Hi, I have rented cars in Italy on numerous trips but this time my ONLY choice of vehicle is a Plug-In Hybrid or an Electric Car. I know I should just call the rental company (Auto Europe) but I thought someone here might be able to answer my question concerning fuel policy. The rental company states their fuel policy is: "Client should return the vehicle with the same level of fuel as rented to avoid a locally determined refueling fee. A pre-paid fuel option is available, in which case, the car should be returned as empty as possible (no refund for unused fuel)." Suppose I NEVER reach the point of using any of the gas as I am able to accomplish my short distance drive and brief rental of 2 days without tapping into any of the gas, do you think I am required to charge the car up the the maximum prior to return? Or maybe I am not even understanding how this type of vehicle works and that the electric power is only for local low speed driving and once on a highway it switches to gas. Sorry if this is a rather stupid and confusing question in terms of my phrasing, etc. but my understanding of this type of vehicle is obviously limited.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
2212 posts
The fuel you need to replace is the gasoline used while you have the car. The car engine will switch back and forth between using gasoline and electricity and it will use some gas no matter how you drive. Just top off the tank to the level it was when you received it. You’re not expected to recharge the car’s battery.
The great thing about hybrids is they save on gas costs and you don’t need to recharge the battery if you only have the vehicle for a few days or drive less than 300 miles.
Cheers!
Posted by
Northern Minnesota
802 posts
We rented a Plug-In Hybrid in Norway for 15 days and never plugged it in. The MPG was 47+, and as I understand it, the battery recharges during braking. The % of battery charge was about the same at the end of our trip as day 1. You will use gas and need to top it off.
Posted by
OP
New Jersey
229 posts
Thank you so much Kenko and mnannie for taking the time to respond and providing clarification on how this works!
Posted by
Tulsa, OK
64 posts
I had a Hybrid car in Puglia Spring 2024. I didn’t ask for it, but that’s what I got. There was a small learning curve but it was great on gas, I would definitely rent again. One thing I will mention, is I did have to stop at a phone store for an updated charger. This of course was a new car, and the phone charger I use in the US didn’t work, maybe because my car is a little older, not certain or if it was just a European thing.
Posted by
OP
New Jersey
229 posts
Thanks, Susan! That is valuable information.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA area (USA)
126 posts
Not sure if it’s applicable for this kind of car, but the service areas on the A1 (and I assume other autoroutes) all had a bunch of electric charging stations along with the usual gas pumps.