Quick Summary:
- Install Electrify America, ChargePoint, EVgo and Tesla apps before arrival.
- Add a payment card, enable location, and test login on mobile data.
- Pack a Type 1 (J1772) cable, plus a CCS compatibility check.
- Bring a 120V emergency lead, and only safe plug adapters.
Picking up an EV in California is easy, but the smoothest trips happen when you prepare before you reach the car hire desk. The main differences versus hiring a petrol car are charging network access, payment set-up, and knowing exactly what cable and connectors your vehicle will accept. California has excellent public charging coverage, yet the experience still varies by network, station condition, and whether your hire includes useful extras like a portable charge lead.
This guide gives a practical pre-pickup checklist focused on the most common US charging networks you will see around California, how to set up payment so you are not stuck at a charger, and what cables and adapters are worth bringing in your luggage.
If you are collecting in Northern California, you may find it helpful to review local options such as San Francisco SFO car hire or San Jose SJC car hire. For Southern California, see San Diego SAN car hire and Santa Ana SNA SUV hire to align your pick-up airport with your route and charging plan.
1) Confirm what charging port your hired EV uses
Before you pack anything, confirm the vehicle type you expect to collect, or at least the connector standard most likely for your booking class. In California you will most commonly encounter:
J1772 (Type 1) for Level 2 AC charging, typical on most non-Tesla EVs in the US for destination charging at hotels, public car parks, and shopping centres.
CCS for DC fast charging, common on many non-Tesla EVs for motorway-friendly rapid charging.
NACS (Tesla connector), used on Tesla vehicles. Many US charging sites are adding NACS support, but compatibility depends on the exact station and the vehicle.
Why this matters for packing, J1772 cables are sometimes provided at destination chargers as tethered plugs, so you do not always need your own. However, some hotels and workplace-style stations require you to bring a cable, and it is the one accessory that can save a lot of time if you end up relying on untethered posts.
2) Charging apps to install in advance, and what each one is for
In California you can often pay by tap-to-pay at newer chargers, but you should not rely on it. Installing the main apps and adding a payment card at home avoids roaming issues, login timeouts, and poor signal in underground car parks.
Electrify America, one of the most visible DC fast charging networks on intercity routes. The app helps you start a session, see charger availability, and pay without fiddling with card readers that may be slow.
EVgo, common in many metro areas and near shopping destinations. EVgo also powers or partners with other branded stations, so having an account can unlock more chargers than the map suggests.
ChargePoint, very common for Level 2 destination charging, plus some DC fast locations. ChargePoint is especially useful in cities for top-ups while you eat, shop, or stay overnight.
Tesla app, essential if your hired vehicle is a Tesla, and increasingly useful if you have access to Tesla Superchargers that allow non-Tesla vehicles. Access rules vary by site, so the app is the easiest way to confirm whether a Supercharger is open to your connector type and how to start a session.
PlugShare (optional but highly practical), not a payment network, but the best crowd-sourced map for checking whether a site is reliable, whether stalls are down, and which connector types are present. If you install only one planning app, make it this, then use the network apps for payment.
3) Payment and account set-up checklist before you fly
Do these steps while you have stable Wi-Fi and can complete any bank verification prompts. They take minutes at home and can save a long wait at a charger.
Add a payment card in every network app. Some stations allow ad-hoc payment, but many work best when you start a session from the app. Use a card that supports international travel if you are visiting from abroad, and ensure your bank will not block multiple small authorisations.
Enable location permissions. Many apps need location to show nearby chargers or to identify the correct stall at large sites.
Turn on notifications. Session start failures and idle fees are usually notified through the app. Notifications help you move the car when charging finishes, which can avoid extra charges at busy sites.
Check mobile data behaviour. If you use an eSIM, ensure it is activated and tested before you leave the airport area. Some chargers are in car parks with weak signal, so having the app already logged in is valuable.
RFID cards, worth it only for repeat visitors. Some networks offer RFID tap cards. For a short California trip, apps are normally enough. If you are visiting often, an RFID card can be faster than relying on mobile data, but it is rarely essential for a single holiday.
4) What cables to bring, what not to bring, and why
For car hire in California, pack for the most likely gaps, not for every scenario. Most public DC fast chargers have tethered cables, so you will not bring a rapid charging cable. The question is whether you need an AC cable or an emergency lead.
Bring a Type 1 (J1772) portable cable only if you know you can use it. Many UK and EU visitors own a Type 2 cable, but California uses Type 1 J1772 for Level 2 AC. A Type 2 cable is not useful at US AC posts without special equipment, and those adapter solutions are often not recommended for safety or compliance reasons.
Do not bring random plug converters for EV charging. Travel adapters designed for phone chargers are not suitable for sustained high current. Only use charging equipment rated for the load and intended for EV charging.
Ask what comes with the vehicle. Many EVs include a portable Level 1 charging cable for 120V wall outlets, and some include interchangeable plugs. For car hire, inclusions vary, so confirm at pick-up if you plan to use overnight household charging.
Portable Level 1 (120V) lead, useful as a last resort. If your hire does not include one and you can source a compliant US-use EVSE, it can be a trip-saver for topping up slowly overnight. It is not a replacement for public charging, but it can reduce stress if your accommodation has a standard outdoor socket.
5) Adapters: the only ones that are commonly helpful
Adapters are a fast-changing area in the US as Tesla and other networks open access. For visitors, the safest approach is to use network-native equipment and only carry an adapter if you are sure it matches your vehicle and the station rules.
CCS versus Tesla access. If you hire a Tesla, you will generally rely on Superchargers and Tesla destination chargers. If you hire a non-Tesla, you will often rely on CCS rapid chargers plus J1772 destination charging. Some non-Tesla cars can use parts of the Tesla network with the right adapter and software permissions, but this depends on the vehicle brand and the specific Supercharger site.
J1772 to Tesla (destination) adapter. If you hire a Tesla, the vehicle typically supports J1772 Level 2 charging via an adapter. Many Teslas include this adapter. Confirm it is in the boot before you leave.
Tesla to J1772 adapter for non-Tesla vehicles. These exist for using Tesla destination chargers with a non-Tesla. However, access depends on the site, and not all destination chargers are open to all vehicles. For most travellers, it is better to plan around universally compatible J1772 and CCS sites.
Do not pack high-risk third-party adapters. Cheap adapters can overheat or fail, and EV charging is continuous high load. If you are unsure, skip it and plan charging stops using your car’s supported connectors.
6) A practical California pre-pickup charging checklist
Use this as your final night-before list. It is designed so you can pick up your car hire and start driving without a long technical set-up in the car park.
On your phone, install Electrify America, ChargePoint, EVgo, Tesla (if relevant), plus PlugShare for planning. Add a payment method in each app, enable notifications, and log in once on mobile data to confirm it works.
In your travel wallet, carry the same payment card used in the apps. If you have multiple drivers, consider installing the apps on both phones so either person can start a session.
In your luggage, bring a suitable AC cable only if it matches US Type 1 J1772 and you know you will need untethered Level 2 posts. Otherwise, prioritise a compact extension lead only for normal electronics, not for EV charging.
At pick-up, confirm the connector type, ask whether a portable charging cable is included, and check for any included adapters in the boot. Take a quick photo of the charging port label so you remember whether it supports CCS, J1772, or NACS.
Before leaving the airport area, set your first charging stop even if you start with a high battery. This ensures you have a plan if traffic, detours, or cold coastal evenings increase consumption.
7) Common first-timer mistakes, and how to avoid them
Assuming every fast charger works like a fuel pump. Some sites need app activation, and some stalls are out of service. Use PlugShare notes and network apps to pick the most reliable location nearby.
Arriving at a charger with low battery and no back-up. In dense areas you can usually hop to another site, but on some routes you will waste time. Aim to arrive with enough range to switch sites if needed.
Mixing up “Level 2” and “DC fast”. Level 2 is great for overnight or long stops. DC fast is for road trips. Choose the right one for your schedule, and do not count on Level 2 to rescue a near-empty battery quickly.
Not accounting for idle fees. Some networks charge extra if you stay plugged in after charging completes. Set a timer, and move the vehicle promptly, especially at busy sites.
FAQ
Do I need to bring my own charging cable for an EV car hire in California? Usually no for DC fast charging because cables are attached. For Level 2 AC, many stations are tethered, but some are untethered, so a Type 1 (J1772) cable is only useful if you know you will use those.
Which charging apps should I install before I collect my hire car? Install Electrify America, ChargePoint, EVgo, and Tesla if your vehicle or route needs it. Add PlugShare for reliability notes and planning, then use the network apps for payment.
Can I just tap my bank card at California chargers? Sometimes, but not always. Card readers can be slow or unavailable, and app activation is often more reliable. Setting up payment inside each app before pick-up reduces delays.
What adapter do I need if my hire car is a Tesla? Many Teslas include a J1772 adapter for Level 2 destination chargers, so check the boot at pick-up. For other adapters, rely on what the vehicle includes and what the network supports at each site.
Is a 120V “granny” lead worth bringing for a road trip? It can help for slow overnight top-ups if your accommodation has a suitable socket, but it is not a primary charging plan. Always prioritise planned DC fast and Level 2 stops for predictable travel.
