Should I Rent an Electric Car in France? - EV Road Trip Planner

Planning an eco-friendly road trip in France? Renting an electric vehicle (EV) is a great way to explore the country while saving on petrol and reducing your carbon footprint. France offers an extensive charging point network, with cheap recharge options at locations like Lidl, making driving an electric car affordable and convenient. Whether you're navigating with a Tesla or other EVs, you'll find charging stations mapped out along the way.

Just don't forget to secure your International Driving Permit (IDP) before hitting the road! Get yours quickly from the International Drivers Association to be travel-ready.

You're in France for a reason. And what's the best way to enjoy your stay? Take an EV-friendly road trip through the country's most scenic and historic routes. France is well-equipped with charging points and a great EV charging station map that will keep you going while you're driving. Whether you're planning to rent an EV or already have one, here are some of France's best EV-friendly road trip routes, complete with estimated distances, drive times, and nearby charging points.

• Distance: 300 km (186 miles)
• Drive Time: 5 hours (with stops)

Explore the lavender fields, vineyards, and charming villages of Provence. Begin in Avignon, famous for its historic center, then head toward the rolling hills of Luberon. Recharge at any of the several EV charging points, including those in Aix-en-Provence. The route is perfect for EV drivers, with easy access to chargers and picturesque stops.

• Distance: 400 km (248 miles)
• Drive Time: 6-7 hours

Starting in Paris, this trip takes you through France's historic cities, such as Rouen and Caen, and to the iconic Mont Saint-Michel. While you're driving, you'll pass through beautiful countryside and historical battle sites from WWII. You can easily find EV charging stations in major towns along the route.

• Distance: 200 km (124 miles)
• Drive Time: 4-5 hours

This sunny coastal road takes you from Nice to Monaco, passing through Cannes and Antibes. The French Riviera is known for its glamour, but it's also EV-friendly, with charging points available in major tourist spots. Perfect for Tesla drivers and others renting electric vehicles, you can enjoy this route knowing you're reducing your carbon footprint.

• Distance: 680 km (422 miles)
• Drive Time: 12 hours (over 2-3 days)

One of the most stunning drives in France, this route winds through the French Alps, with breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and villages. This EV-friendly road trip has several high-speed chargers at key locations like Chamonix and Annecy, making it easy to enjoy the scenic views without worrying about running low on battery.

Feel free to read our Scenic France Road Trip Guide and discover 12 scenic routes you should explore on your next adventure.

• Distance: 250 km (155 miles)
• Drive Time: 4-5 hours

Known for its beautiful castles and vineyards, the Loire Valley is perfect for a relaxing yet eco-friendly road trip. Starting from Orléans, you can visit the famous Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau. There are several chargers at key tourist spots, so you can recharge both your EV and your energy.

• Distance: 450 km (280 miles)
• Drive Time: 7-8 hours

This route along the rugged coastline of Brittany is ideal for those looking to experience dramatic coastal views and quaint fishing villages. Cities like Saint-Malo and Brest offer several EV charging points, making it easy to explore the wild coast without needing petrol.

These EV-friendly road trips across France are not just about enjoying the scenery—they're also about traveling sustainably. Don't forget that before you rent an EV and hit the road, you'll need to have an International Driving Permit (IDP). Apply for an IDP online and get it within minutes.

France has developed a robust electric vehicle charging infrastructure/stations to support the growing number of EVs on the road. Whether you're driving a rental car or your own electric vehicle, you can charge your electric car easily thanks to various charging options available around France.

Level 1 Chargers

• Power Output: 2.3 kW
• Use: Primarily for home charging using a standard household outlet.

Level 2 Chargers

• Power Output: 3.7 kW to 22 kW
• Use: Found in public charging stations, workplaces, and retail parks.
• Cost: Around €0.30 to €0.52 per kWh, depending on the provider.

Fast and Ultra-Fast Chargers (DC)

• Power Output: 50 kW to 350 kW
• Use: Located at motorway service areas and major cities for rapid charging.
• Cost: Between €0.34 and €0.69 per kWh, with some charging based on time or session fees.

As of 2024, France boasts around 127,530 charging points distributed across urban centers, retail parks, and highways. Plenty of charging infrastructure will be found in major cities like Paris, Toulouse, and Marseille.

• Paris: A high density of chargers can be found in city centers and residential areas.
• Toulouse and Marseille: Both cities feature significant coverage, including chargers in suburbs and popular attractions.

• Cost: Approximately €2 for a full charge using an average rate of €0.17 per kWh.

• Supermarkets like Carrefour often provide free charging for the first hour, followed by a rate of €0.30 per kWh.
• Tesla Superchargers: These stations charge between €0.34 to €0.51 per kWh, depending on peak hours.

• Public station charging at €0.52/kWh:
• 50 kWh × €0.52 = €26 for a full charge.

• Type: Level 2
• Cost: Free for the first hour; then €0.30 per kWh.
• Notable Features: Loyalty card discounts.

• Type: Supercharger
• Cost: €0.34 to €0.51 per kWh.
• Notable Features: Fast charging capabilities.

• Type: Level 2/3
• Cost: €0.38 per kWh.
• Notable Features: Competitive pricing.

• Type: Level 3
• Cost: Varies by location.
• Notable Features: App-based management and payment.

With a well-established network of EV charging stations, France is one of the best places in Europe to rent an electric vehicle and drive sustainably. From affordable home charging to fast and ultra-fast chargers around France, you'll always be able to recharge your EV and enjoy your road trip without the hassle of petrol.

Now that we're through the details of France's EV charging infrastructure, it's time to look at where you can rent a car to get your electric road trip started. Whether you're looking to hire a car in Avignon or drive through Lyon, several rental companies in France offer electric vehicles to make your journey eco-friendly and cost-effective. Here are some recommended EV rental services in France:

Europcar, including electric vehicles, is a popular choice for people looking to rent a car across France. They offer a range of EVs, from compact cars to more luxurious options, available in major cities like Paris and Lyon. Europcar is a reliable choice for both short- and long-term rentals and has plenty of charging stations nearby.

Sixt offers electric vehicles in multiple cities around Europe, including France. You can easily rent an EV in major cities like Lyon, Marseille, and Nice. With flexible pick-up and drop-off locations, Sixt is a great option if you rent an electric car for a road trip around France.

Hertz provides a good selection of electric cars in France, especially in popular tourist cities like Paris and Avignon. Their EV fleet includes options from top manufacturers like Tesla, giving you a smooth driving experience on your French adventure. Hertz also offers competitive prices and convenient booking options.

Avis is another rental company offering electric cars in cities and airports across France. You can rent an EV in Europe from their extensive network, making hiring a car in various regions easy. They have models perfect for navigating city streets or taking longer road trips.

Enterprise provides electric vehicle rentals across many cities in France, including Lyon and Toulouse. Their fleet includes various EV models, making locating charging points along your route easy. Enterprise offers flexible terms and competitive rates, making them a solid choice for your EV road trip.

Whether you plan to rent an EV for a few days or an extended stay, these rental companies will have you covered, ensuring a seamless and eco-friendly drive across France.

Wrapping up, renting an electric vehicle (EV) in France is an excellent choice for eco-conscious travelers. With a growing charging infrastructure, reliable rental companies like Europcar, Sixt, Hertz, and Avis, and plenty of charging points in cities and along highways, driving an EV in Europe has never been easier. You'll save on petrol costs, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy a smoother drive.

Before renting an EV and exploring France's scenic routes, don't forget to apply for your International Driving Permit (IDP). It's a simple step to ensure you'll drive legally throughout your trip. You can apply online and receive your IDP in as little as 8 minutes from the International Drivers Association.