Quick Summary:
- Confirm your rental’s connector type and whether a Tesla adapter is included.
- Install PlugShare plus your charger network apps before leaving Orlando Airport.
- Use DC fast charging for theme-park days, and Level 2 overnight.
- Top up to 70–80% near MCO, then drive straight to returns.
Yes, Orlando car hire can include EVs, and charging around Disney and Orlando International Airport (MCO) is usually straightforward if you plan for connector types, apps, and a calm return-day top-up. The biggest stress points for first-time EV renters are not the miles, but the small details: which plug your vehicle uses, how to start a session, and finding a reliable fast charger at the time you need it.
If you are collecting a vehicle at the airport, start with Hola Car Rentals’ MCO information pages for context on pick-up and local driving: Orlando Airport car hire. If you are comparing options, these pages also help you set expectations for vehicle categories and availability: budget car hire in Orlando and SUV hire at MCO. For travellers staying around the resort corridor, you can also review Disney-area context here: Disney Orlando car hire info.
EV car hire in Orlando, what to confirm at the counter
Most Orlando rental fleets now include EVs, but the exact model can vary. Before you accept the keys, run through this practical checklist so you know how you will charge it.
Ask which connector the car has. In the US, most non-Tesla EVs use CCS for fast charging and J1772 for slower AC charging. Many newer Teslas now support CCS at some sites via adapters, but you should not assume you will receive one unless it is clearly stated.
Check what charging equipment is provided. Some rentals include a portable cable for AC charging, some do not. If your hotel has standard sockets only, a portable cable can be useful, but do not rely on it for quick refills.
Confirm the return policy for state of charge. Some rentals require you to return at a certain percentage, others offer a prepaid option. Knowing the rule early helps you choose the right top-up plan before MCO.
Learn the car’s charging screen basics. Spend two minutes locating the charge port release, how to stop a session, and where the car displays charging speed. These small steps prevent confusion at a busy station.
Connector types in Orlando, the quick practical guide
For Orlando visitors, you only need a working understanding of three things: J1772, CCS, and Tesla plugs. The station will advertise the connector, and the plug itself is easy to recognise.
J1772 (AC charging). This is the common Level 2 plug for slower charging at hotels, car parks, and some attractions. Expect it to be best for topping up while you are already parked for several hours, not for a rapid turnaround between parks.
CCS (DC fast charging). This is the most common fast-charging connector for non-Tesla EVs in the US. If your day includes driving to multiple parks, a CCS fast charge can add a meaningful amount of range in a short stop.
Tesla (NACS). Many public sites have Tesla-specific stalls. Some rental Teslas can use selected non-Tesla fast chargers with adapters, and some non-Tesla EVs may have access to certain Tesla Supercharger locations depending on compatibility and network rules. For a renter, the safest approach is to plan around CCS and J1772 unless you are definitely in a Tesla and you have the Tesla app set up.
Charging apps to install before you leave MCO
Do this while you have strong mobile signal and time. It will reduce the odds of being stuck at a charger that needs an app you do not have.
PlugShare for discovery and reliability checks. PlugShare is valuable because it aggregates many networks, shows recent check-ins, and highlights broken stalls or queues. Use it like a live condition report rather than a map.
Your likely payment apps. Many fast chargers require a specific network app to activate and pay. Add a payment card, verify your email, and turn on biometric login if you prefer. If your phone is low on battery, you will struggle, so keep a cable in the car and consider carrying a small power bank.
Apple Maps or Google Maps for routing. Map routing helps you estimate arrival battery percentage. It is often wise to arrive at a fast charger with 10–20% remaining so the car charges quickly, rather than arriving at 60% and waiting longer for a smaller gain.
Optional, your vehicle brand app. If your rental includes access, the brand app can show battery percentage and precondition the battery. Preconditioning can improve fast-charging speed, especially if the battery is not already warm.
Where to fast-charge near Disney and the theme-park corridor
The Disney area and nearby tourist corridors have a mix of DC fast chargers and plentiful Level 2 points. The best approach is to separate charging into two categories: a fast charge when you need miles quickly, and slower charging when the car is parked anyway.
Reliable fast-charge strategy around Disney. Look for DC fast chargers along the major routes serving the resort area, such as the I-4 corridor and the Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee approaches. These clusters tend to have multiple stalls, better odds of an available unit, and nearby shops or quick food options.
What makes a site “reliable” for renters. Prioritise locations with multiple fast-charging stalls, recent user check-ins, and amenities. Avoid single-stall sites if you are on a tight schedule, because one fault or one vehicle already charging can derail your plan.
Theme-park day tip. If you are driving to a park early, aim to fast-charge either before you arrive or after you leave, not at peak arrival times. Evening is often a calmer window for a 15 to 30 minute top-up while you decompress and plan the next day.
Level 2 while you sleep. If your hotel offers Level 2 charging, use it. Even a modest overnight top-up can remove the need to fast-charge the next morning. If the hotel has only a few ports, treat it as a bonus rather than your only plan, and always check availability when you arrive.
Fast charging near MCO, the low-stress return-day plan
The easiest return day is the one where charging is not the last task. Build a simple buffer so you are not hunting for a charger with luggage in the boot and a flight check-in time looming.
Step 1, decide your target percentage. If your rental requires a certain state of charge, aim to exceed it slightly. If there is no requirement, a sensible “stress-free” target is often 70–80% before heading to the airport area, because it gives you flexibility if a charger is busy.
Step 2, charge before you enter the airport loop. Use PlugShare to find a fast charger within a short drive of MCO on your approach route. Charging a few miles out is usually calmer than trying to solve it on airport roads. While the car charges, tidy the cabin and organise your documents so you can return the vehicle quickly.
Step 3, stop the session properly. End the session in the app or on the charger screen, then wait for the car to unlock the cable. This prevents the most common “it will not unplug” moment for first-time users.
Step 4, drive straight to returns. After your top-up, go directly to the rental return area. Avoid extra errands that could change your arrival percentage, especially if the rental agreement is strict.
Time and cost expectations for Orlando EV charging
Charging cost varies by network, power level, and time of day. For planning, it helps to think in time blocks.
DC fast charging stops. A typical fast-charge stop for a renter is often 15 to 35 minutes, depending on the car and how low the battery is when you arrive. The fastest charging usually happens between roughly 10% and 60%, then slows down as the battery fills. If you are queueing, consider switching to a nearby multi-stall site rather than waiting behind a single occupied unit.
Level 2 sessions. Level 2 is measured in hours, not minutes. It is ideal for hotels, longer meals, and downtime. It is not ideal when you need to add a lot of miles quickly before a reservation or a show time.
Parking fees and idle fees. Some locations charge for parking separately, and some fast-charging networks charge idle fees if you stay plugged in after charging ends. Set a timer on your phone and move the car promptly.
A practical charging routine for a Disney week
If you want the simplest routine, make charging a background task rather than a daily decision.
Night before a park day. If you have hotel Level 2 access, plug in for a steady overnight top-up. If you do not, check PlugShare and choose one reliable fast-charge cluster for the next day, ideally near a grocery stop or a meal you would do anyway.
Morning of the park day. Leave with enough battery to do the drive, plus a buffer for traffic and air conditioning. If you are below that comfort level, do a quick fast charge early, because mornings are often smoother than late afternoon.
Afternoon flexibility. If your battery is dropping faster than expected, for example due to heavy traffic, heat, or lots of short trips, plan a short fast charge during a meal break. Do not wait for the battery to get critically low, because your options narrow and charging may be slower.
Two days before you fly. Identify your preferred MCO-area fast charger and make sure it has recent positive check-ins. This makes the final day a repeat of a rehearsed plan, not a new puzzle.
Common EV renter pitfalls in Orlando and how to avoid them
Relying on one specific charger. Always save two alternatives near Disney and two near MCO. Orlando is busy, and even good sites can have temporary issues.
Arriving at a fast charger with a high battery percentage. Charging from 80% to 100% can take a long time. For most holiday driving, you will have an easier week by doing shorter, more frequent top-ups and leaving the “full charge” idea behind.
Forgetting about toll roads. Orlando roads include tolls, and some routes to chargers may include them. If you prefer to avoid tolls, check your route settings in advance, but do not let a toll avoidance detour push you into low battery territory.
Letting your phone battery die. Many chargers require your phone to start and stop sessions. Keep a charging cable accessible in the front, not buried in luggage.
FAQ
Can I rent an EV with Orlando car hire at MCO? Yes, EVs are often available in Orlando car hire fleets, especially at MCO, but specific models and connectors vary by supplier and day, so confirm at pick-up.
What connector will my rental EV use in Orlando? Most non-Tesla EVs use CCS for DC fast charging and J1772 for Level 2 AC charging. Teslas typically use the Tesla plug, and access to other networks depends on the car and adapters provided.
Is fast charging easy near Disney? Generally yes. The tourist corridor has multiple DC fast-charging clusters, and you can improve reliability by choosing sites with many stalls and recent check-ins on PlugShare.
How should I plan charging before returning the car to MCO? Aim to fast-charge to your target percentage a short drive from the airport, then go straight to returns. Avoid leaving charging to the final minutes in case of queues.
Should I charge to 100% on a hire car? Usually no. Fast charging slows significantly above about 80%, so it is often quicker and less stressful to do smaller top-ups unless your rental return terms require a higher level.
