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Does Frontier Include Charging in the Rental Price?

Frontier Tesla··7 min read·1,737 words

Driving through San Francisco is a sensory experience. You have the crisp Pacific breeze cutting through the Sunset District, the low hum of the city in SoMa, and the steep, heart-stopping inclines of Nob Hill. If you are behind the wheel of an electric vehicle, there is an added layer of satisfaction: the silent torque that makes those hills feel like flat ground. But for many of our guests at Frontier, the excitement of booking a Tesla Model 3 or a premium EV comes with a practical question that hits the wallet. How much does it actually cost to "fuel" up in the City by the Bay?

If you are used to gas stations on every corner, the world of kilowatts and tiered pricing can feel like learning a second language. Here is the thing: San Francisco is one of the most EV-forward cities in the world, but it is also one of the most expensive utility markets. Whether you are navigating a non-Tesla charging network or plugging into a local hub, understanding the "cost to charge EV rental SF" is essential for planning your trip budget.

Does Frontier Include Charging in the Rental Price?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of San Francisco utility rates, let’s clear up a common logistical hurdle. One of the first things people ask us is: "Does Frontier include charging in the rental price?"

The short answer is no. Think of it exactly like a traditional car rental. When you pick up a gas-powered car, you receive it with a full tank and are expected to return it the same way. We operate on a similar "Like-for-Like" basis. We provide you with a vehicle that is charged to at least 80%, and we ask that you bring it back at that same level.

Why don't we just include it? Because every driver is different. One person might just want to cruise down to the Embarcadero for dinner, while another plans a 300-mile round trip to Big Sur. By keeping charging costs separate, we keep our base rental rates competitive. You only pay for the energy you actually use. That said, we provide all the adapters you need to access non-Tesla networks, ensuring you aren't stranded if a Supercharger isn't nearby.

Breaking Down the Math: What a Full Charge Actually Costs in SF

To understand the cost, we have to look at the battery. Most modern long-range EVs have battery capacities ranging from 60 kWh to 82 kWh. For this breakdown, let's look at a standard 75 kWh battery—the "sweet spot" for most rentals.

In San Francisco, you aren't paying by the gallon; you're paying by the kilowatt-hour (kWh). If you were charging at a residential home in the city, you would be dealing with PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric). According to 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricity prices in the San Francisco area average roughly $0.45 per kWh, which is significantly higher than the national average of $0.17 per kWh.

The Cost of a "Full Tank"

If you are at 10% and want to get back to 90% (a standard "full" charge for battery health), you are looking for about 60 kWh of energy.

  • At a Public Level 2 Charger: Often found in parking garages in Union Square or near the Ferry Building, these usually cost between $0.30 and $0.45 per kWh. A full charge here would cost you roughly $18 to $27.
  • At a DC Fast Charger (Non-Tesla): Networks like EVgo or Electrify America charge a premium for speed. In SF, these rates often hover between $0.48 and $0.62 per kWh. That same charge could cost you $28 to $37.

Is It Cheaper to Charge at Night in San Francisco?

Timing is everything. If you’ve ever looked at a San Francisco utility bill, you know the term "Time-of-Use" (TOU). This is a system where the price of electricity changes based on the demand on the grid.

So, is it cheaper to charge at night in San Francisco? Absolutely.

PG&E’s EV-2A rate plans are designed to incentivize people to stay off the grid during the "Peak" hours of 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. If you find a public charger that passes these savings onto the consumer—or if you are staying at an Airbnb with a Level 2 plug—the price difference is staggering.

  • Peak (4 PM - 9 PM): You could be paying upwards of $0.60/kWh.
  • Off-Peak (Midnight - 3 PM): Rates can drop to around $0.34/kWh.

I've found that the "pro move" for any EV renter is to utilize the "Scheduled Charging" feature in the car. You can plug the car in at 8:00 PM when you get back to your hotel, but tell the car not to start drawing power until midnight. You’ll wake up with a full battery and a bill that is 40% lower.

The 3-Day SF Rental Scenario: How Much Will You Spend?

Let's get practical. You’re here for a long weekend. You’re hitting the Golden Gate Bridge, driving up to Twin Peaks, and maybe taking a detour to Muir Woods. How much will you actually spend on charging during a 3-day rental in SF?

Based on our data from thousands of trips, the average "tourist" mileage in San Francisco is about 50 miles per day. Over three days, that’s 150 miles. Most modern EVs get about 3 to 4 miles per kWh.

  • Total Energy Needed: ~45 kWh.
  • The "Convenience" Cost: If you only use high-speed DC fast chargers during the day, you’ll spend about $22 to $28.
  • The "Budget" Cost: If you utilize a hotel’s free Level 2 charger or charge during off-peak hours, you might spend as little as $12 to $15.

Most of our guests find that they spend less than $30 on "fuel" for their entire 3-day trip. Compare that to the price of premium gas in San Francisco—which often flirts with $6.00 a gallon—and the EV starts to look like a massive bargain.

Navigating Non-Tesla Charging Networks in the City

If you aren't using the Tesla Supercharger network, you'll likely be interacting with three main players in SF: ChargePoint, EVgo, and Electrify America. Each has its own vibe and pricing structure.

ChargePoint: The Local Favorite

ChargePoint is everywhere in SF. You’ll find them tucked into the corners of Whole Foods parking lots and city-owned garages. Most of these are Level 2 chargers. They aren't fast—you’ll get about 25 miles of range per hour—but they are often the most affordable. Some city garages even offer "free" charging, though you still have to pay the (often eye-watering) San Francisco parking rates.

EVgo: Built for Speed

EVgo has a strong presence in the Bay Area, particularly in shopping centers. They offer DC Fast Charging, which can get a non-Tesla EV from 20% to 80% in about 30-40 minutes. They often charge a session fee ($0.99) plus the per-kWh rate. If you're in a rush to catch a flight at SFO, this is your best bet.

Electrify America: The Powerhouse

Located typically in larger retail hubs, Electrify America offers the fastest charging speeds (up to 350 kW). While most rental EVs can't actually pull that much power, these stations are reliable and fast. Expect to pay the highest rates here, often around $0.56/kWh for non-members.

The Hidden Costs: Idle Fees and Parking

Here is a piece of advice I give to every first-time EV renter: Watch out for the "Idle Fee."

In a city where space is at a premium, charging networks don't want you using a spot as a parking space once your battery is full. Once the car stops drawing power, most networks give you a 10-minute grace period. After that, they start charging by the minute. EVgo, for example, can charge up to $0.40 per minute in idle fees. I’ve seen guests walk away from a $15 charge only to realize they stayed an hour too long and now owe another $24.

Always set a notification on your phone via the car's app to alert you when the charge is at 80%.

Why San Francisco is Different

San Francisco’s geography plays a role in your charging costs that many people overlook. Regenerative braking is your best friend here. When you drive down those massive hills, the motor reverses and actually puts energy back into the battery.

I've found that drivers who spend their time in the hilly neighborhoods of Pacific Heights often see better "fuel economy" than those doing flat highway miles on the 101. It’s a strange phenomenon, but it means your "cost to charge EV rental SF" might actually be lower than the raw mileage suggests.

Key Takeaways for the Smart Renter

If you want to keep your costs down and your battery up, follow this simple checklist:

  1. Check your hotel's amenities: A "Free EV Charging" filter on your hotel search can save you $50 over a weekend.
  2. Download the apps early: Get ChargePoint and EVgo set up on your phone before you land at SFO.
  3. Avoid the 4 PM - 9 PM window: If you can help it, don't plug in during peak hours.
  4. Don't aim for 100%: Charging from 80% to 100% takes as long as charging from 20% to 80%. It’s a waste of time and money at a fast charger.

The Future of the SF Road Trip

The transition to electric mobility isn't just about saving the planet; it’s about a better driving experience. There is something uniquely "San Francisco" about silently gliding past a cable car while knowing you're spending a fraction of what the guy in the SUV next to you is spending on gas.

At Frontier, we believe that renting a car should feel like a glimpse into the future. By understanding the costs and the infrastructure of the city, you can stop worrying about the battery percentage and start focusing on the view from the Embarcadero.

Ready to experience the hills of San Francisco without the engine roar? Book your self-driving capable Tesla today and pick it up right downtown. The city is waiting.

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