minimum age is 21 for most companies, though some accept drivers from age 18. Drivers under 25 typically pay a Young Driver Surcharge of €10–€25 per day. Drivers over 65–70 may also face senior driver fees.

Is it better to book car rental in advance or at the airport?

Booking in advance almost always saves money — often 30–50% less than walk-up rates. Airport desks charge premium prices for same-day availability. Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead for busy summer months.

What insurance do I need when renting a car?

Standard rentals include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection. However, they often come with a large excess (€1,000–€3,000). Consider buying full coverage or a standalone travel insurance policy to reduce the excess to zero.

Are automatic cars more expensive to rent in Europe?

Yes, automatic transmission cars typically cost 20–40% more than manual in Europe. Availability is lower, especially in smaller vehicle categories. Book early if you need an automatic, particularly during summer.

What happens if I return the car late?

Late returns usually incur hourly fees, and anything over 1–2 hours is often charged as a full extra day. Some providers offer a 30-minute grace period. Always check the terms and contact the provider if you'll be delayed.

Can I rent a car one-way in Europe?

Yes. Most major providers offer one-way rentals within the same country and across EU borders. One-way fees (drop charges) vary — some are free, others can be €100–€300+. Always compare providers, as fees differ significantly.

What fuel policy should I choose for my rental?

Full-to-Full is the safest policy — you receive a full tank and return it full. Avoid 'Full-to-Empty' policies where you pre-pay for a full tank regardless of how much you use; you rarely get value for money on those.

EV Guide Updated June 2025 8 min read

Electric Car Rental in Europe 2025: A Complete Guide

EV rental in Europe has grown rapidly. Whether you want to reduce your carbon footprint or simply try an electric car, this guide covers availability, charging networks, costs, and which countries have the best infrastructure.

Affiliate Disclosure: CarRent.lt earns commissions from our partners. This doesn't affect prices you pay. Learn more.

Electric vehicles now make up a meaningful portion of European rental fleets, particularly at major airports in Western Europe and Scandinavia. Renting an EV gives you access to an automatic-style driving experience, significantly lower running costs for longer trips, and increasingly good charging infrastructure across the continent. However, planning is more important with an EV than a petrol car — range management and charging stop planning require more thought on longer journeys.

EV Fleet Availability in European Rentals

As of 2025, most major rental companies (Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Enterprise) offer EVs at their larger European locations. Availability varies significantly by country and location:

Best EV availability: Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, France, UK
Good and growing: Spain, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic
More limited: Poland, Baltic states, Balkans, rural locations throughout Europe

In Lithuania, EV rental options at Vilnius Airport and Kaunas Airport are available but the selection is smaller than in Western European capitals. Europcar and Hertz typically offer one or two EV models at these locations. Availability increases during summer and you should book well in advance if you specifically want an EV.

Common EV Models in European Rental Fleets

Tesla Model 3 / Model Y — long range, fast charging via Supercharger network, widely available at premium tier
Volkswagen ID.3 / ID.4 — popular mid-range EVs in European fleets, compatible with CCS charging
Renault Zoe / Megane E-Tech — compact and efficient, common in French and some other fleets
Peugeot e-208 / e-2008 — small and city-focused
Nissan Leaf — older but still common in some fleets
Kia EV6 / Hyundai Ioniq 5 / 6 — increasingly available, with 800V ultra-fast charging capability

Charging in Europe: The Networks You Need to Know

European EV charging uses several charging standards and networks. Most rental EVs use the CCS2 (Combined Charging System) standard for DC fast charging, except Tesla which uses its own connector (though adapters are increasingly available).

Major Charging Networks

Tesla Supercharger — now open to non-Tesla vehicles in most European countries via app or card payment. Fast (up to 250 kW), reliable, and well-placed along major routes.
Ionity — high-power charging network (up to 350 kW) at motorway service areas across Europe. Operated by a BMW/Ford/Mercedes/VW consortium. Per-kWh pricing.
Plugsurfing / Plugshare — apps that aggregate chargers from multiple networks across Europe. Essential for planning and finding chargers in unfamiliar locations.
Recharge (Vattenfall) — strong in Scandinavia and the Baltics.
Ignitis GO (Lithuania) — Lithuania's primary EV charging network, with chargers in Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, and along major routes. Part of the Charge4Europe roaming network.

EV Charging in Lithuania

Lithuania's EV charging infrastructure is expanding but less developed than Western Europe. Key facts for 2025:

Charging is available in Vilnius city centre, at major shopping centres, and at some petrol stations
The Via Baltica (A1/E67) has charging stations at regular intervals for the Vilnius–Riga–Tallinn route
Rural areas have limited coverage — plan charges carefully if leaving main routes
Ignitis GO is the main operator; Recharge and some Tesla Superchargers also cover key locations
Download the Plugshare app before your trip to map available chargers along your route

Cost Comparison: EV vs Petrol Rental

The daily rental rate for EVs is typically 20–40% higher than an equivalent petrol car. However, the running cost of electricity is substantially lower than fuel, particularly in countries with low electricity prices at public chargers.

Rough calculation for a week's rental (700 km driving):

Petrol compact (7L/100km at €1.60/L): ~€78 fuel cost
EV compact (17 kWh/100km at €0.45/kWh public charging): ~€54 charging cost

On a week's rental where the EV costs €30 more per day base rate (€210 premium), the fuel savings of €24 only partially offset this. EVs make the most economic sense on longer trips where fuel savings accumulate, in countries with cheap public charging, or if you can charge at the hotel or accommodation overnight at a low rate.

Tips for Renting an EV in Europe

Ask about the charging cable at pickup. Type 2 (home/AC charging) and CCS (fast DC charging) cables should both be in the car. Confirm both are present.
Plan charging stops before you set out. Use Plugshare, ABRP (A Better Route Planner), or the in-car navigation to route via chargers.
Don't return the car nearly empty. Unlike petrol cars where you fill up just before return, EVs should be returned at the agreed charge level — check your rental terms. Some agreements require returning at a minimum state of charge.
Understand the charging cost responsibility. Some rental companies include a charging card or arrangement; others leave you to pay and there's no reimbursement. Clarify before pickup.
Range anxiety is real but manageable. On main European routes, chargers are every 50–100 km. The psychological adjustment of planning around range rather than just stopping whenever is the biggest shift from petrol driving.

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FAQ

EV Rental — Common Questions

Do I need a special driving licence to drive an electric rental car?

No. Any standard driving licence valid for car rentals covers electric vehicles. Since all EVs are automatic (no clutch), if your licence has an automatic-only restriction, you can still drive an EV legally. No additional licence category or endorsement is required for standard passenger EVs.

What happens if the EV runs out of charge on the road?

Running out of charge is treated like running out of fuel — it is the driver's responsibility to manage the vehicle's range. Most rental agreements consider this a recoverable situation but may charge a roadside assistance fee. Modern EVs provide ample warnings and range estimates; if you manage the battery sensibly, running flat on a planned route should not happen. Download a charging app like Plugshare before you set out and plan stops proactively.

Are EV rentals more expensive than petrol cars?

Yes, typically 20–40% higher on the daily rental rate. Whether this cost is offset by fuel savings depends on how far you drive and the local electricity pricing. For city-focused trips with limited driving, the premium is rarely justified. For long-distance touring, the fuel savings start to matter more. Compare total cost including fuel/charging for your specific trip.

Can I take a rental EV across borders in Europe?

Generally yes, subject to the same cross-border rules as petrol rental cars — declare your intended countries at booking and confirm cross-border travel is permitted. Some rental companies have restrictions on taking EVs to certain Eastern European countries where charging infrastructure is limited, as this increases the risk of roadside incidents. Always confirm before booking.