Charging an Electric Rental Car in Lisbon

⚡ How to Charge an Electric Rental Car in Lisbon

Electric mobility in Lisbon 🇵🇹 is no longer just a trend — it’s quickly becoming the default choice for many travelers renting cars. With fuel prices remaining high and the city’s charging infrastructure expanding rapidly, driving an electric rental car in Lisbon in 2025 is not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective.

This guide covers everything you need to know about charging your electric rental car in Lisbon — from finding the nearest station to choosing the right payment method, avoiding common mistakes, and planning road trips to other Portuguese cities.

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🚗 Why Choose an Electric Rental Car in Lisbon?

Lisbon is one of Europe’s most EV-friendly capitals, offering over 250+ charging points within the metropolitan area. Choosing an electric rental car comes with:

• 🌱 Environmental benefits – zero tailpipe emissions
• 💶 Lower fuel costs – electricity is cheaper than petrol/diesel
• 🅿️ Free or discounted parking in some EV-designated spots
• 🛑 Access to low-emission zones without penalties
• ⚡ Smooth city driving – instant acceleration, regenerative braking

📌 Fun fact: Many Lisbon neighborhoods have dedicated EV parking bays right on the street, making charging as easy as parking.

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🔋 Understanding EV Charging in Portugal

Portugal’s EV charging system operates under the MOBI.E network, which acts as a hub connecting different charging providers. Once you understand the basics, charging anywhere in the country becomes straightforward.

🟢 Types of Charging Speeds:

• AC Slow (3.7–7 kW) – Best for overnight charging (6–10 hours)
• AC Medium (11–22 kW) – Ideal for parking garages & shopping malls (2–5 hours)
• DC Fast (50 kW) – Highway charging stops (45–90 minutes to 80%)
• DC Ultra-Fast (100–350 kW) – Quick top-ups for long trips (20–40 minutes to 80%)

🔌 Connector Types in Portugal:

• Type 2 (AC) – Standard for slow/medium chargers
• CCS Combo 2 (DC) – Common for fast & ultra-fast charging
• CHAdeMO (DC) – Less common, mostly for older Nissan Leafs

💡 Rental companies usually provide the necessary cable for AC charging; DC chargers often have a built-in cable.

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📍 Where to Find Charging Stations in Lisbon

Lisbon offers a dense and growing EV charging network. Here are the most popular charging locations:

Location Type	Examples	Charging Speed
Public Street Chargers	Avenida da Liberdade, Rua de Campolide	AC 11–22 kW
Shopping Malls	Amoreiras, Colombo, Vasco da Gama	AC 22 kW, some DC
Supermarkets	Lidl, Continente, Auchan	AC 7–22 kW (often free for customers)
Hotels	Altis Grand, Corinthia Lisbon	AC 7–11 kW
Highways	A1, A2, A8 service areas (Galp, EDP, Ionity)	DC 50–350 kW

📱 Use MOBI.E, PlugShare, or Google Maps to see live availability before driving to a station.

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🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Charge Your Electric Rental Car in Lisbon

1️⃣ Find a Charging Station

• Use the MOBI.E app or a rental company’s recommended app.
• Check real-time availability and connector type.

2️⃣ Park & Prepare

• Only park in the designated EV bay.
• Ensure your car is positioned close enough to connect the cable.

3️⃣ Connect the Cable

• AC chargers: use your own cable (provided with the rental car).
• DC chargers: built-in cable is already attached to the station.

4️⃣ Authenticate & Start Charging

• Swipe the RFID card provided by your rental company or start the session via app.
• Some stations allow contactless payment with Visa/MasterCard.

5️⃣ Monitor & End the Session

• Apps show real-time charging progress.
• Stop charging via app or RFID card.
• Unplug and return cables to their proper place.

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💳 Payment Methods for EV Charging

1. Rental Company RFID Card
   • Most convenient
   • Works on MOBI.E stations nationwide
   • Billed at the end of the rental
2. MOBI.E or Provider App (e.g., EDP, Galp, Prio)
   • Create an account, link your payment method
   • Good for frequent charging
3. Contactless Bank Card
   • Works at some ultra-fast stations (Ionity, some Galp Electric points)
   • No account needed

🚫 Cash payments are not accepted at any charging point.

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⚡ Charging Costs in Lisbon

Charger Type	Price Range per kWh	Example Full Charge (50 kWh)
AC Slow	€0.25–€0.35	€12–€17
AC Medium	€0.30–€0.40	€15–€20
DC Fast	€0.35–€0.55	€18–€27
Ultra-Fast	€0.50–€0.70	€25–€35

💡 Charging from 20% to 80% at a DC fast charger usually costs €8–€15.

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🧳 EV Road Trips from Lisbon – Where to Stop & Charge

If you’re planning to take your electric rental outside Lisbon, here are some popular EV-friendly routes:

🛣️ Lisbon → Porto (~313 km)

• Stops: A1 Service Areas (Galp/EDP ultra-fast chargers)
• Time: 1× 30–40 min stop

🛣️ Lisbon → Algarve (~280 km)

• Stops: A2 + A22 corridor, ultra-fast chargers at Alcácer do Sal & Albufeira
• Time: 1× 25–35 min stop

🛣️ Lisbon → Évora (~135 km)

• Often no charging stop needed; AC charging available in city center

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🧠 Tips for Renting & Charging an EV in Lisbon

• 📅 Plan charging around your activities – plug in while shopping or dining
• 🆓 Look for free charging offers in supermarkets/hotels
• 🛣️ For long trips, use DC ultra-fast chargers to save time
• ⏳ Avoid peak hours (8–9 am, 6–7 pm) at popular stations
• 🔋 Keep battery above 15% to avoid range anxiety

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❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Parking in EV spots without charging — fines apply
• ❌ Ignoring connector compatibility — check before arrival
• ❌ Expecting chargers to always be free — confirm in app
• ❌ Returning rental with low battery if policy requires same level

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🏁 Final Thoughts – EV Charging in Lisbon is Easy

By 2025, Lisbon’s EV charging network is fast, reliable, and tourist-friendly. If you prepare properly — getting the right charging card, knowing the main locations, and planning your route — charging your electric rental car will be just as easy as refueling a petrol car.