- ⚡ Electric Car Rental at Lisbon Airport Terminal 1 – Full Guide
- 🚗 Why Choose an Electric Car Rental at Lisbon Airport?
- 🏢 Which Companies Offer EVs at Lisbon Airport Terminal 1?
- 🧾 What Documents Are Required to Rent an EV?
- 🅿️ Where Do You Pick Up the EV?
- 🔋 Types of EVs Available
- ⚠️ EV Range and Real-World Usage
- 🔌 Charging Your Electric Rental in Portugal
- 🔎 Types of Charging Stations
- ⚙️ Charging Networks & Apps
- 💶 Charging Cost Estimates
- 🛣️ Is an EV Right for Your Trip?
- ✅ Ideal for:
- ⚠️ Maybe Not Ideal for:
- 🧠 Tips for First-Time EV Renters in Portugal
- 🔁 Returning Your EV at Lisbon Airport
- 💰 EV vs Gasoline Rental — Is It Worth It?
- ✅ Final Thoughts
⚡ Electric Car Rental at Lisbon Airport Terminal 1 – Full Guide
More and more travelers arriving in Portugal are turning to electric vehicles (EVs) as a cleaner, smarter alternative to traditional rentals. If you’re flying into Lisbon Airport Terminal 1, you’ll be pleased to know that several top-rated rental companies offer electric car hire right on-site — no shuttle needed.
This guide explains everything you need to know about renting an electric car at Lisbon Airport Terminal 1 in 2025 — from where to book, what documents to bring, how to charge your car, and what EVs are best for your trip through Portugal.
🚗 Why Choose an Electric Car Rental at Lisbon Airport?
Renting an EV offers unique advantages for modern travelers:
- 🌍 Eco-friendly travel — reduce your carbon footprint
- 💸 Lower energy costs — electricity is cheaper than fuel
- 🔇 Quiet & smooth driving experience
- 🅿️ Access to low-emission zones (especially in Lisbon city center)
- 🔋 Newer vehicles — most EVs are from recent production years
- 🛬 Convenient pickup inside Terminal 1 — no shuttle delays
Whether you’re staying in Lisbon or planning road trips across Portugal, renting an electric car can be a smart and responsible choice.
🏢 Which Companies Offer EVs at Lisbon Airport Terminal 1?
At Terminal 1, several global and Portuguese rental agencies now include electric vehicles in their fleets. You’ll find their counters directly in the Arrivals hall, just steps away from baggage claim.
Here are the main companies offering EVs in 2025:
| Company | Typical EV Models | Pickup Location | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sixt | BMW i3, Tesla Model 3 | Parking P3 | Premium EVs, modern fleet |
| Europcar | Renault Zoe, Nissan Leaf | Parking P3 | Budget-friendly electric options |
| Guerin | Kia e-Niro, Renault Zoe | Parking P3 | Great service, affordable deals |
| Hertz | Polestar 2, Tesla Model Y | Parking P3 | Stylish, tech-forward EVs |
All these providers have cars ready in Parking P3, which is connected to the terminal by a short walking path — no shuttles, no stress.
🧾 What Documents Are Required to Rent an EV?
You’ll need the same documents for an EV rental as you would for a conventional vehicle. Be sure to bring:
- 🪪 Valid driver’s license (held for 12+ months)
- 🛂 Passport or EU ID card
- 💳 Credit card (in the main driver’s name)
- 📱 Booking confirmation (printed or digital)
- 📄 International Driving Permit (only if your license is in a non-Roman alphabet)
Some companies accept debit cards if you purchase full insurance coverage. Always verify this in advance if you’re not using a credit card.
🅿️ Where Do You Pick Up the EV?
Electric car rentals are collected in Parking P3, located just outside Terminal 1. This covered structure is dedicated to rental companies operating directly from the airport.
Steps to pick up your car:
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
- 🧳 Arrive at the rental desk in Terminal 1
- 🖊️ Complete the check-in and sign documents
- 🚶 Walk 3–5 minutes to Parking P3
- 📸 Inspect the vehicle and take photos
- 🔑 Receive key and charging card (if available)
- ✅ Confirm the battery level and GPS before leaving
🔋 Types of EVs Available
EVs come in all shapes and sizes. Depending on your needs and budget, you might choose:
| Vehicle Type | Example Models | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Compact EVs | Renault Zoe, Nissan Leaf | City breaks, solo travelers, couples |
| Family SUVs | Kia e-Niro, Hyundai Kona | Families with luggage or baby seats |
| Premium Sedans | Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2 | Long drives, business or luxury travel |
| Hybrids (PHEVs) | Toyota Prius, Kia Niro | Longer range + fuel backup |
Most EVs have automatic transmission, built-in GPS, and rear cameras.
⚠️ EV Range and Real-World Usage
Before renting, consider your planned daily distance. Most EVs can handle between 250 and 450 km per charge — more than enough for:
- 📍 Lisbon to Sintra and back (60–70 km)
- 📍 Lisbon to Évora (135 km)
- 📍 Lisbon to Nazaré (125 km)
- 📍 Lisbon to Porto (315 km — with one charge stop)
Use range calculators and factor in driving style, hills, air conditioning, and passenger weight — all can affect performance.
🔌 Charging Your Electric Rental in Portugal
Portugal has a growing national charging network, with thousands of charging points in cities, along highways, and in parking garages.
🔎 Types of Charging Stations
| Charging Type | Speed | Time to 80% | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slow (AC) | 3.6–22 kW | 4–8 hours | Overnight/hotel charging |
| Fast (DC) | 50 kW | 30–60 mins | Midday stops, short breaks |
| Ultra-Fast (DC) | 100–150+ kW | 15–30 mins | Highway road trips |
⚙️ Charging Networks & Apps
- Mobi.E – national EV grid, widely supported
- Galp Electric, EDP EVX – major urban charging operators
- Ionity – ultra-fast charging on highways
Install their apps before you arrive. Some providers give you an RFID card that activates chargers without needing an app.
💶 Charging Cost Estimates
- 🅿️ Hotel or shopping mall: often free or low-cost
- ⚡ Public slow charger: €3–€5
- ⚡ Fast charger (50 kW): €7–€12
- ⚡ Ultra-fast (150 kW): €12–€20 per session
Tip: Always check pricing per kWh and avoid idle time to skip overstay fees.
🛣️ Is an EV Right for Your Trip?
✅ Ideal for:
- City driving and day trips (Sintra, Cascais, Setúbal)
- Environmentally-conscious travelers
- Road trippers using the A1, A2, A22 highways
- Tourists staying in hotels with EV charging
⚠️ Maybe Not Ideal for:
- Rural areas without charging infrastructure
- Travelers uncomfortable using apps or digital chargers
- Ultra-long road trips with time pressure
- Drivers unfamiliar with EV driving range planning
🧠 Tips for First-Time EV Renters in Portugal
- 📱 Download multiple EV charging apps before travel
- 📷 Take photos of the battery level and mileage at pickup/return
- 🔋 Never let battery drop below 20% in unfamiliar areas
- 🗺️ Use the EV’s navigation to locate live chargers
- 🔌 Always test RFID cards before your first charging session
- 🏨 Ask your accommodation if EV parking is available
🔁 Returning Your EV at Lisbon Airport
EVs are returned to Parking P3 — the same place where you collected the car. If returning after hours:
- Park in your provider’s signed zone
- Lock the car and return keys to the secure drop box
- 📸 Take photos of vehicle condition and battery level
- 🔌 Make sure the charging cable is present and intact
Some companies may bill for undercharged batteries if not returned at 70–80%.
💰 EV vs Gasoline Rental — Is It Worth It?
| Feature | EV Rental | Gasoline Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Daily rate | €35–€90 | €25–€80 |
| Fuel cost (300 km) | €8–€12 (charging) | €30–€50 (petrol) |
| Emissions | Zero tailpipe | Moderate to high |
| Range | 250–450 km | 500–900 km |
| Noise | Near-silent | Engine hum |
| Tech features | High | Medium |
Electric cars may cost slightly more upfront, but you’ll often save on energy — especially with smart use of public charging or hotel stations.
✅ Final Thoughts
Renting an electric car at Lisbon Airport Terminal 1 is not only possible in 2025 — it’s easy, eco-conscious, and enjoyable. With reliable on-site pickup, growing charger availability, and a wide selection of models from compact to luxury, EV rental fits the needs of both leisure and business travelers.
With just a bit of planning and the right apps, you can drive smarter, cleaner, and cheaper through Portugal — one charge at a time.
