In 2026, when sustainability targets come to the fore, the digital and technological transformation in the transportation sector began to bear fruit. The efficiency of electric vehicles, developments in battery technologies and falling operating costs are among the factors that directly affect rental decisions for corporate companies as well as individual users.

Why is EV Rental on the Rise? 2025-2026 Market Data  

The electric vehicle stock in the Turkish market accelerated from the end of 2025 and grew by 45% in the first half of 2026. This growth was supported by emission restrictions and tax incentives, especially in metropolitan cities, and brought the share of electric vehicles in the rental sector to 25%. The solutions offered within the framework of the Avis Green program for electric vehicle rental play a critical role in meeting the demand in the market by making environmentally friendly transportation accessible to everyone. On a global scale, Turkey’s integration with rental trends in European Union countries has accelerated, with the number of charging stations tripling compared to 2024.

For Whom Is It Sensible to Rent a House? For Whom Is It Not?  

When deciding to rent an electric vehicle, usage habits and the nature of the route play a decisive role. For urban users who travel an average of 150 to 200 kilometers per day, electric models stand out as the ideal choice with their low cost and comfortable structure. Avis electric vehicle options meet user expectations at the highest level with autonomous driving features and quiet cabin structure that adapt to the dynamism of modern city life. However, hybrid alternatives may still be a more practical option for users who need to travel more than a thousand kilometers in a very limited time and do not have a fast charging point on their route.

In cities such as Istanbul and Ankara, where traffic is heavy in city centers, electric vehicles provide unique savings thanks to the recovery of stop-start energy into the battery. These vehicles, which can be obtained from Avis car rental offices, are budget-friendly with parking fee advantages and low usage costs. Especially in Istanbul Airport car rental preferences for business meetings, the quiet environment offered by electric vehicles supports a professional image.

Technical Differences Compared to Gasoline – What You Need to Know Before Driving  

The operating principle of electric vehicles is much simpler but much more efficient than internal combustion engines. While a conventional vehicle has thousands of moving parts, in an electric vehicle the main components are just the battery and electric motor. This reduces the risk of mechanical failure and provides faster acceleration with instant torque power while driving. The most basic issue that drivers should pay attention to when getting acquainted with this technology for the first time is the speed at which power is transmitted to the wheels and the braking characteristics.

Range fact — manufacturer figure vs. real world data  

There may be deviations of 15% to 25% between the standard data provided by the manufacturers and the actual usage conditions. Low temperatures, especially during the winter months, can affect battery chemistry, causing a temporary reduction in range. Keeping air conditioning and heating systems on all the time may require sacrificing approximately 40 kilometers of total range capacity.

Charging planning — from where, how, how long?  

Charging processes are basically divided into two: alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). While AC units, which are frequently found in city parking lots, fully charge your vehicle in approximately 6 hours, DC fast charging units on the side of the highway allow you to reach the level from 20% to 80% in just 30 minutes.

Driving feel — regenerative braking, one-pedal mode and silence  

The most obvious difference of driving an electric vehicle is that when you take your foot off the accelerator, the vehicle slows down with engine resistance and sends this energy back to the battery. Thanks to the single pedal driving mode, it is possible to have a smooth urban journey without using the brake pedal at all. The level of quiet inside the cabin makes road and wind noise more noticeable, but significantly improves overall driving peace of mind. This experience is one of the most important factors that minimizes driver fatigue on long journeys.

Inner City etc. Highway: Scenarios Where EV is Strong and Weak  

In urban use, electric vehicles have an overwhelming advantage over their competitors because they recover energy instead of wasting it in stop-and-go traffic. The efficiency of the electric motor reaches its highest level in centers with heavy traffic such as Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara. Users who choose Avis car rental for urban areas can meet their transportation needs for a week with a single charge. In journeys starting from the airport points, fast connection roads and transportation to the city center, combined with the silence of the electric engine, turn into a pleasant experience.

However, during road and long-distance travel, energy consumption increases with speed:

• At constant speeds of 120 kilometers per hour and above, energy consumption can double compared to urban areas due to air resistance.
• While consumption increases during altitude changes and climbing on mountainous roads, charging the battery during descent ensures balance.
• High-speed charging units located every 100 kilometers on the highway between Istanbul and Ankara have reduced the waiting time to the level of a coffee break.

10 Things You Should Check Before Renting a HOME  

In order to have a smooth electric vehicle experience, certain checkpoints need to be reviewed, from vehicle delivery to the return process. Knowing the technological equipment and charging procedures correctly eliminates any disruptions that may occur during the journey.

1. Be sure to confirm that the vehicle’s battery level is delivered with a full charge or at the rate specified in the contract.
2. Check that the charging cables supplied with the vehicle are compatible with both standard socket and station type (Type 2).
3. Pre-install the necessary mobile applications or cards on your phone to access charging networks.
4. Plan the charging stations on your route and their operating status from digital maps.
5. Learn from the representative how the intensity of regenerative braking is adjusted and the differences between driving modes.
6. Remember that you can choose less energy-consuming methods such as seat heating to maintain range during the winter months.
7. Ask whether the vehicle’s insurance policy covers charging cable damage or battery-related special situations.
8. Clarify how charging station usage fees on highways or parking lots will be reflected in the invoice.
9. Learn the rental policy regarding the charging rate at which the vehicle must be returned before return.
10. Check the coverage of roadside assistance and towing services specific to electric vehicles in case of emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions  

Do I need a special driver’s license to rent an electric vehicle?  

No, a standard B class driver’s license is sufficient to use electric vehicles. A short adaptation period may be required just to use automatic transmission and get used to the instantaneous reactions of the electric engine.

Do I pay the charging fee when I rent an EV?  

Charging expenses incurred during the rental period belong to the user and are paid according to the station’s tariff. If the charge level in the vehicle is below the received level at the time of return, a difference fee may be charged.

What happens if the rental EV breaks down?  

Since electric vehicles contain fewer moving parts, the risk of mechanical failure is low, but in case of a problem, 24/7 roadside assistance is available. In case of battery depletion or technical malfunction, your vehicle will be towed to the nearest charging point or service and a replacement vehicle will be provided according to the rental conditions.

Is the EV rental car variety sufficient in Türkiye?  

As of 2026, rental fleets in Türkiye have become quite diversified with sedans, hatchbacks and especially popular SUV models. Avis offers both compact models suitable for urban use and long-range luxury electric vehicles.

Is renting an EV more expensive than gasoline?  

Although daily rental costs may seem a little higher at first, electric vehicles are more advantageous in terms of total usage cost. The 60% decrease in fuel costs with electricity reduces the total budget, especially in multi-route rentals. In addition, free parking or transit benefits offered to electric vehicles in many cities provide an economic contribution.