Smart mobility in Portugal: what tourists need to know before renting a modern car

Automotive intelligence is gaining new perspectives over the years. Although still a modern technology under study and evaluation, electric cars are becoming increasingly common in Portugal. According to the Portuguese Automobile Association (ACAP), only 1,640 electric cars were produced in 2016, compared to 41,757 produced in 2024.

Of course, electric vehicles are still a minority in the country, but they represented 20% of sales in 2024. At the beginning of 2025, the number of electric cars in circulation in Portugal was 167,000. According to Eurostat, 210,223 new cars were registered in Portugal in 2025, of which 41,837 were electric cars.

The increase in the production of these so-called cars of the future is mainly due to the population's interest in reducing CO2 emissions. Therefore, many people have opted to buy or rent electric vehicles. Countries that value this method of transportation have also become favorites among eco-tourists.

Why modern cars are gaining ground in Portuguese tourism

According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), last year tourism in Portugal contributed €34 billion to the economy. This value is equivalent to 12% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). At the same time, tourists represent 60% of those responsible for the movement of the vehicle rental market.

Having a vehicle to enjoy your trip or visit to a country is synonymous with freedom. You can enjoy adapted itineraries and make the most of your time. Therefore, many tourists love the idea of ​​renting a vehicle during their trip.

A study by Euromonitor International showed that about 80% of travelers are willing to pay at least 10% more for their trips in favor of sustainability issues. Considering the more ecological and modern profile of today's tourists, they have shown a growing interest in smart and electric cars. Given this, fleets need to modernize, acquiring electric and hybrid models with increasingly modern dashboards.

The Impact of Electric Mobility on Tourism

Economically, electric cars are also seen as advantageous, as they generate lower fuel costs. Lower emissions and greater interior space also weigh in on the choice. When driving, it's also possible to enjoy a quiet and comfortable trip, thanks to the vehicle's technologies.

As the local population begins to adopt electric cars and tourists do so, the country needs to adapt to this new reality. Thus, more public charging stations are emerging in Portugal. They are already located in the main tourist spots and in most municipalities.

According to ACAP, Portugal has 5,767 public charging stations. These are divided into 10,713 charging points and 12,104 charging sockets. The trend is for this volume to grow even more, making electric vehicles more accessible and advantageous.

What to Consider When Renting a Modern Car in Portugal

To make a good car choice for your trip to Portugal, you need to consider a few points. First of all, it's essential that you understand the main differences between a hybrid car and a 100% electric car to decide which one best suits your needs and route. Then, key points should be considered:

● Differences between automatic and manual cars. Ease and comfort of driving depend on this. Even a spacious car, when manual, can be a headache.

● Range of electric cars on long trips. 100% electric cars may have low range, requiring a customized route with strategic charging stops. For greater peace of mind, the greater the vehicle's range, the better.

● Need for charging apps. Some models require a charging app. Certain charging points also require this functionality. Therefore, always have all the necessary information to avoid surprises.

How to Choose Between Electric, Hybrid, or Combustion Cars

Each context and trip requires a different car model. Of course, electric vehicles are the most recommended due to their low CO2 emissions and greater comfort. However, depending on your travel plans, other models may be more suitable.

For urban travel, electric cars work perfectly, meeting the user's needs. If you plan to drive longer distances and on highways, hybrid or combustion vehicles may be more suitable thanks to their range. For mountainous or rural areas, everything will depend on the car's power, which should be carefully chosen.

If you choose an electric car, remember to prepare in advance. A good tip is to install an app that shows charging points in Portugal and around the world. This way, you can plan a route that makes sense and won't be stranded.

Important precautions before and during the trip

Before using the vehicle to enjoy your trip, do a complete check-up. Check tire pressure, dashboard warnings, lights, and brakes. Make sure you have enough charge or fuel and check the condition of the exhaust system. Even modern cars with good maintenance can have problems.

Although current vehicles are well-equipped and much safer, it's always best to be cautious before hitting the road. You can research in advance to better understand what you should check. You can also find out more about exhaust system malfunctions at autopecasonline24.pt, which has all the necessary details.

With everything in order and the car ready to go, you can enjoy your best trip. With a planned and organized route, you can make the most of great moments. Using modern vehicles makes the whole trip even more comfortable.