Pros and Cons of Renting an Electric Vehicle in Norway!

[@krisdecker1749]

Great video, just changed our rental from an EV to a hybrid!

[@Howell2Travel]

Thanks, we went through some pain so it would help and be informative to others, hybrid would probably be our option next time for various reasons as discussed in the other comments. Good luck with your rental and travels and have fun! Cheers Lee n Sarah

[@carloscontreras6458]

Thank you for the video and tips!

[@Howell2Travel]

Glad it was helpful! :) have fun on your travels

[@willtrent3077]

Thank you for your video. I rented an EV in the UK last year and I ran into the same issues with the apps. I have a US phone and some of the apps would not work on my phone. The whole charging thing was a nightmare. The only chargers that were okay, were the ones that accepted tap/RFID credit cards but they were only to be found on motorway service stations. I hope that companies will move away from the app setup and move to tap/RFID credit cards for payment. The electric car revolution, especially when it comes to charging the vehicles, is currently experimental, embryonic and a pain. Let's see what it's like in 5 years.

[@Howell2Travel]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience, and I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I completely understand where you're coming from-charging an EV can be quite challenging, especially when you're dealing with different apps and systems, particularly as a visitor from abroad. The frustration with the current setup is something many EV drivers share, and it's definitely a pain point that needs addressing. You're absolutely right that the ability to use tap/RFID credit cards is a much more user-friendly option, and it’s encouraging to see more charging stations adopting this method. Hopefully, as the electric car revolution progresses, we'll see a shift away from the reliance on apps and more towards simpler, more universal payment methods. We're all navigating this experimental phase together, and while it's not without its headaches, I’m hopeful that in the next few years, things will become much smoother and more accessible for everyone. Here's to hoping that these growing pains lead to a more convenient and reliable charging infrastructure that benefits not just drivers, but the planet as a whole. Wishing us all the best of luck for the future, and may the strides we make in this area help humanity and the human race move towards a better, more sustainable world. Thanks again for your thoughtful comment! For some new tips below also for anyone interested, Renting an EV while you're travelling can be a fantastic way to explore a new country, but we know it can also come with its own set of challenges. So, we wanted to share some of the best new tools, apps, and tips that can help make your experience smoother, especially if you're visiting the UK or Norway. 1. Universal Charging Apps Plugsurfing: Available in both the UK and Norway, Plugsurfing gives you access to a large network of charging stations across Europe. With a single app or RFID card, you can tap into multiple networks, which really simplifies the charging process. Chargemap: Another great app covering a wide range of charging stations across Europe, including the UK and Norway. It provides detailed information about charging points, such as availability, pricing, and user reviews. 2. Multi-Network Charging Cards Shell Recharge: This network is well-established in both the UK and Norway. With a Shell Recharge card or app, you can access a wide range of charging points, many of which support contactless payments. NewMotion: Another solid option that works across multiple networks, making it easier to find and use charging stations without needing to download loads of different apps. 3. Simplified Payment Systems Contactless Payment: More and more charging stations, especially in the UK, are adopting contactless payment options (tap/RFID credit cards). Look for chargers from providers like Instavolt in the UK, which typically support contactless payment without requiring an app. Apple Pay/Google Pay: Some networks now support Apple Pay and Google Pay, which can be linked to your existing credit cards, simplifying the payment process even further. 4. Enhanced Navigation Tools ABRP (A Better Routeplanner): This app is brilliant for planning long journeys. It factors in charging stops and provides real-time information on charger availability and estimated charging times. Waze with EV Charging Locations: Waze now includes EV charging points in its navigation, allowing you to easily find the nearest charger along your route. 5. Government and Regional Support Norway: Norway is one of the most EV-friendly countries in the world, with a vast network of charging stations, often free to use. The government also offers incentives like free parking in some areas and access to bus lanes. Make sure to check out regional apps like "Nobil" for real-time charging station data in Norway. UK: The UK has been expanding its charging infrastructure rapidly. Tourists should definitely check out the "Zap-Map" app, which is widely used in the UK for finding charging stations, checking their status, and planning routes. 6. Rental Company Support EV Rental Specialists: Some rental companies are now offering tailored EV rental services, including providing pre-configured charging apps, RFID cards, and detailed guides for tourists. Check with your rental company to see if they offer these services. Tesla Rentals: If you rent a Tesla, the integrated Supercharger network, with seamless payment and navigation, can significantly reduce the hassle of finding and paying for charging. 7. Local Knowledge and Forums Online Communities: Joining local EV forums or Facebook groups can be a great way to gather tips from locals. Sites like Speak EV (for the UK) or Norsk Elbilforening (Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association) offer valuable insights and advice. 8. Eco-Friendly Accommodations Hotels with EV Chargers: Many hotels in the UK and Norway are now offering EV chargers for guests. Apps like Booking.com now allow you to filter for accommodations with EV charging, making it easier to ensure you have a convenient place to charge overnight. We hope these tips help make your EV rental experience in the UK or Norway a lot smoother! The infrastructure is getting better all the time, and with a little bit of preparation, driving an EV as a tourist can be both convenient and rewarding. Wishing you all the best on your travels and let’s all continue supporting anything that can help humanity and, above all, the human race. Cheers, Sarah and Lee

[@willtrent3077]

@@Howell2Travel Wow! Thank you so very much for taking the time to write such a comprehensive response. You're very kind. Thank you!

[@polestarpp2222]

Rent a polestar 2 for good range and fast charging

[@Howell2Travel]

I've found that in cold weather, like in Norway, the Tesla Model 3 typically offers better range due to its efficient battery management and heat pump technology. It also benefits from Tesla's Supercharger network, which makes long trips easier with faster charging. However, the Polestar 2 excels in interior quality and handling in icy conditions, giving it a more premium feel overall. Both have their strengths, but it seems Tesla has the edge for cold-weather performance and range." But like both options, Tesla and Polestar 2

[@PetranInNorway]

You need to pre heat the car to get fast charging speeds. Tesla is the cheapest one with a subscription but in IONITY you get the fastest speeds.

[@Howell2Travel]

Thanks for the tip! Preheating the car is definitely a smart move to maximize charging speeds, especially in colder weather. I appreciate the insight on Tesla and IONITY as well-it's great to know that while Tesla offers a cost-effective option with their subscription, IONITY is the way to go for those who prioritise speed. Balancing cost and performance is always key, so this info really helps! 🚗⚡ Tesla's Preconditioning Feature: www.tesla.com/support/supercharging Tesla's Subscription Service: www.tesla.com/support/tesla-supecharging-network IONITY's Fast Charging Speeds: ionity.eu/our-network

[@arnesnielsen]

Today most chargers are converting to payment with credit/bank cards.😊

[@Howell2Travel]

100% true, this is for all new ones being installed post mid last year I think and was mandated by the Norwegian government. It will take a long time to convert all older ones retrofitting them to a CC bank card payment at system but hopefully will be done in a decent timeframe for all. Cheers

[@naseelbasheer1783]

What are the rates for charging? Example for the vehicle you drove?

[@Howell2Travel]

Hello! As of today, the cost of charging an electric vehicle (EV) in Norway varies depending on the provider and charger type. For Tesla Superchargers, prices typically range from NOK 2.50 to NOK 3.00 per kWh (around £0.19 to £0.23 GBP or $0.22 to $0.26 USD). Non-Tesla vehicles may face slightly higher rates unless subscribed to Tesla’s membership. On networks like MER, fast charging usually costs around NOK 4.00 to NOK 4.50 per kWh (approximately £0.30 to £0.34 GBP or $0.36 to $0.39 USD), though prices can vary depending on the location and time of day. These are the current rates, but they may change over time based on the provider. Hope this helps!

[@naseelbasheer1783]

@@Howell2Travel Thanks for the detailed answer. Appreciate it.

[@PierreSimonsson]

nex norway Trip u only need Tesla App an maybe IONITY that shuld be Suficcient and you have it in the UK.

[@Howell2Travel]

Hi, thanks for the comment. As we mentioned in the video - Tesla app and MER were fine for us but best to all map out your options and journey routes prior too setting off, then you will only know the apps you have will get you to where you need to arrive at, with the amount of miles we did we had a few extra up our sleeve to atleast try rather than get stranded, it’s the journey that counts quite often and not just the destination so we saw our road trip as the holiday rather than a beginning or the end. Have fun everyone road tripping! We’ve just booked USA as our next one so probably go gasoline. Cheers Lee n Sarah 😊

[@jchidley]

This is why the EU mandated the use of credit cards. It's insane that these companies required the use of an app. I've been visiting and hiring cars in Norway for over 20 years. It's easy to do with petrol and diesel (and expensive) but harder to do with electric. You have demonstrated that electric car hire is possible though.

[@Lily-hl7pz]

What car rental companies would you recommend in Bergen?

[@Howell2Travel]

Hi, yes 100% possible agreed just a little more planning and time for your journey and it’s relatively easy, range anxiety can kick in and depending on your outside air temperature this could decrease your range also at a moments notice, can fluctuate by up to 5-6 degrees just coming down a mountain side…

[@Howell2Travel]

@@Lily-hl7pz you have all the big ones there, depends if you hire from the airport or in town I would assume, Hertz, Budget and so on, if you want an electric car I would look for a Tesla to be honest, lots of charge points with longer range’s if you get a dual motor version.

[@alinagrozavu]

Thank you for this video. We were struggling too! We downloaded the Mer app and works really well.

[@evatrics5902]

The moment that I heard that you got a Lexus, I knew you weren’t going to have a good EV charging experience. Toyota/Lexus/Subaru all share the same platform which are nice cars but have to worst charging curves of any electric cars on the market. As a Hyundai Ioniq 5 owner, one of the faster charging EV’s on the market, I’m always distressed if I have to wait for a charger occupied by one of the Toyota platform cars. We will be visiting Norway in September, and your video is very helpful. Hopefully we’ll get an Ioniq 5, VW iD4, or Skoda Enyag. If they only have the Toyota products, I might have to break my no more gas cars rule.😮

[@Howell2Travel]

Thank you for the comments; great share with all of the above, and it’s a learning day every day! 😊 We were offered a full petrol model due to concerns before starting our journey at Oslo Airport. We decided against it because it was a much smaller and far inferior model in terms of looks, comfort, and age. Looking back, we might have chosen it, as with no decent battery or range on the Toyota, what’s the point of having heated seats, a heater, and other luxuries if you have to switch them all off due to range anxiety? We chalked it up to experience, but having zero miles left and still five miles to go to Oslo Airport on our return trip, trying to charge in a hurry, even at a TESLA charging station, took ages. We still had to pay the minimum charge at the rental car agency upon returning the vehicle due to insufficient charge as per the T&Cs. 😅

[@laitimothy388]

What model is it that you’re renting?

[@Howell2Travel]

Hi, we rented in March this year a Lexus 450 - large SUV - Lovely to drive and comfortable but would never recommend for long road trip.

[@dannytan7358]

great information content . Helped a lot . we will be visiting norway this coming august , i guess i will stick to gasoline :) . now i am just worried about which car rental company should i choose. these insurance liability coverage is killing me in choices. any advises ?

[@Howell2Travel]

Hey, We used www.insurance4carhire.com , have used for many years and never let us down. I would use the bigger options, always used Avis, Budget, Hertz, a little more monies but some Assurances there also. Usually have a better spec of car and more of them. Hope this helps a little! Have a good day

At the end of 2025 all super chargers will have to support credit/debit cards. July 1st 2023 all new super chargers had to have support for credit cards.

[@Howell2Travel]

Yes agreed as have been reading this also, still 17 months + away and any tourist could come up short. I feel as long as you plan your routes out in advance and hopefully avoid peak seasons then anyone's trip to the Glorious country of Norway will have an amazing time, best to cover all bases and gather as much info as you can until the easy "TAP" your credit card comes around, still does not speed up charging times which I will leave for another day. Tesla still our choice to rent but not all rental car agencies have these.

[@panameradan6860]

Here in America, there’s also a desperate need for all fast DC charging of BEVs to use credit cards only - no phone apps, ever …. The masses will never adopt BEVs without simpler payment and start-charging procedures … automakers are so very stupid for not mandating this via pressuring & funding charging companies … More to the point, charging stations need human attendants like gas stations do for troubleshooting problems for customers, quickly

[@Howell2Travel]

I think some kind of attendant would be good but more like a button you can press to speak to someone rather than a physical person, there would be potential issues also with this as mostly a SIM card type in remote regions may not work great but there is always things like Starlink is it from Mr Musk. If we are all to adopt these EV's then big changes need to happen. Having driven in and around x 40 states in the USA I know the daily distances are crazy long compared to say the UK where I am based. Quicker charging and a tap and payment method would be a start for me, until then I may only rent Tesla due to their superior range and quick charge times.

[@darmou]

Unfortunately Toyota has the worst charging times :( Hopefully they will make better cars in the future.

[@Howell2Travel]

I think you could be right and maybe for most to steer clear of these for the interim, Tesla would be the car of choice for us personally but make sure the hire company you book with have these available as a alternative. Good luck all ! and have FUN on your travels

[@erlingervik9979]

Toyota don't like electric cars, so don't be surpriced that they like to make you regret using an electric car. (As you did!) If you want to have a nice trip, Tesla is the car to get.

[@Howell2Travel]

@@erlingervik9979 agreed, Owned a Tesla prior to renting the Toyota in Norway and was leaps and bounds above the Toyota we rented. In my humble opinion and experience driving both options. :)

[@vegarvv]

You did one big mistake starting your charging at 20%. You need to start charging between 5 to 10% to get higher speed. You also have the worst car for charging. The toyota's are bad.

[@Howell2Travel]

Yes agree, Toyota are way behind some or most of the rest of the EV manufacturers. We chose to follow the advise from the rental company with regards to the 20% but would not do this again, we chose to use the EV like it was our very own as opposed to using it like a rental car, maybe we cared a little too much about a battery we did not own! :) Next time it will go down to 10% as if we did 5% in the colder climates like Norway, range anxiety would set in and you can drive 2-3 miles down the road and go from 10% to 5% in a heartbeat, we have seen this with our own eyes as going from -2 degrees to -7 degrees had a huge impact on range, visual range anyway and one time we were down to 0% but feel much like a gasoline car there is extra range built in also.

[@mullema]

You said you did research. But managed to pick one of the worst EV's there is 🥲

[@Howell2Travel]

yes we certainly did our research 100% - but all the research in the world will not help anyone if it’s the rental companies last EV on offer! we had to laugh and crack on like all good tourists do and funnily find out this was indeed as you mentioned, one of the worst EV’s there is! life is about the experience and memories and this was and is both to us which why we wanted to share with anyone interested! have a good day all - L&S

[@polestarpp2222]

You need to pre heat the bateri 😅