Electric vs Petrol Rental Car: What Should You Choose?

Choosing between an electric and petrol rental car in Spain? Compare running costs, fuel prices, charging stations and driving convenience to find the right car for your trip.

Electric vs Petrol Rental Car: What Should You Choose?

Choosing between an electric and a petrol rental car in Spain has become a more interesting decision than it was a few years ago. Fuel prices can change quickly, electric cars are becoming more common, and charging stations are appearing in more places. At the same time, petrol cars remain a familiar choice for many drivers, especially travellers who want to explore several destinations without thinking too much about where to stop and refuel. The cheapest option is not always obvious, because the total cost depends on the car you choose, the distance you drive, where you stay and how you plan your holiday.

The situation with fuel prices makes this decision even more relevant. After a long period of increases, petrol and diesel prices in Spain moved down in early October 2026 following a government tax reduction. The latest reported averages were around €1.85 per litre for petrol and €1.92 for diesel. This offers some relief to drivers, but it does not remove the uncertainty around fuel costs. If you are planning a road trip, the price you see today may not be the price you pay throughout your journey, and a few extra kilometres can make a noticeable difference to your budget.

Electric cars offer another way to approach travel. You can avoid buying petrol or diesel and, depending on where you charge, potentially spend less on energy. Spain also has a growing public charging network, including chargers in cities, shopping areas, car parks and along major roads. However, charging points are not equally convenient everywhere, and finding a charger is only part of the question. You also need to consider its location, charging speed, availability and the time required to use it.

So, should you choose an electric or petrol rental car for your Spanish holiday? There is no single answer for every traveller. An electric car can be an excellent option for a city break or a carefully planned coastal trip, while a petrol car may be more convenient for a spontaneous road trip through several regions. The best choice depends on your route, your accommodation, your budget and how much planning you want to do before getting behind the wheel.

Two Different Ways to Travel Around Spain

The biggest difference between electric and petrol cars is not simply how they are powered. It is how you organise your journey. With a petrol car, you can usually drive until you need fuel, stop at a petrol station, fill the tank and continue. The process is familiar to most drivers, and you rarely need to think about it when planning an ordinary holiday. Petrol stations are easy to find in cities, towns and along major roads, so refuelling usually becomes a short stop rather than a separate activity.

An electric car works differently because charging takes longer than filling a tank, and the available charging speed depends on the vehicle and the station. If you can charge overnight at your accommodation, this may not be a problem at all. You can start each morning with enough battery for your planned activities instead of making a special trip to charge. But if you are staying in an apartment without a private parking space, moving between several towns or driving long distances every day, charging becomes something you need to include in your plans.

Neither option is automatically more convenient. A petrol car gives you more freedom to stop wherever you want without thinking about charging, while an electric car can fit naturally into a holiday where you spend several hours parked at a hotel, beach or attraction. The important question is how the car will fit into your daily routine. A vehicle that works perfectly for someone staying in one coastal town may be less suitable for a traveller who wants to cover hundreds of kilometres every day.

Petrol Prices in Spain: Why the Cost Still Matters

Fuel prices are one of the first things people consider when comparing rental cars, and recent developments in Spain show why it is important to look at the current situation rather than rely on old assumptions. Petrol and diesel prices had been rising for 13 consecutive weeks before the beginning of October 2026. A government tax reduction then brought some relief, with the average petrol price falling by approximately 4.6% in the latest reported week and diesel falling by a smaller amount. The figures reported on 8 October were around €1.85 per litre for petrol and €1.92 for diesel.

These prices are useful as a reference, but they should not be treated as a fixed cost for your entire trip. The price at an individual station can be higher or lower than the national average, and fuel costs can change again as market conditions and tax measures develop. A traveller driving around Spain for a week may refuel several times, so it makes sense to leave some flexibility in the budget rather than calculate every journey using one exact price.

For example, imagine that your petrol rental uses around 6 litres per 100 kilometres. A 500-kilometre journey would require approximately 30 litres of fuel. At €1.85 per litre, that would cost about €55.50. This is an illustrative calculation, not a prediction of the exact cost of your trip: the actual amount depends on the car, driving conditions, speed, traffic and the price at the station where you refuel. Still, it gives you a practical starting point when comparing a petrol car with an electric alternative.

Diesel is often associated with long-distance driving and lower fuel consumption in some vehicles, but it is not necessarily cheaper to run in every situation. In the latest reported Spanish averages, diesel was actually more expensive per litre than petrol. The final cost depends on both the price of the fuel and the car's consumption, so comparing the vehicle's real-world efficiency is more useful than choosing based on the fuel label alone.

Electric Cars Are Becoming More Popular, but Petrol Is Still a Major Choice

Electric cars are no longer unusual on Spanish roads. Their popularity is growing, more models are available and drivers have more opportunities to charge away from home. Recent registration figures show that new fully electric passenger-car registrations in Spain increased by around 39% between the beginning of 2026 and early October compared with the same period in 2025. That is a significant increase, and it shows that electric mobility is becoming a more important part of the Spanish car market.

However, growth does not mean that petrol cars have disappeared or that electric vehicles have already become the default choice. Petrol remains a major option for drivers, and many people still choose combustion-engine cars because they are familiar, easy to refuel and available in a wide range of sizes and prices. Petrol cars also remain relevant in the rental market, where travellers often choose a vehicle based on availability, daily price, luggage space and convenience rather than the technology under the bonnet.

Hybrid cars add another layer to the picture. A conventional hybrid uses a petrol engine together with an electric motor, but it does not normally need to be plugged in. A plug-in hybrid can be charged externally and may cover some shorter journeys using electric power, depending on the model and battery. These vehicles are different from fully electric cars, so it is worth checking the exact powertrain when booking. If you specifically want to avoid petrol or diesel, a hybrid is not the same thing as a fully electric rental.

For travellers, the takeaway is simple: Spain is moving towards more electric mobility, but both electric and petrol cars remain realistic choices for a holiday. You do not need to choose an EV just because it is becoming more popular, and you do not need to reject one because petrol cars are still common. The right option is the one that suits your route and the way you want to travel.

Is Spain's Charging Network Ready for an Electric Road Trip?

Spain has made progress in developing public charging infrastructure, but the answer to whether you can charge an electric car everywhere is more complicated. In September 2026, the Spanish government reported more than 42,000 installed public charging points in its infrastructure figures. Other industry reports use broader datasets and have counted more than 56,000 public charging points. These figures are not necessarily contradictory because reporting dates, definitions and data sources can differ, but they show that the network has grown considerably.

Public charging points can be found in cities, shopping centres, public car parks, service areas and along important transport routes. This makes electric travel possible in many parts of Spain, including popular destinations such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante and Málaga. Major roads and established tourist areas are generally easier to plan around because you have more opportunities to find charging stations along the way.

The difficulty is that a national total does not tell you how convenient charging will be in a particular place. Some areas have many charging options, while smaller towns and rural destinations may offer fewer stations. Even when a charger is listed on an app, it may be occupied, temporarily unavailable or slower than you expected. Some stations also have access conditions or payment systems that you need to understand before using them.

This is why I would not say that charging points are available everywhere in Spain in the same way that petrol stations are. Electric road trips are entirely possible, but they require a little more attention to the route. Before booking, check the charging options near your accommodation and along the main roads you intend to use. If you are staying in one place and making short day trips, this can be very easy. If you plan to travel through several remote areas, it becomes much more important.

Charging an Electric Rental Car: What the Process Looks Like

Charging an electric car is not difficult once you understand the basics, but it works differently from refuelling a petrol car. The time required depends on the battery, the vehicle's maximum charging speed, the type of charger and how much energy the car needs. A rapid charger can add a useful amount of range during a short stop, while a slower charger may be more suitable when the car will be parked for several hours.

For a holiday, charging at your accommodation can be particularly convenient. Imagine arriving at your hotel in the evening, parking the car and connecting it to a charger before going out for dinner. If the hotel offers suitable charging facilities and the car can remain parked overnight, you may start the next morning with a comfortably charged battery. This can remove the need to search for a public charger during the day.

However, you should never assume that every hotel or holiday apartment has charging facilities simply because it offers parking. A standard parking space does not automatically include an EV charger, and using an ordinary electrical socket may not be permitted or suitable. Ask the accommodation about charging before booking, and confirm whether the service is included in the price or charged separately.

Public charging is another option, particularly when you are travelling between destinations. You may be able to charge while having lunch, shopping or visiting an attraction. The key is to make the charging stop part of your journey rather than treating it as an unexpected interruption. If you plan your stops sensibly, charging can fit naturally into a holiday. If you leave it until the battery is low and hope to find a convenient charger nearby, the experience can be much less comfortable.

Electric vs Petrol: Which Is Cheaper to Drive?

Electric cars are often described as cheaper to run because electricity can cost less per kilometre than petrol or diesel. That can be true, but the actual difference depends on where you charge and how efficiently the car uses energy. Charging at home or at an accommodation with an affordable charging rate may offer good value, while some public rapid chargers can be significantly more expensive than slower options.

Let's use an illustrative comparison. Suppose a petrol car consumes 6 litres per 100 kilometres, while an electric car uses 17 kWh per 100 kilometres. With petrol at €1.85 per litre, the petrol car would cost approximately €11.10 per 100 kilometres. If electricity costs €0.25 per kWh, the electric car would cost around €4.25 for the same distance. Under those assumptions, the electric car would use less money on energy.

But the result changes when charging becomes more expensive. If you pay €0.60 per kWh at a public charger, the same electric car would cost about €10.20 per 100 kilometres. That is still slightly below the petrol example, but the difference is much smaller. Actual costs will vary depending on the car, energy tariff, charging losses, driving style and local fuel prices, so these figures should be treated as examples rather than guaranteed savings.

There is another point worth remembering: energy cost is only one part of a rental. The daily price, deposit, insurance, mileage allowance and other booking conditions also matter. A cheaper-to-run electric car may have a higher rental rate, while a petrol car may be available at a better price for your dates. To compare fairly, estimate the total cost of the rental and the energy needed for your expected distance, rather than choosing based on fuel or electricity costs alone.

What About Range and Long-Distance Driving?

Range is one of the most important things to consider when renting an electric car. It tells you how far the vehicle can travel on a full battery under the conditions used to estimate its range, but your actual distance may be different. Motorway speeds, hills, outside temperature, air conditioning, passengers and luggage can all affect energy consumption. A car that looks suitable for a long journey on paper may need more frequent charging if you drive quickly or travel through mountainous areas.

For a city break, range may not be a major concern. If you are driving around Valencia, Alicante or Málaga and covering relatively short distances each day, even a modest-range electric car may suit your plans. You can charge overnight if facilities are available or use a public charger when it fits your schedule. The situation is different when you are travelling hundreds of kilometres between destinations and want to arrive at a particular time.

For example, a road trip from Málaga to Granada is quite different from a longer journey that continues towards Madrid or Valencia. The distance, route, elevation and charging opportunities all affect how you should plan. Before booking an electric car for a long trip, check its expected range, identify suitable charging stops and leave a margin rather than planning to arrive with almost no battery remaining.

Petrol cars are generally easier to plan for when you want to cover long distances without stopping for extended periods. You can usually refuel in a short time and continue your journey, which can be valuable if your itinerary is busy. This does not mean that electric cars are unsuitable for road trips; it means that the best choice depends on whether you are comfortable building charging stops into your plans.

Which Option Is Better for Different Types of Holidays?

The best powertrain often becomes obvious when you look at the holiday itself. If you are staying in one city, making short trips and parking the car for long periods, an electric rental can work very well, especially if you have access to convenient charging. You may not need a large battery or a long-range model because your daily distances are limited. In this situation, charging can become part of your normal routine rather than a separate task.

For a coastal holiday, either option can work. Travellers staying near Alicante, Marbella or Málaga may drive between beaches, restaurants, villages and nearby attractions, often covering manageable distances. An electric car can be convenient if there are chargers near the accommodation or along the route. A petrol car may be preferable if you want to change plans spontaneously, visit less familiar areas or avoid thinking about charging availability.

For a multi-region road trip, petrol often offers more flexibility because refuelling is quick and familiar. If your itinerary includes remote villages, mountain routes or several long driving days, a petrol car can reduce the amount of planning required. An electric car can still be a good option, but you should check charging opportunities in advance and choose a vehicle with a suitable range.

Families should also consider luggage and passenger space, regardless of the powertrain. A compact electric car may be perfectly comfortable for a couple, but a family travelling with children, a stroller and several suitcases may need a larger vehicle. Similarly, a petrol car is not automatically the more practical choice simply because it has a combustion engine. Compare the exact model, available space and total rental conditions before making your decision.

Petrol or Electric for Driving in Spanish Cities?

In city centres, electric cars have several practical advantages. They operate quietly, have no exhaust emissions while driving and can feel smooth in stop-and-go traffic. Depending on the vehicle, regenerative braking can also recover some energy as the car slows down. For travellers spending most of their time in a city, these features can make an electric car a pleasant option.

However, driving in a city does not automatically mean an electric car is the cheapest or most convenient choice. You still need somewhere to park, and you need to know where and how to charge it. If your hotel does not have charging facilities and you have to make a separate journey to a charger, the convenience may be reduced. A compact petrol car can be just as practical for short urban trips, particularly if it is available at a lower daily rate.

It is also worth checking the rules that apply to your destination. Some Spanish cities have low-emission zones and access requirements that can depend on the vehicle's environmental classification. Do not assume that every petrol car has the same restrictions or that every electric rental automatically gives you unrestricted access everywhere. Check the current rules for the specific city and the exact vehicle before travelling.

Ultimately, the better city rental is the one that matches your plans. If you can charge conveniently and want an electric driving experience, an EV may be an excellent choice. If you want simple refuelling and the flexibility to travel outside the city without planning charging stops, a petrol car may suit you better.

The Hidden Details to Check Before Booking

When comparing electric and petrol rental cars, the advertised daily rate is only the beginning. Start by checking the exact model, fuel or powertrain, luggage capacity and mileage allowance. Then look at the security deposit, insurance conditions, excess, cancellation policy and pickup arrangements. These details can differ between individual vehicles, so it is important to review the booking terms rather than assume that every car in the same category is offered under identical conditions.

For an electric car, pay particular attention to charging requirements. Check whether charging cables are included, which connectors the vehicle uses and whether your accommodation offers a suitable charger. Find out how the car should be returned: some bookings may require a particular battery level, while others may have different conditions. You should also check whether the charging network requires a separate app, account or payment method, because sorting this out before your first charging stop can save time.

For a petrol car, confirm the fuel policy and understand what is expected when you return the vehicle. Check the fuel type so you do not accidentally use the wrong one, and make sure you know where the nearest petrol station is if the return conditions require a full tank. It is also useful to look at the car's approximate fuel consumption, especially if you expect to drive long distances.

Finally, think about the journey after pickup. If you arrive at the airport late at night and plan to drive straight to a distant destination, you may prefer the simplicity of a petrol car. If you are collecting the car in the morning, staying at a hotel with charging and planning short trips, an electric vehicle may fit your plans very well. The details that matter most are the ones that affect how you will actually use the car.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Between Electric and Petrol

One of the most common mistakes is assuming that an electric car will always be cheaper. Electricity can cost less than petrol per kilometre, but the saving depends on the charging tariff and the vehicle's efficiency. If you rely entirely on expensive rapid chargers, the difference may be much smaller than expected. A higher daily rental rate can also cancel out some of the savings on energy, particularly for a short trip.

Another mistake is assuming that Spain has charging stations everywhere. The network is growing, and many popular routes can be travelled in an electric car with sensible planning. Still, charger availability varies between regions, towns and individual locations. A charger that appears on a map may not be available when you arrive, so it is wise to identify alternatives for longer journeys.

The opposite mistake is ruling out electric cars because you expect charging to be difficult. If your holiday involves short distances and you can charge at your accommodation, an EV may be surprisingly easy to use. You might spend less time thinking about energy than you would if you had to visit a petrol station regularly, especially when the car is parked overnight.

Finally, do not choose a car based only on the current price of petrol or electricity. Energy prices can change, and the vehicle that makes sense for one itinerary may not be the best option for another. Consider the total rental cost, your route, charging or refuelling opportunities and how much flexibility you want during the holiday.

How to Make the Right Choice for Your Spanish Trip

Before booking, write down your expected daily distance and the main places you want to visit. If you are staying in one area and driving short distances, look at electric cars and check whether you can charge near your accommodation. If you are planning a long road trip through several regions, compare the available electric range and charging stops with the convenience of a petrol car. This simple exercise can make the decision much clearer.

Next, compare vehicles that are similar in size and comfort. It is not very useful to compare a small petrol hatchback with a large premium electric SUV because the price difference may come from the vehicle category rather than the powertrain. Look at cars that offer similar passenger space, luggage capacity and equipment, then estimate how much you might spend on fuel or charging for your planned distance.

Consider your own preferences as well. Some travellers enjoy trying new technology and do not mind planning charging stops. Others want to collect a car and drive wherever the day takes them without thinking about battery levels. Neither approach is wrong. A holiday should work for you, and the rental car should support the experience you want rather than create unnecessary work.

With a marketplace such as Juuh, you can compare the vehicles available from individual owners and look at the exact details of each listing. Check the fuel type, range if applicable, pickup location and booking conditions before confirming. The goal is to find a car that fits your trip and your budget, not to choose a powertrain simply because it is newer or more familiar.

So, Should You Rent an Electric or Petrol Car in Spain?

Electric cars are becoming more popular in Spain, and the growing charging network makes them a realistic option for many holidays. They can be especially convenient for city breaks, shorter coastal trips and journeys where you can charge overnight. If you choose a suitable model and plan your charging stops, an electric rental can offer a comfortable driving experience and potentially lower energy costs.

Petrol cars remain a practical choice, particularly for travellers who want flexibility, quick refuelling and fewer decisions about where to stop. Recent fuel price increases have made running costs more important to consider, even though the latest tax reduction brought some relief in October 2026. Petrol prices can still change, so it is worth estimating your fuel budget rather than assuming that the cost will remain the same throughout the trip.

The best choice depends on the kind of journey you are planning. For short daily trips with convenient charging, an electric car deserves serious consideration. For a spontaneous road trip across several regions, a petrol car may be the simpler option. Compare the total rental price, expected energy costs, route and booking conditions, and choose the car that lets you enjoy Spain without worrying about how to keep it moving.

FAQ: Electric vs Petrol Rental Car in Spain

Is an electric rental car cheaper than a petrol car in Spain?

An electric car can cost less to drive per kilometre, especially when you can charge at an affordable rate. However, the total cost depends on the daily rental price, charging tariff, vehicle efficiency and distance travelled.

Is petrol still more popular than electric cars in Spain?

Petrol remains a major choice in Spain, although electric-car registrations are growing. Recent 2026 registration figures show strong growth in fully electric vehicles, but that does not mean petrol cars have disappeared from the market.

Are petrol prices rising in Spain in 2026?

Petrol and diesel prices had increased for several consecutive weeks before early October 2026. Following a government tax reduction, the latest reported average prices fell that week. Prices can change again, so check current rates when planning your trip.

How much does petrol cost in Spain?

The reported national average on 8 October 2026 was approximately €1.85 per litre for petrol and €1.92 for diesel. Individual stations may charge different prices, and the figures should not be treated as fixed rates for future travel.

Are there enough electric charging stations in Spain?

Spain has a growing public charging network, with tens of thousands of installed charging points. However, availability varies by location, and not every town or rural area has the same level of coverage. Plan charging stops before longer journeys.

Can I drive an electric rental car across Spain?

Yes, an electric car can be used for long-distance travel in Spain if its range and the charging network suit your route. Check charging locations, charging speeds and alternative stops before setting off.

Is an electric car good for a holiday on the Costa Blanca?

It can be a good option if your daily journeys are relatively short and you can charge near your accommodation. If you plan to explore remote areas or cover long distances every day, check charging availability carefully.

Is a petrol car better for a road trip in Spain?

A petrol car can be more convenient for spontaneous journeys and routes where you do not want to plan charging stops. An electric car can also work well for road trips, but you need to consider its range and the charging options along the route.

How much does it cost to drive 100 km in a petrol car?

The cost depends on the car's fuel consumption and the price per litre. For example, a car using 6 litres per 100 km would cost approximately €11.10 per 100 km at a petrol price of €1.85 per litre.

How much does it cost to drive 100 km in an electric car?

It depends on the vehicle's energy consumption and the charging price. For example, a car using 17 kWh per 100 km would cost €4.25 at an electricity price of €0.25 per kWh, or €10.20 at €0.60 per kWh.

Can I charge an electric rental car at my hotel?

Some hotels offer EV charging, but not all do. Confirm the availability, cost and access conditions directly with your accommodation before booking the car.

Do electric rental cars take a long time to charge?

Charging time depends on the battery, the car's charging capability and the charger itself. Rapid chargers can add a useful amount of range during a short stop, while slower chargers are more suitable when the car is parked for several hours.

Are electric cars suitable for families?

Yes, if the vehicle has enough passenger and luggage space for your family. Check the exact model, boot capacity and child-seat requirements rather than choosing based only on the fact that it is electric.

Should I rent a hybrid instead?

A conventional hybrid can be a useful middle ground because it combines a petrol engine with an electric motor and generally does not need to be plugged in. A plug-in hybrid is different because it can be charged externally. Check the exact powertrain and consider how you plan to drive.

What should I check before booking an electric rental car?

Check the vehicle's range, charging connectors, charging cable, available charging stations, battery-return requirements, deposit, insurance and mileage allowance. If you are planning a long trip, identify charging stops and alternatives before booking.

Can I find electric and petrol rental cars near me in Spain?

Availability depends on your location, travel dates and the cars listed nearby. Comparing different vehicles and pickup locations can help you find an option that fits your itinerary, budget and preferred way of travelling.