Which are the top Italian cities for renting an electric car?

Sustainability has become a priority for many people in Italy and many travelers now opt for EVs instead of traditional gasoline vehicles. If you, too, are planning an eco-friendly adventure, keep reading as we have discussed the top Italian cities for renting an electric car & where these vehicles make the most sense.

Is renting an electric car in Italian cities a good idea?

You might wonder if an EV rental is a practical choice. Many of our customers shared a positive experience & for most of them, it was a smart, convenient & eco-friendly decision.

The country has made significant progress in green mobility over the last few years. There is massive development in charging infrastructure and various government incentives are also offered to support electric-friendly city policies. We can say that renting an EV is a better alternative than driving a petrol or diesel car, especially in urban areas.

Let’s know more about the benefits!

Easy access to city centers (ZTL Zones)

Many Italian cities have ZTLs that are Limited Traffic Zones. These particular areas restrict gasoline and diesel vehicles, whereas electric cars get special permissions or have fewer restrictions. You can easily drive closer to historic attractions without fines. This is a huge benefit in cities like Rome, Florence & Milan.

Lower travel costs

You might have a question: the rental price is slightly higher than other options, so why go for EVs? Here is the reason, you save money overall during your trip.

For example, charging costs less than fuel, you get free or discounted parking in some cities, no congestion charges in certain areas like Milan’s Area C and fewer maintenance concerns. FYI, long term EV rental in a city can be surprisingly economical.

Expanding charging network

There are now thousands of electric car charging stations in Italy. You will find various public charging spots in Milan, Rome, Bologna, Florence and Turin.

In case you are running late, fast charging option is always available at shopping centers, hotels, parking garages & highways. With apps like Enel X Way or PlugShare, finding a charging spot is simpler than ever.

Ideal for short trips and sightseeing

With improved technology, modern EVs can easily run for 200 to 400 km (150 to 250 miles) per charge. This range is more than enough for your day trips, city hopping or coastal drives. A long cross-country drive is also convenient if you plan your charging spots carefully.

Comfortable & quiet driving experience

While driving an electric vehicle, you get smooth acceleration & it is less noisy. These cars are easy to handle in narrow streets. Compact models are perfect for Italy’s historic city roads with tight parking.

Top Italian cities for electric car rental

Rome

Rome comes at the top of the list for most EV-friendly cities in Italy. Here you will get plenty of charging stations. You have easier access to historic places as driving a traditional car can be hectic due to traffic and strict ZTL. Moreover, the small streets are well suited for small EVs.

Milan

The next in line is Milan, which stands out in providing dense public charging stations after Rome. You will see modern roads with proper signage, eco-conscious infrastructure that offers great incentives for EVs.

The perks include free or discounted parking and congestion charge exemptions in Area C. It is the best alternative for business travelers, fashion district visits and Lake Como day trips.

Florence

Florence’s narrow streets are just made for small vehicles. Many parts of the city are pedestrian-only, which makes a small electric car the best option for tight parking spots without taking long walks. You also get many charging points near tourist hubs.

This city is a must-visit for art lovers. You must also include museum tours, Tuscan countryside drives and Pisa or Siena day trips in your itinerary.

Bologna

It is an emerging EV hub in Italy. The best part is that you get various affordable car rental deals and less traffic as compared to other cities. The government has done impressive work with the excellent road connectivity. It is centrally located, making it perfect for exploring northern Italy sustainably.

This place is famous among budget travellers. Food tours, day trips to Parma and Modena are worth taking.

Turin

The city is known for its quiet roads & scenic drives. Renting an EV is recommended because of lower traffic congestion and expanding green initiatives. You have great access to countryside routes and can enjoy Alpine road trips along with wine region tours.

Naples

Although Naples is a little busy region, it is still considered one of the top Italian cities for renting an electric car. This is because an EV is ideal for nearby coastal escapes and perfect for stop-and-go traffic.

Charging will not be an issue as there are various stations in metro areas. The most famous destinations that you cannot miss if you make a visit are the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Capri ferry connections and Sorrento drives.

Some helpful tips for renting an electric car in Italian cities

• Book in advance during tourist season, mostly from June to August
• Download apps like Enel X Way, Telepass, Be Charge or PlugShare to get access to a wide network of EV charging points
• Choose compact models for city travel and to cut your overall trip cost
• Plan charging stops wisely for longer routes
• Always check ZTL regulations beforehand

You might want to know

• Can tourists drive electric cars in ZTL zones?

  Yes, tourists can drive electric cars in ZTL zones but rules may vary by city, so always confirm with your rental supplier.

• Where are the free EV charging points in Italian cities?

  Free EV charging in Italy is commonly available at shopping malls, supermarkets, hotels, and some public parking lots, especially in larger cities like Milan, Rome and Florence. A few municipalities also offer free chargers as part of local sustainability programs.

• Which apps can I use to locate free charging spots in Italian cities?

  You can use apps like PlugShare or Enel On Your Way to find free charging spots in Italian cities.

• Do I need a special license to rent an electric car in Italian cities?

  A valid driver’s license and an International Driving Permit for non-EU travelers are enough to rent and drive an electric car.

• What happens if the battery runs low during my trip?

  You can recharge at public charging stations, hotels or service areas and many rental companies provide apps or roadside assistance for support.