All about EV charging

Finding a fast charging station

Charging an EV requires a little more planning than pulling into a gas station and filling up.

Ideally you can pair charging with an already planned activity, like stopping for a meal or coffee. Google Maps is a great way to find charging stations near you.

 

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Below, we looked more closely at the different charging stations shown above, and highlighted the kW number, which tells us how fast the charging station is.

The higher the kW, the faster the charge.

In the closeup below:

  • The J1772 connector is the slowest option at 19.2 kW.
  • The CCS connector at the EVgo charging station is the fastest option at 350 kw.

 

Charging_1

Charging stations with 50-350 kW

  • 20-60 minutes charge time to 80% full

Charging stations with 7-19 kW

  • 4-10 hours charge time to 80% full  

Teslas have their own charging station network, and non-Tesla EVs can charge at a number of different networks, such as:

  • Electrify America
  • EVgo
  • Blink
  • Chargepoint
  • And more.

 

More charging tips:

  • Avoid Tesla Idle Fees

    If you’re in a busy Supercharger station, you may begin to get charged Idle Fees once your Tesla reaches 80%.
Learn more>

 

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Charging_1

  • Avoid peak charging times to save money 

    The cost for charging varies throughout the day. Many EV touchscreens (like the Tesla image above) will show you the cost of charging throughout the day, which is usually later at night or early morning. 

  • Get charging discounts for non-Tesla EVs.
    Hertz has partnered with certain charging stations to bring you exclusive discounts.

How to charge a Tesla

Renting a Tesla (Overview)

  1. When you’re in the car, always use the in-car touchscreen to navigate to a Supercharger. This primes the battery for charging. 


  2. Check the prices before you select a charging station, and save money by avoiding peak charging times.
    

  3. The charging port is on the driver’s side by the rear brake light. Press the charging port door to open.
     
  4. Plug the charger into the port and confirm that the LED light flashes green—this indicates that charging has begun.
    

  5. When charging is done, you’re good to go! You’ll be billed for charging on your final receipt from Hertz under TESLA REBILL. See your receipt > 

  6. Tip: Many Tesla drivers who rent from Hertz keep a log in their phones or in a notebook of how much each charging session costs.
     

How to charge a non-Tesla electric vehicle

Renting a Tesla (Overview)

  1. Use Google Maps or the EV’s touchscreen find nearby charging stations.

  2. Remember: The higher the kW, the faster the charge! You want to first look for DC Fast Chargers at 50-350 kW.
    

  3. Some charging stations let you pay with credit cards. Others make you download their app.


  4. Press the charging port door to open. and plug the charger into the port.


  5. Follow the instructions in the charging station's interface to authorize the charge.


  6. In the car, the center display shows the remaining estimated charging time, or if charging is not working as intended.

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