Quick Summary:
- Expect a basic charging cable sometimes, but adapters are not always included.
- Check the boot for cable, bag, and charging instructions before leaving.
- Confirm the connector type for your EV, and local charger compatibility.
- Decline unnecessary accessories fees unless you genuinely need extra equipment.
EV car hire in San Francisco is popular for city driving, bridge crossings, and day trips out to Napa or down the Pacific Coast. The practical question is what you will actually receive at pick-up: a charging cable, any adapters, and the bits that make public charging straightforward. The honest answer is that it varies by supplier, by vehicle model, and even by the specific branch, so you should treat “included” as something to verify, not assume.
This guide explains what is typically provided with an EV rental, what to check in the boot before you drive away, and the common add-ons and fee traps to avoid accidentally agreeing to. If you are collecting near the airport, the same checklist applies, whether you are comparing San Francisco SFO car rental options or looking at specific suppliers such as National at San Francisco SFO.
What charging kit is typically included with EV car hire?
Most EVs come with some form of portable charging equipment, but it is not consistent across all rentals. Broadly, you may encounter three scenarios.
1) A portable cable is included, but it is basic. Often this is a standard AC charging cable designed for public Level 2 chargers. In the US, that usually means a J1772 connector for non-Tesla models. If you receive this cable, it may be stored in a bag in the boot, and it may have a simple leaflet rather than a full manual.
2) No portable cable is included. Some fleets rely on the expectation that you will use public charging stations with tethered cables. Many rapid chargers do have tethered connectors, but not all AC posts do. If you are planning hotel charging, workplace charging, or kerbside AC charging, a missing cable can be inconvenient.
3) A cable is included, and a specific adapter may be included. This is most relevant if your EV is a Tesla or a model that needs an adapter to use certain infrastructure. Adapters can be present in the car, but they are also easy to misplace, so some branches choose not to supply them as standard or may treat them as an accessory with a replacement charge if lost.
For car hire, the safest approach is to expect the vehicle to be supplied in a drivable condition with sufficient charge to get going, but to verify any cable or adapter needs if you want flexibility. If you are choosing between suppliers, you might compare inclusions and policies across listings such as Budget at San Francisco SFO versus other airport desks.
Charging connectors in San Francisco: what you actually need
San Francisco has a dense charging network, but you will encounter a mix of charger types and connector standards. Knowing what your rental supports helps you avoid paying for the wrong accessory.
AC Level 2 charging (slower, common in car parks). Many Level 2 posts in the US use J1772. Some have tethered cables, some require you to plug in your own. If your rental is not a Tesla, a J1772 cable is often the key item to check for.
DC fast charging (rapid charging for road trips). These units are typically tethered, so you generally do not need to supply your own cable. The important point is whether your vehicle supports the connector available (commonly CCS for many models, and Tesla’s connector on Superchargers for Tesla vehicles). In practice, DC charging is usually easier from an equipment perspective, because the hardware is attached to the charger.
Tesla-specific considerations. If you rent a Tesla, you may rely on Tesla’s fast-charging network. If you want to use non-Tesla AC chargers, you may need an adapter, depending on the car and the infrastructure. Do not assume it will be supplied unless it is explicitly listed, and always check the glovebox and boot.
The goal is not to memorise standards, it is to avoid arriving at an AC charger and discovering you cannot plug in. When you pick up the car, ask the desk agent to confirm what connector the vehicle uses and whether an AC cable is in the boot. If you are collecting outside San Francisco for a Bay Area itinerary, the same questions apply at nearby hubs such as San Jose SJC.
What to check in the boot before you leave the car park
A five-minute check at pick-up can save a lot of hassle later. Use this practical checklist before you drive out of the car hire facility.
Find the charging kit bag. Look in the boot under the floor panel, in side compartments, and behind cargo nets. Some EVs store cables in a specific moulded space, so check the vehicle’s storage areas rather than expecting a loose cable.
Confirm the cable type and condition. If there is an AC charging cable, inspect both ends for damage and confirm it matches the vehicle inlet. A worn latch or cracked housing can cause charging errors and, importantly, could become a dispute at return if it is blamed on you.
Check for adapters and label them mentally. Adapters are small and easy to leave behind at a charger. If you find one, note where it was stored and return it there every time, so you do not forget it when you drop the car back.
Look for a charging guide card or in-car instructions. Many EVs have intuitive screens, but a quick-start card can help you find charging settings, open the charge port, or understand how to stop a charging session properly.
Photograph what you received. Take clear photos of the contents of the boot storage and any accessories. If there is a missing piece later, your photos help show what was provided at pick-up.
Verify the starting charge level. Note the battery percentage and estimated range on the dash, and photograph it. This matters because some suppliers expect a minimum state of charge at return, or they may charge a refuelling style fee if it is returned too low.
Questions to ask at the counter, without slowing everything down
You can get clarity in under a minute if you ask focused questions:
“Is an AC charging cable included with this vehicle, and is it in the boot?” This is the simplest way to avoid assumptions.
“Does this EV support the fast-charger connector I will likely use?” If you are heading out of town, you want to know if CCS or Tesla fast charging is supported, so your stops are realistic.
“Are there replacement fees for missing cables or adapters?” Cables and adapters can carry surprisingly high replacement charges. Knowing the figure makes you more careful, and helps you decide whether you need to accept any optional coverage.
“Is there a minimum battery percentage required on return?” Some branches treat battery level like fuel level, and some will offer prepaid charging. The details vary, so it is worth clarifying before you accept anything.
Fees and add-ons to avoid accidentally agreeing to
Most unwanted EV-related costs come from misunderstandings at pick-up. Here are the most common ones to watch for.
Paid “charging kit” or “EV accessories” add-ons. If a cable is not included, some suppliers may offer one as an extra. Only accept it if your trip plan genuinely requires AC charging where no tethered cable is provided. If you are mainly using fast chargers, you likely do not need to pay for extra hardware.
Prepaid charging packages. These can be convenient, but they can also be poor value if you return with a reasonable amount of charge. If the policy is simply “return at or above X%,” prepaid charging may not make sense unless you know you will struggle to top up near the return location.
Low battery return fees. Similar to fuel charges, some providers apply a service fee plus the cost of energy if you return below the required level. This is avoidable by planning a final top-up or choosing a return time that leaves margin for a nearby charge stop.
Accessory replacement charges. Losing a cable bag, adapter, or even the protective caps can lead to fees. This is why it is so important to confirm what was included and keep it together during your rental.
Unnecessary insurance-like cover for accessories. You may be offered coverage that sounds like it protects you from accessory loss. Evaluate it carefully: if the replacement fee is clearly stated and you can keep the kit organised, you may prefer to decline it. If you know you will be swapping chargers frequently and are worried about losing an adapter, it may be worth considering. The key is making a conscious choice rather than agreeing under pressure.
Practical charging habits for San Francisco visitors
San Francisco driving includes steep hills, frequent stops, and cooler coastal weather, all of which can affect range. These habits keep charging simple and help you avoid last-minute fees.
Plan your first charging stop in advance. Even if you pick up with a decent charge, decide where you would top up if needed, especially if you are driving across the Bay or heading north.
Top up earlier than you think you need. Busy areas can have queues, and some car parks have restricted access hours. Charging to a comfortable buffer reduces stress and gives you flexibility.
Keep the cable kit together. If your rental includes a cable or adapter, return it to the same spot after every charge. This is the easiest way to avoid misplacing items.
Leave time for the final charge. If there is a return battery requirement, plan a short charge near the return point rather than relying on a charger at the last minute. This is particularly helpful for airport returns where time is tight.
What to do if the car is missing the cable or adapter you expected
If you open the boot and there is no cable or the wrong equipment, deal with it before leaving the facility. Once you have driven away, it can be harder to prove the kit was missing at pick-up.
Ask for a vehicle swap if the cable is essential. If you specifically chose an EV expecting an AC cable, and your travel plans rely on it, a swap may be the cleanest fix.
Get the omission noted on your paperwork. If the branch confirms that no cable is provided, ask them to note it, so you are not charged for “missing” accessories at return.
Photograph the empty storage area. A quick photo of the boot compartment where the cable should be stored can support your position later.
Recheck your plan for charging stops. If you will rely mainly on tethered fast chargers, you may be fine without an AC cable. If you planned overnight AC charging, you may need to adjust your itinerary.
How this differs from petrol car hire, and why it matters
With petrol car hire, the main return question is fuel level. With EVs, you are also managing access: whether you can plug in when you arrive. That makes the presence of an AC cable or the right adapter more important than many first-time EV renters expect.
The good news is that in a city like San Francisco, you can usually make EV travel work even if the included kit is minimal, because rapid chargers tend to have tethered leads. The risk is inconvenience and avoidable fees, not being stranded. A short check at pick-up and a clear understanding of the return battery policy are the two best ways to keep costs predictable.
FAQ
Are charging cables always included with EV car hire in San Francisco? Not always. Some rentals include an AC cable in the boot, while others expect you to use tethered public chargers. Verify at pick-up.
Do EV rentals include adapters for different charging networks? Sometimes, but it depends on the vehicle and supplier. If an adapter is present, treat it as an inventory item and avoid misplacing it.
What should I check in the boot before leaving the rental location? Look for the charging cable bag, any adapters, instruction cards, and photograph the items and starting battery percentage for your records.
Can I be charged if a cable or adapter is missing when I return the car? Yes. Replacement fees can apply, so confirm what is supplied at pick-up and get any missing items noted on your agreement.
Is there usually a minimum battery level required when returning the EV? Policies vary. Ask the desk to confirm the required return percentage and any fees for returning below that level.
