Why Short-Term Renters Still Shun Electric Vehicles Despite Rising Fuel Costs
Demand for electric vehicles in short-term rentals remains low despite rising fuel prices and geopolitical tensions. Industry leaders report little change in customer preferences, with most renters still opting for petrol or diesel cars. The lack of charging infrastructure and practical concerns continue to deter short-term users. The ongoing conflict in Iran has pushed fuel prices higher, yet this has not translated into a noticeable shift toward electric rentals. Matthias Krohn, president of the German Car Rental Association, confirmed that demand for battery-electric cars remains flat. Neither large international providers nor smaller mobility firms have seen a meaningful increase in bookings.
Most short-term renters avoid electric vehicles due to the hassle of charging. Europcarâs electric fleet, for example, is used mainly by corporate clients rather than private customers. Interest in electric rentals tends to come from those seeking longer-term agreements, often spanning several months.
Sixt, one of Europeâs largest rental companies, echoed this trend. Its CFO, Franz Weinberger, highlighted a key barrier: insufficient charging points at major transit hubs like airports and train stations. Meanwhile, Sixtâs data shows no significant rise in electric rental demand across Europe or the U.S.
The only notable growth has been in the used electric vehicle market. According to Autoscout24, demand for second-hand EVs jumped by 39 percent last month. However, this surge appears driven by buyers rather than renters, suggesting a disconnect between long-term ownership and short-term hire. For now, short-term renters continue to favour traditional combustion-engine cars. The lack of convenient charging and the complexities of managing an EV on short trips keep demand subdued. While geopolitical tensions may nudge some buyers toward electric purchases, rental companies see no lasting impact on their fleets.
