Electric Vehicles

An electric vehicle’s range will vary depending on driving style, weather, terrain and accessories used when driving (in particular, air conditioning and heating). The maximum range of an EV also depends on the specific model of vehicle. For a Chevrolet Bolt or Kia Niro, the range can be up to 400 km.

When using an EV, it is the member’s responsibility to ensure there is enough range to complete the trip. For a long trip, make sure you are aware of the options for charging the vehicle if needed. (See also: What if an electric vehicle’s battery runs low during my trip?)

Before leaving, check the charge level displayed in the Communauto app and/or the number of remaining kilometers displayed on the dashboard.

FLEX vehicles:

To optimize their availability, electric FLEX vehicles are periodically recharged by the Communauto team. Members typically do not have to worry about charging them.

However, if the range displayed on the dashboard falls below 15 kilometers you must immediately stop using the vehicle and return to the FLEX zone (or Drop-off Point) unless you plan to charge the vehicle during your trip. Penalties apply if you end a trip below the threshold that allows our team to bring the vehicle to the nearest charging station.

Please note: members are not permitted to end a trip at a public charging station.

Vehicles by reservation:

When you use a 100% electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle that is based at a station where Communauto has chargers reserved for its exclusive use, you are responsible for plugging in the vehicle for recharging at the end of each use. Penalties apply if this rule is not respected. Please see the station information for full details.

In Paris electric vehicles are offered in station zones and use the Belib network for recharging. As this is a public network requiring payment, you only have to return and charge the vehicle if you fall below 100 km of range. Above this threshold, you must park at the end of your journey in any of the paid parking spaces within the station zone. Please see the station information for full details.

In Canada:

Electric Circuit cards are available in every 100% electric vehicle. To use a charging station, use the Electric Circuit card located in the key/card holder in the glove box (don’t forget to put it back, otherwise you won’t be able to end your trip properly).

Members using an EV have free access to all standard (Level 2) and fast-charge (Level 3) charging stations throughout the Electric Circuit network, including the charging stations in the “FLO” network. The maximum consecutive charging time on a fast-charge station is 30 minutes. Additional fees could apply in case of abuse. Find a station.

We do not provide Level 1 charging cables (typically intended for home use) so it is important to plan accordingly if you are making a trip that will require charging.

As with gasoline vehicles, we advise that you be prepared to pay for charging during your trip using your own payment method. If this occurs, please submit the receipt for credit via the app.

In France:

During your journey, you can recharge the vehicle at any charging station using the Chargemap card (outside Paris) or the Belib card (within Paris). You’ll find these cards in the card/key box in your glove compartment (don’t forget to return them afterward).

We recommend that you download the Chargemap application to find out where to recharge.

Please note: if you leave a vehicle connected to a charging station for an unreasonable length of time during your journey, you may be charged extra. Please see the station information for full details.