On charging EV rental car in Italy: simple mistake

Understanding EV Charging at Rental Stations in Italy: A Key Tip for a Smooth Experience

Traveling in Italy with a rented electric vehicle (EV) can be a great way to explore the country sustainably and affordably. However, navigating the charging process, especially if you’re unfamiliar with local systems, can sometimes pose challenges. Based on a recent experience, I’d like to share a valuable insight that may help other travelers avoid common pitfalls and ensure a seamless charging process during their stay.

The Context: Renting an EV in Italy

During my recent trip, I opted to rent a Polestar 2 from Hertz to enjoy eco-friendly transportation across Italy. While the vehicle itself was fantastic, I encountered unexpected difficulties when trying to recharge the car at various charging stations, particularly those operated by Plenitude.

The Challenges Faced

Initially, I attempted to create an account on the Plenitude app to initiate charging, but faced repeated issues: verification texts failed to arrive, and guest checkout options did not work. I also tried the standard method of tapping my credit card at the charging station—yet, these attempts did not succeed. Exhausting all available resources, including guides, online videos, and manuals, I found myself stuck without a clear solution.

A Critical Discovery

After consulting with support from both Plenitude and Hertz, I discovered a simple yet crucial detail: the RFID tag attached to the car keys, which was labeled for Shell Recharge stations, could be used at other charging stations across Italy.

The procedure is straightforward:

1. Tap the RFID tag on the charging station’s reader.
2. Select the desired charging point.
3. Connect the charger to your vehicle.
4. Wait for the vehicle to charge as usual.

Important Caveats

This RFID tag was not explicitly advertised as a universal key and seemed to work only at Shell Recharge stations, despite the initial impression that it might be limited. Support from Hertz indicated that this tag has broader functionality, but no prior guidance was provided at handover or through documentation.

Furthermore, Hertz representatives suggested alternative options, such as visiting nearby gas stations with EV chargers. Unfortunately, in my case, no such stations were nearby, and no Shell stations with charging points were within reach.

Key Takeaways for Travelers

• Always check the RFID tag attached to your rental car’s keys; it might serve as a universal charging access tool beyond just Shell stations.
• If you face difficulties with station apps or credit card methods, try tapping the