How are the charging costs for my SIXT electric rental car calculated?

SIXT's standard fuel policy is full-to-full: you pick up the vehicle with a full tank (or a full battery for electric cars) and return it fully fueled or fully charged.

The fuel level at SIXT is measured in eighths — a full tank equals 8/8. The level at which you picked up the vehicle is stated in your rental agreement. We sent this to you by email.

If the tank or battery isn't full at return, SIXT takes care of refueling or recharging. We charge you the actual cost of fuel or electricity plus a service fee. These total costs are usually significantly higher than what you would pay at a gas station. The prices per gallon or kWh are posted at the station and stated in your rental agreement.

Our recommendation: fill up the vehicle before returning it — or conveniently book one of our fuel services in advance. This is especially worthwhile if you'd rather not look for a gas station before returning the car, or don't have time for a fuel stop.

Your SIXT fuel options at a glance:

1. Refuel or recharge yourself before return: Shortly before returning the car, drive to a gas station or charging station and fill up or fully charge the vehicle. Note: If you didn't pick up the vehicle full (e.g., 6/8 tank or 60% battery) and this is noted in your rental agreement, returning it at the same level is sufficient (e.g., 6/8 tank or 60% battery). Tip: Keep your fuel or charging receipt in case of any questions.

2. "Refueling and Charging Service" extra: You pay a one-time service fee, and upon return we only charge you for the amount actually refueled or recharged (gallons or kWh) at the comparable market price. Availability varies by station.

3. "Prepaid Fuel" extra: A full tank or battery charge is already included in the price — you return the vehicle at any level, with no further costs, including for electric vehicles. Please note: unused fuel or electricity is not refunded.

Still need help? Find our contact options below.

In rare cases, the tank might not be completely full at pickup. If that happens, we'll note the actual fuel level in eighths on your rental agreement — and all you need to do is return the vehicle at that same level.

How it works

1. We note the fuel level in eighths on your rental agreement — for example, 7/8. You'll find your rental agreement in your email or in the SIXT App.

2. Return the vehicle with that same fuel level noted on your agreement.

Tip: Snap a photo of the fuel gauge at pickup. That way, you'll have proof on hand if there's ever any question about it.

Level doesn't match? Here's how to sort it out

If your rental agreement shows 8/8 but the tank isn't actually full at pick-up, you've got two easy options:

• At the branch: Just let our team know on-site during business hours — they'll adjust the fuel level for you right away.

• Through our Support Team: Let us know the correct level via Live Chat, and we'll update it so you can return the vehicle at the level it was actually at when you picked it up.

Already returned the vehicle and got charged?

Contact our support team with your rental agreement number, and we'll take a look.

Still need help? You'll find our contact options below.

Always use the fuel type indicated on the sticker on the fuel cap or filler door of your SIXT rental car. This ensures you use the correct fuel regardless of which country you are driving in.

How to identify the correct fuel

• The sticker on the fuel cap or filler door shows the fuel type for your rental car

• Across the EU, standardised fuel symbols are displayed at every pump:

• Circle = Petrol (E5, E10, E85)

• Square = Diesel (B7, B10, XTL)

• Diamond = Gaseous fuels (LPG, CNG, H2)

• If the symbol on the pump matches the one on your fuel cap, it is the correct fuel

Common fuel types by country

Note: In the USA, octane is measured by AKI, not the RON rating used in Europe. US Regular (87) is roughly equivalent to EU 91, and US Premium (91–93) is roughly equivalent to EU 95–98.

Good to know

• Electric vehicles: find charging points via the vehicle's navigation system or a charging app

• Unsure? Contact SIXT Roadside Assistance or use Live Chat rather than refuel on a guess

• Wrong fuel? Do not start the engine — contact SIXT Roadside Assistance immediately

Still need help? Find our contact options below.

You can charge your SIXT electric rental car at any public charging station. Find and pay for charging via common charging apps or directly at the charging point — electricity costs during your rental are your responsibility.

How to find a charging point and charge

1. Find a charging point via the vehicle's navigation system or a charging app

2. Charge and pay — depending on the provider, directly at the point, via app or with the network's charging card

3. Keep your receipts as proof of your charging sessions

Electricity costs

Charging costs during the rental period are the responsibility of the renter

Tip: With the prepaid charging option, you pay for a full charge in advance at a fixed SIXT price and can return the vehicle at any charge level.

Charge level at return

Return the vehicle with the charge level agreed at pick-up (usually full / 100%). If the level is lower, a service fee applies — unless you have booked the prepaid charging option

Help on the road

• Finding charging points: use the vehicle's navigation system or a charging app

• Charging issues: try a different cable or charging point. If the problem persists, contact SIXT Roadside Assistance (number on your rental agreement)

• Empty battery on the road: pull over safely, switch on hazard lights and contact SIXT Roadside Assistance — do not push or tow the vehicle yourself as this can damage the drivetrain

Tip: Use route planning in your vehicle or a charging app to plan charging stops before setting off.

Still need help? Find our contact options below.

Yes — pets are welcome in SIXT rental vehicles, provided they are properly secured, kept under control at all times and the vehicle is returned in a clean condition. A cleaning fee may apply in case of heavy soiling.

Securing your pet

Pets must be secured at all times — e.g. in a transport crate, with a harness or using a boot divider — to prevent driver distraction or injury to the animal.

Protecting the interior

• Just use a protective blanket or seat cover

• Always remove all pet hair and coarse dirt before returning the vehicle

• Resulting cleaning fees may apply in case of heavy soiling

• Always ensure the vehicle is returned clean to avoid additional charges

Travelling abroad with a pet

Bringing pets across borders is subject to country-specific regulations (e.g. pet passport, microchip, rabies vaccination) — please check the relevant requirements before travelling.

Next step

Book a pet-friendly vehicle on the SIXT website or in the SIXT app.

Still need help? Find our contact options below.

A strict no-smoking policy applies in all SIXT rental vehicles so that our cars stay fresh and clean for every customer. If a vehicle is returned smelling of smoke, a special cleaning fee is charged as the vehicle must be taken out of the fleet for an extended period.

What counts as smoking in the vehicle

The no-smoking policy covers anything that produces smoke or vapour inside the vehicle:

• Cigarettes, cigars and pipes

• E-cigarettes, vapes and similar vaporisers

• Heated and cold tobacco devices (e.g. IQOS, Glo)

Why we have a no-smoking policy

Smoke and vapour residues cling to the interior and are clearly noticeable to subsequent customers. The specialist cleaning required takes considerably longer, during which the vehicle is unavailable for rental.

What is permitted

Smoking outside the vehicle is of course fine — please ensure that ash, cigarette ends and vape residue do not enter the interior.

Did the vehicle smell of smoke at pick-up?

Please report this to the SIXT staff member at the branch before driving off — we will offer you an alternative vehicle.

Still need help? Find our contact options below.

You cover the cost of charging during the rental period — both at public charging stations and with SIXT Charge.

Don't want to think about charging before you return the car at all?

With the "Prepaid Fuel" extra, a full charge is already covered — simply return the vehicle at any charge level, with no further charging costs. Just add it at reservation or pick-up.

Charge level at return

Please return the vehicle at the charge level agreed at pick-up (usually full or 80%). If the vehicle isn't sufficiently charged, we'll recharge it and bill you for the cost. Without a pre-booked charging service, this amount includes a service fee and can therefore be significantly higher than public charging prices.

With the pre-booked "Prepaid Fuel" extra, all costs are already covered — no further costs apply.

Still need help? Find our contact options below.