Electric Car Rental in Istanbul

Our electric car rental options starting from 3,300 TL per day (VAT included): Togg T10X, BYD Atto 3, and Tesla Model 3. We deliver your cars free to any point on the European or Asian side of Istanbul, and to airports (Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen).

Electric car rental in Istanbul — Togg T10X, BYD Atto 3, and Tesla Model 3

At Rent-Trip, electric car rental is 3,300–5,200 TL per day, VAT included. Three models are available: Togg T10X, BYD Atto 3, and Tesla Model 3. All have 5 seats and automatic transmission. Car delivery is available throughout the city and to both airports.

With an electric vehicle, you move quietly and comfortably in the city. The charging cost is significantly lower for daily use compared to a gasoline car. In heavy traffic, the automatic transmission and instant torque advantage make these cars a practical choice. Whether on the European side in Şişli, Beşiktaş, Bakırköy, or on the Asian side in Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Ataşehir, we deliver to your address.

• Togg T10X: SUV class, 218 hp, daily 3,400 TL.
• BYD Atto 3: SUV class, 204 hp, daily 3,300 TL.
• Tesla Model 3: Premium sedan, 283 hp, daily 5,200 TL.

Weekly rental starts at 19,800 TRY, and monthly at 69,300 TRY. For long-term rentals, the daily rate decreases. All prices include VAT; no additional tax items appear in the contract. We recommend comparing class and power differences to clarify which model suits you before reservation.

Renting an electric car in Istanbul requires solving three basic questions together: model selection, budget, and usage scenario. In this guide, we compare the Togg T10X, BYD Atto 3, and Tesla Model 3 with their technical specs and daily prices, and show the advantage of weekly and monthly rates with numbers. Then we step by step cover rental conditions for foreign visitors, the city's charging infrastructure, and range planning on out-of-town routes.

The fact that all three vehicles have 5 seats and automatic transmission leaves the choice entirely to need: for spacious interiors, SUVs stand out; for premium comfort on long journeys, the Tesla Model 3 stands out. All prices include VAT; weekly rental starts from 19,800 TRY and monthly from 69,300 TRY, offering a significant advantage over the daily rate.

The second half of the guide is devoted to practical matters. We explain that foreign drivers can pick up a car with a passport, entry stamp, and driver's license, and that an international driving permit is required for licenses not written in Latin script. We gather all scenarios on a single page, from daily city use to weekend getaways to Şile, Sapanca, and Bursa, from HGS bridge crossings to long-distance planning.

Why rent an electric car

Electric cars operate quietly in the city, and daily fuel costs are significantly lower than petrol models. In a congested metropolis, stop-and-go traffic is the scenario where an electric motor is most efficient: energy is recovered during braking, and the motor does not burn fuel while idling. While a petrol car consumes an average of 6-8 liters per 100 km on the same route, electric models cover the same distance at a much lower cost. Moreover, there is no gear hassle—automatic transmission is standard, and you drive without your left foot or clutch. The lack of noise is a bonus: the electric motor is almost silent, so you won't leave city traffic exhausted after a long day.

Electric or gasoline?

For city driving, an electric vehicle is both quieter and more economical in terms of daily energy costs than a petrol one. For a driver covering an average of 30-50 km per day, the difference becomes noticeable as the rental period lengthens. While a petrol car requires stopping at a gas station every day, with an electric model you can charge the car overnight at your hotel or mall parking lot and start the morning with a full battery. Waiting with the engine running at traffic lights or in congestion consumes fuel in a petrol car; in an electric motor, no energy is used while stationary. Considering city driving dynamics, it becomes a more cost-effective choice for daily use.

Electric or hybrid?

Hybrid vehicles offer fuel savings but are not as quiet or zero-emission as fully electric models. Hybrid technology supports the petrol engine to reduce consumption, but on short city trips the engine constantly cuts in and consumes fuel. In a fully electric vehicle, the motor is powered solely by the battery; this difference is felt in the daily movement between the European and Asian sides of the city. In hybrid models, the battery capacity is small, so the electric-only range is limited to 30-50 kilometers; beyond that distance, the petrol engine kicks in. Full electric use in the city goes beyond the savings offered by a hybrid.

Comparison of the three models

Rent-Trip's electric vehicle fleet consists of three models: Togg T10X, BYD Atto 3, and Tesla Model 3. All are 5-seat and automatic transmission; the differences appear in class, power, and daily price.

Comparison of Togg T10X, BYD Atto 3, and Tesla Model 3

SUV or sedan

The SUV body type offers a high driving position and spacious interior; the Togg T10X and BYD Atto 3 are in this class and provide a comfortable seating position for city driving. The Tesla Model 3, on the other hand, as a premium sedan, has lower aerodynamic drag and higher power; on long journeys, wind noise is less noticeable. For those traveling with family, SUVs stand out for their luggage capacity and rear-seat spaciousness. For those dealing with tight parking spots in the city, a sedan body is more practical; in dense areas like the historic peninsula and Beşiktaş, a shorter body makes maneuvering easier. In our operation, the most frequently preferred model is the Togg T10X, produced in Turkey; being a domestic car, the advantage of the spare parts and service network influences users' decisions. Our customers who have had the chance to try all three models usually decide between SUV comfort and sedan performance — those prioritizing comfort in daily use lean toward the Togg, while those seeking driving pleasure lean toward the Tesla. For those renting a car for the first time, the fastest way to clarify the class choice is to determine the rental duration and number of passengers in advance.

Prices and rental options

Electric car rental prices vary by model and duration; daily rates range from 3,300 to 5,200 TL, VAT included. At Rent-Trip, all three electric models can be rented within this price range, and delivery is available anywhere in the city. Knowing whether taxes are included in the prices is the first step in clarifying your budget.

Daily, weekly and monthly prices

The weekly rate corresponds to six days of the daily fee, and the monthly rate to 21 days; this significantly reduces the daily cost for long rentals. All prices include VAT, so the amount you see on the list is the amount to be paid. In electric vehicles, since fuel costs are lower than petrol, the total savings in weekly rental increase even more. When comparing, consider the weekly and monthly options alongside the daily price; for short city use, the daily rate is more advantageous, while for long plans, the weekly rate is more so.

What does VAT included mean?

In Turkey, 20% VAT is added to car rental prices; at Rent-Trip, all prices are published including VAT, so no surprise tax appears during payment. On some platforms, the price is shown excluding VAT and the amount increases by 20% at the time of payment; this difference reaches 1,040 TL for a daily 5,200 TL Tesla rental. A VAT-inclusive price allows you to plan knowing that the rental budget will not change after the hotel and flight ticket. When comparing prices, always ask for the VAT-inclusive amount or use the filter on the site; this way you compare two different companies on the same basis.

Rental terms and documents

The documents and conditions required for renting an electric car are largely the same as for petrol cars; the key differences are the alphabet in which the driver's license is issued and the main driver's credit card. At Rent-Trip, for foreign visitors, the process begins with presenting a passport and driver's license; the age and driving experience requirements are determined by the vehicle class and are set out in the rental agreement.

Can foreigners rent an electric car?

Yes, a valid passport with an entry stamp into Turkey and a credit card issued in the main driver's own name are sufficient to rent an electric vehicle. If the driver's license is not written in the Latin alphabet (e.g., Arabic script, Cyrillic, or Chinese characters), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory; a license issued in the Latin alphabet is accepted without an English or Turkish translation. Passengers arriving at either airport can pick up the vehicle from the Rent-Trip team at any point from Kadıköy on the Asian side to Şişli on the European side, including at Sabiha Gökçen or Istanbul Airport. The entry stamp in your passport is the primary document confirming the start of the rental period; for tourists entering visa-free, the duration of this stamp determines the scope of the rental agreement.

License and age requirements

• Age limit: As the vehicle class increases, the minimum age requirement increases; for electric models, the exact limit is set out in the rental agreement.
• Driving experience: The time elapsed since the license was issued may be longer for higher-class vehicles; this condition is also set out in the contract.
• Credit card: A credit card issued in the main driver's name is required for the security block; transactions cannot be made with someone else's card.
• Additional driver: If a second driver is added, their license and passport are subject to the same rules.
• Compulsory traffic insurance: Like every vehicle registered in Turkey, rental electric vehicles are legally covered by compulsory traffic insurance; this coverage is included in the rental fee.

Having your documents ready in Turkish or English before rental shortens the wait time at airport delivery; you cannot take delivery of the car without a valid IDP.

Charging and range

The most critical aspect of renting an electric car is charging infrastructure and range planning. All three models at Rent-Trip have sufficient range for daily city use, and charging stations are widespread throughout the city.

Where are the charging stations?

Charging stations are concentrated on the European and Asian sides; density is highest in central districts like Şişli, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, and Ataşehir. AC and DC charging units are available in the parking lots of malls, hotels, and residences. Fast DC chargers are generally located on main streets and highway routes. You can see charging points in real-time from map applications.

DC fast charging: It charges from 20% to 80% in about 30-45 minutes, preferred before a long journey. AC slow charging: Suitable for overnight charging at a hotel or mall; you leave in the morning with a full car. Range planning: If the daily route is to exceed 150-200 km, DC stations along the route should be marked in advance.

How long does charging take?

Charging time varies depending on the battery capacity of the car and the power of the station; DC fast charging can reach 80% in 30-45 minutes, while AC full charging can take several hours. Charging points in shopping malls can be busy during the day; waiting times may be longer at noon. Night charging is more economical both because stations are empty and because it coincides with off-peak electricity rates. Before taking the vehicle, check the battery level and that the charging cable is in the car.

Out-of-city journeys

Rent-Trip electric vehicles can be used on out-of-town routes; destinations such as Şile, Sapanca, and Bursa from Istanbul are within the range of all three models. Planning involves marking charging points in advance and accounting for HGS crossings.

• Şile and Ağva: About 1.5 hours from the European side; the closest route for a weekend getaway. Since there are few charging points on the coastal road, keep a reserve range for the return.
• Sapanca: About 2 hours; most hotels around the lake have charging units. The round trip can be completed on a single charge with a Togg T10X.
• Bursa and Uludağ: It is reached via the Osmangazi Bridge; the bridge crossing is paid with HGS, and the current tariff is 1,170 TL. Fast charging stations are available in the city center and at malls.

Long distances like the 8-hour trip to Cappadocia can be made with an electric vehicle, but it is essential to map out fast charging stations along the route in advance. The Tesla Model 3, with its 283 hp power and long range, is the most suitable of the three models for such journeys; the BYD Atto 3, with 204 hp, is a balanced option for intercity routes. At highway speeds, range loss can reach 15-20%, so plan accordingly.

At Rent-Trip, the daily price drops in weekly and monthly rentals; these rates are advantageous for long routes. Since car delivery is made everywhere in the metropolis and to both airports, you can leave the car at Sabiha Gökçen on your return and depart from the Asian side. Plan charging time so it does not disrupt your day; overnight charging saves time and helps you avoid station congestion.

HGS and bridge crossings

Bridge and tunnel crossings connecting the two sides of Istanbul are paid via the HGS system; in rental cars, these fees are passed on to you and set out in the agreement. Rent-Trip vehicles have an HGS tag registered; tolls are calculated after the rental.

Which bridges are covered by HGS

• Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge: It connects the Asian side and the European side as the third bridge; the current crossing fee is 110 TRY.
• Eurasia Tunnel: It provides a passage under the sea for vehicles; the tariff is 280 TL during the day and 140 TL at night.
• Osmangazi Bridge: It shortens the route to Bursa by crossing İzmit Bay; the toll is 1,170 TL.

Unauthorized toll passage penalty

An unpaid HGS crossing, if not paid on time, becomes subject to a penalty of up to four times the crossing fee. During rental, clarifying the HGS usage terms and asking how crossings are charged will prevent you from facing a surprise deduction upon return. Crossing details are specified in the contract; if you will not use the bridges, you can set the navigation to alternatives without HGS.

Delivery and return process

With Rent-Trip, car delivery is fully personalized with no physical office; your car is brought to any address you want on the European or Asian side of Istanbul. Both airports can also be used as delivery and return points.

How delivery works

Your car is brought to the address you specified during reservation; whether it's a hotel, workplace, or residence, it doesn't matter. For airport delivery, your car will be ready at the arrival terminal based on your flight information. At delivery, the battery level and current damage status of the car are checked together and recorded in minutes. The main driver's passport and driver's license are presented at the time of delivery.

What to consider during the return process

• Timing: Return the car at the time specified in the contract; late returns incur additional charges as stated in the contract.
• Battery level: You are expected to return the vehicle with a charge level close to the level you received it; the difference is set out in the contract.
• Cleaning: In case of excessive dirt, a cleaning fee may apply; this condition is also set out in the rental agreement.
• Personal belongings: Before returning, check that you have not left any items in the vehicle; the company cannot be held responsible for lost items.
• HGS passages: After using bridges and highways, crossing fees are calculated together with the rental period.

The return process is also completed at your location like delivery; if you are returning from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), you can drop off the vehicle in the airport parking lot and go directly to the terminal.