Quick Summary:
- Install Tesla, ChargePoint, EVgo, and Electrify America for broad coverage.
- Add a payment card, enable location permissions, and save a charging plan.
- Filter for CCS, NACS, and Level 2 connectors that fit your EV.
- Download offline receipts, then track costs for business and holiday mileage.
Picking up an electric car hire at Los Angeles Airport can be straightforward, as long as you arrive with the right charging apps ready. In and around Los Angeles, you will see a mix of public charging networks, plus destination charging at hotels, shopping centres, and car parks. Unlike fuel stations, EV chargers are not all on one shared payment system, so a little set-up before you land can save time at the first stop.
This guide focuses on which apps are worth installing, why they matter at LAX, and what to configure so you can charge reliably. It also covers connector types you may encounter in Southern California, plus practical tips for pricing, receipts, and avoiding queues.
Why you need multiple charging apps around LAX
Los Angeles has many chargers, but they are spread across competing networks. One site might be ChargePoint, another EVgo, and a motorway corridor stop may be Electrify America. Some chargers accept tap-to-pay, but many still work best with an app that starts the session, shows live availability, and provides support if something fails.
For travellers collecting a rental EV, the key is reducing friction. You want to be able to start a session quickly, see whether a charger is working, and understand the price before you plug in. That is why setting up a small stack of apps is more reliable than relying on just one.
If you are comparing car hire options for other US airport trips, Hola Car Rentals publishes location pages that can be helpful context, such as car hire at Denver Airport and car hire in Arizona, where charging infrastructure and distances can influence what you prepare.
The core charging apps to set up before collecting your EV
For an EV at LAX, aim to have these installed, signed in, and ready to start a charge. Even if you do not end up using every network, having them reduces the chance you arrive at a charger you cannot activate.
Tesla app (useful even if you do not drive a Tesla)
If your rental is a Tesla, the Tesla app is the primary way to locate Superchargers, see stall availability, and plan routes with predicted battery percentage. If your rental is not a Tesla, the Tesla app can still be useful for viewing many Supercharger locations and amenities, even though access depends on whether that site is open to non-Tesla vehicles and whether your car supports the connector available.
Set up the Tesla app with a payment method in advance. Also enable notifications, they can help you avoid idle fees by alerting you when charging is nearly complete.
ChargePoint (common in urban car parks and destinations)
ChargePoint is widespread across Los Angeles, especially for Level 2 charging at shopping areas, offices, and car parks. It is often ideal when you are staying somewhere for a couple of hours and want to add range without hunting for a fast charger.
In the app, create an account, add a payment card, and enable location permissions. If your phone supports it, set up mobile wallet tap, some ChargePoint stations can be started more smoothly that way.
EVgo (strong presence in Southern California fast charging)
EVgo is an important network in Southern California, with many DC fast chargers around LA. It is a good backup to have because it can fill gaps when other stations are busy or down.
Inside the EVgo app, set up Autocharge or plug-and-charge style features if your vehicle supports them, but still keep the app ready for QR start. Check pricing carefully, EVgo pricing can vary by location and time, and the app usually shows the rate before you start.
Electrify America (key for longer drives)
If you plan to drive beyond central Los Angeles, Electrify America can matter, especially along major routes where high-power charging is helpful. It is a common choice for road trips where you want to minimise charge time.
Create your account, add payment details, and consider whether a membership makes sense for your trip length. For many short visits it will not, but if you expect multiple fast charges in a few days it can reduce per-kWh rates at some locations.
Optional apps that still help in LA
The four apps above cover many needs, but Los Angeles is diverse. Depending on where you are going, you might also benefit from additional apps. Consider adding them if you expect to rely heavily on public charging.
PlugShare (charger discovery and reliability checks)
PlugShare is not a network you pay, it is a directory and review platform that helps you choose chargers that actually work. For each site, you can see recent check-ins, photos, and notes about broken connectors or car park access rules.
Use it to avoid arriving at a charger that is blocked, behind a gate, or frequently offline. In a large city, that time saving is significant.
EV Connect, Blink, and Shell Recharge
These networks appear at some sites across California. You may not need them for every trip, but if your hotel or a nearby car park uses one of these providers, it helps to have the relevant app ready. The main rule is simple, if your plan depends on a specific site, check the network name and install that app ahead of time.
Set-up checklist: what to configure before you land
Installing apps is only half the job. Most charging headaches come from not being signed in, not having payment verified, or having poor signal when you need to start a session. Do this before you collect the keys.
1) Add a payment card and verify it. Some apps perform a small authorisation hold. Complete this on hotel Wi‑Fi or a stable connection.
2) Enable location services. Many apps show nearby chargers and live status only with location enabled.
3) Turn on notifications. Notifications can warn you about charging completion, session interruptions, and idle fees.
4) Save favourites. Favourite a charger near your accommodation, and one near your return route to LAX, so you have options if one is busy.
5) Download receipts. If you travel for work, set up email receipts or export options inside each app.
Understand connectors and charging speeds you might see
When you pick up your EV, confirm which connector your model uses for fast charging. In the US market you will commonly encounter:
CCS (Combined Charging System), used by many non-Tesla EVs for DC fast charging.
NACS (North American Charging Standard), used by Tesla and increasingly adopted by other manufacturers.
J1772 for Level 2 charging, common at destination chargers.
Apps like PlugShare let you filter by connector type and power level. That matters because a charger can show as available but be useless for your car. It also helps to know that Level 2 is usually best when you will be parked for longer, while DC fast charging is best when you need to add range quickly.
How to plan charging for typical LAX itineraries
Different travel patterns call for different charging strategies. Here are common scenarios and which apps tend to be most valuable.
Staying mainly in Los Angeles
If your driving is limited to neighbourhoods, beaches, and city attractions, Level 2 charging can cover most needs, especially if you can charge while eating or shopping. ChargePoint and PlugShare become very useful, and EVgo serves as a fast-charge backup if you get low unexpectedly.
Day trips, coastal drives, and theme parks
For longer day trips, you are more likely to want at least one DC fast charge. Electrify America and EVgo can help you find higher-power options, while PlugShare helps you confirm whether a site is reliable and easy to access.
Longer road trips beyond the city
Road trips raise the stakes. You want to arrive at chargers with enough buffer to handle a queue or a broken stall. In practice, that means having at least two fast-charging network apps ready, and checking recent PlugShare reviews on the day you travel.
If you are researching car hire for other city breaks where you might consider an EV, you can also compare location contexts like budget car hire in San Jose and national car hire in San Francisco, since charging density and parking patterns can shape which apps you lean on most.
Costs, holds, idle fees, and how to avoid surprises
EV charging prices can be set per kWh, per minute, or a mix. Some sites add parking fees or have time limits. To keep costs predictable:
Check the rate before starting. Most network apps show the rate screen at session start.
Watch for idle fees. Fast-charging sites may charge extra after the car is finished charging, especially when busy.
Keep a buffer. If you know you must return the car at a certain time, do not plan a final charge that takes you down to the last few minutes.
Do not chase 100% on fast chargers. Charging slows near the top of the battery, so a shorter stop is often more time-efficient.
Practical tips for charging smoothly in Los Angeles
Prefer chargers with multiple stalls. Bigger sites reduce queue risk and give you alternatives if one unit is offline.
Check access notes. Some chargers are in gated car parks, hotels, or behind valet desks. PlugShare reviews help you avoid access issues.
Have a backup location. Before you set off, identify a second charger near your destination.
Carry the right cable if provided. Many rental EVs include a portable cable for Level 1 or Level 2, but do not assume. If your itinerary includes a stay with access to a standard outlet, confirm what comes with the car.
Allow for traffic. LA traffic can affect range and timing. Navigation apps in the car often adjust battery forecasts based on speed and conditions, but it still helps to keep a little extra charge in reserve.
How charging affects return planning at LAX
Return requirements vary by provider and vehicle, so confirm the expected battery level when you collect the car. If you need to return with a certain percentage, plan your final top-up earlier than you think, so you are not searching for a charger when you are already on a tight airport schedule.
One approach is to do a short DC fast charge the evening before, then rely on minimal driving the next day. Another is to identify a convenient charger near your accommodation or on your route, then stop with enough buffer to handle a wait.
For travellers comparing different vehicle categories for other trips, Hola Car Rentals also lists options like SUV hire in San Antonio and van rental in El Paso. While those pages are not EV-specific, they highlight how vehicle choice can influence planning, including where you stop and how long you spend parked.
FAQ
Do I really need four charging apps for an EV car hire from LAX? It is not always necessary, but it is the most reliable approach. Los Angeles has multiple networks, and having Tesla, ChargePoint, EVgo, and Electrify America prepared covers many common chargers you will encounter.
What if the charger says available, but it will not start charging? First, check the app for that network and confirm you selected the correct connector and stall number. If it still fails, move to another stall, then use the app’s support option. PlugShare can help you identify nearby alternatives quickly.
Should I rely on tap-to-pay instead of installing apps? Tap-to-pay is improving, but app access is still valuable for live status, troubleshooting, and receipts. For airport trips with limited time, apps reduce the chances of being stuck at the charger.
How do I know whether my rental uses CCS or NACS? Check the charge port shape on the vehicle and the in-car guidance. If it is a Tesla, it is typically NACS. Many other EVs use CCS for fast charging and J1772 for Level 2.
Is it worth charging to 100% before returning at Los Angeles Airport? Usually not, unless your return agreement specifies a high battery level. Charging from 80% to 100% can take much longer, so it is often more practical to stop around 70% to 90%, depending on the requirement and your final driving distance.
