Electric vehicles are increasingly visible on Albanian roads — mostly in Tirana, where Chinese EVs like the BYD Dolphin have appeared in significant numbers since 2023. But renting an EV for a road trip around Albania in 2025 is not yet a practical proposition for most travellers. Here's why — and what might change.
EV Availability in the Albanian Rental Market
As of 2025, electric car rental options in Albania are limited. A small number of private hosts offer EVs — mainly in Tirana — but they represent a fraction of the fleet available through Rental Auto. Most rental inventory is petrol or diesel. If you specifically want an EV, you may find options in Tirana, but selection is thin and booking ahead is essential.
The Charging Infrastructure Problem
This is the core issue. Albania had fewer than 50 publicly accessible EV charging points in early 2025, concentrated almost entirely in Tirana. There are no fast chargers on the SH8 coastal road between Vlorë and Sarandë. No charging points exist in Theth, Valbona, Himara, Borsh, or Gjirokastër. Berat and Shkodër have limited and unreliable coverage.
The practical implication: if you rent an EV in Tirana and drive to Sarandë via the Riviera (280km), there is currently no reliable charging point on that route. Depending on the vehicle's range (typically 250–400km for affordable EVs), you might make it on a single charge in ideal conditions — but 'might' is not a strategy on a mountain road at night.
Where EVs Actually Work in Albania
Tirana city use only. If your Albania visit is entirely Tirana-based — meetings, city exploration, day trips within 50km of the capital — an EV is fine. Charge overnight at your accommodation (check whether they have a Type 2 outlet or a domestic socket with a slow charger). The airport run at 17km each way is trivially within range.
For a Tirana city rental of 2–3 days, an EV makes sense. For a road trip to the coast or the mountains, stick with petrol or diesel in 2025 — the infrastructure isn't there yet.
Hybrid Cars: A Middle Ground?
A small number of hosts offer mild hybrid vehicles — Toyota Corolla hybrids and similar. These don't require external charging and deliver better fuel economy than a standard petrol car (around 5.5–6.5L/100km vs 7–9L/100km for a comparable non-hybrid). If fuel efficiency matters on a long road trip, a hybrid is worth asking about specifically. Availability is still limited but growing in the Tirana host pool.
Why Petrol and Diesel Still Win for Road Trips
Petrol stations appear every 20–30km on major routes and in all major cities. Diesel is generally 10–15% cheaper per litre than petrol. A fill-up takes 5 minutes anywhere on the main roads. For the Albanian Riviera road trip, a 7-day self-drive circuit, or any itinerary that involves the north or south of the country, a petrol or diesel car is the right tool.
What to Expect in 2026 and Beyond
Albania's government has outlined plans for an expanded EV charging network on major transit corridors, partly tied to EU integration discussions. EBRD-funded charging infrastructure was in planning stages along the A3 and SH8 as of late 2024. If this progresses, the SH8 coastal route could have basic fast-charging coverage by 2026–2027. Until then, the infrastructure gap is real and shouldn't be ignored when planning.
Current Recommendation
Rent petrol or diesel for any trip outside Tirana. For Tirana-only use, ask your host whether an EV is available and confirm charging at your accommodation before committing. To browse available cars at your pickup location, visit /rent-a-car-albania. If you're starting at the airport, the /airport/tirana-airport guide covers the full pickup process.