How are the charging costs for my SIXT electric hire 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 fuelled 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 refuelling 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 petrol station. The prices per litre 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 petrol 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 petrol 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. "Refuelling / recharging service" extra: You pay a one-off service fee, and upon return we only charge you for the amount actually refuelled or recharged (litres 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 pick-up. 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 pick-up. 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 opening 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 been charged?

Contact our Support Team with your rental agreement number, and we'll take care of it.

Still need help? Find our contact options below.

You may only use the fuel indicated on the sticker on the fuel cap or fuel filler door of your SIXT hire car. This makes sure you always use the right fuel – no matter which country you're driving in.

How to identify the right fuel

The sticker on the fuel cap or filler door shows the fuel type of your hire car.

Across the EU, standardised fuel symbols are displayed at every petrol 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's the correct fuel.

Common fuel types by country

Note for 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 your car's navigation system or apps

• Not sure? Better to message SIXT Roadside Assistance or use Live Chat than to refuel on a guess

• Wrong fuel? Don't start the engine – call SIXT Roadside Assistance straight away

Still need help? Find our contact options below.

You can charge your SIXT electric hire car at any public charging station. You find and pay for charging through common charging apps or directly at the charge point — you cover the electricity costs during your rental.

Finding a charge point and charging

• Find a charge point – using the vehicle's navigation or a charging app

• Charge and pay – depending on the provider, directly at the charge point, via an app, or with the charging card of the relevant network

Even easier charging with SIXT Charge

With SIXT Charge, charging is more convenient than ever: all available charge points nearby at a glance, charging started with a single tap, and your costs visible live at any time — all directly in the SIXT app, with no extra charging card or third-party app needed.

All you need is a SIXT login with a saved payment method. Don't have an account yet? You can create one in just a few minutes — right in the SIXT app or on our website. SIXT Charge is then available to you immediately. You'll find the SIXT Charge icon in the SIXT app on the home screen under the "Rent" tab. Tapping it opens a map with all available charge points.

Here's how it works:

1. Search & filter charge points: The charging map shows all available charge points and lets you zoom in. Filters give you details at a glance, such as availability and charging power.

2. Start charging: At the charge point, simply tap "Start charging" in the SIXT app and follow the instructions on your smartphone. While charging, you can see the current duration and the costs in real time.

3. After charging: You'll get an overview of the duration, energy charged, and costs directly in the SIXT app. In addition, our cooperation partner Elli sends a cost overview to your saved email address; the invoice follows automatically, usually within one to two weeks, to the same address.

SIXT Charge is available in ten countries: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Great Britain, and Luxembourg.

Trouble charging

First, try a different charge point. If the problem persists, please contact SIXT roadside assistance (hotline on the sticker on the windscreen).

If the battery runs empty during your hire, park the vehicle safely and switch on the hazard lights. Then contact SIXT roadside assistance. For safety reasons, electric vehicles must not be pushed by hand or towed in the conventional way, as this can damage the drivetrain.

Tip: To avoid an empty battery in the first place, plan charging stops before you set off using the route planner in the vehicle or a charging app.

Still need help? Find our contact options below.

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

So you don't have to worry about charging before you return the car, SIXT offers two convenient extras:

• Refueling and Charging Service: You pay a one-time service fee, and upon return we only charge you for the electricity actually recharged at the current market price. Bookable at reservation, at pick-up, or in the SIXT app.

• Prepaid Fuel: This covers a full charge, and you return the vehicle at any charge level — with no further charging costs. Simply add it at the counter during 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 "Refueling and Charging Service" extra, you pay a reduced, fixed service fee plus the electricity actually recharged at the current market price. With "Prepaid Fuel," all costs are already covered — no further costs apply.

Still need help? Find our contact options below.

Yes – pets are allowed in SIXT rental vehicles, provided they are properly secured (crate or harness), kept under control at all times, and the vehicle is returned in a clean condition. In case of heavy soiling, a cleaning fee for a full interior cleaning may apply.

Securing pets

Pets must be secured in the vehicle – e.g. in a transport crate, with a harness, or by using a boot divider – to prevent distraction of the driver 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

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 via the website or the SIXT app.

Still need help? Find our contact options below.

A strict no-smoking policy applies in all SIXT hire cars – so our vehicles stay fresh and clean for every customer. If a car is returned with the smell of smoke, a special cleaning fee is charged, as the vehicle has to be taken out of the fleet for longer.

What counts as "smoked in"

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

• Cigarettes, cigars, 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 stick to the interior and are clearly noticeable to following customers. The special cleaning takes considerably longer, during which the vehicle is unavailable for other rentals.

What's allowed

Smoking outside the vehicle is, of course, fine. Please make sure that ash, cigarette ends and vape residue do not get into the interior or ashtray.

Did the car already smell of smoke at pick-up?

Please report this directly to the SIXT staff member at the branch before you drive off. We'll then offer you another vehicle.

Still need help? Find our contact options below.