Renting an electric car in Europe has become much easier in recent years. Public charging networks have expanded, motorway charging is more common, and modern EVs now offer enough range for serious road trips rather than just city driving. For travelers, Tesla remains one of the simplest electric-car options because navigation, charging stops and the Supercharger network are closely integrated.
Tesla says its Superchargers can add up to around 275 km of range in 15 minutes under suitable conditions, while the navigation system can automatically include charging stops when planning a longer route.
Italy is particularly well suited to this kind of trip. A Tesla rental in Milan gives travelers easy access to the city, Lake Como, Lake Garda and northern Italy. Milan is also served by three major airports - Malpensa (MXP), Linate (LIN) and Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY)- making it a convenient place to start or finish a road trip.
From Milan, Lake Como is close enough that most Tesla models can comfortably make the round trip without fast charging if they start with a healthy battery level. Lake Garda is farther away but still straightforward, particularly in a Model 3 Long Range or Model Y Long Range.
For longer trips, charging simply becomes part of the journey. Milan to Florence, for example, is roughly a 300 km drive. In a Long Range Tesla, it may be possible without stopping if the car begins near full charge, although many drivers will prefer one short Supercharger stop for comfort and flexibility.
Milan to Rome is a much longer journey of roughly 570–600 km. A Model 3 Long Range would typically require around one fast-charging stop, while shorter-range models may be more comfortable with one or two stops, depending on starting charge, speed, weather and traffic. Tesla has Supercharger locations along major Italian routes, including locations around Milan, Bologna, Barberino di Mugello, Arezzo and other motorway corridors.
Tuscany is another natural destination for an electric road trip. Renting around Florence, including Florence Airport (FLR), allows travelers to explore the countryside, wine regions and smaller towns without depending entirely on trains. Rome and Fiumicino Airport (FCO) are similarly useful starting points for Lazio, Umbria, Tuscany or longer journeys south.
Which Tesla Should You Rent in Italy?
Tesla's European lineup offers several very different options. The best choice depends more on your route, passengers and luggage than on outright performance. You can search local providers or find all available models at Lurento.
Tesla Model 3: Best for Couples and Long-Distance Travel
For most travelers, the Model 3 is the easiest recommendation.
It is smaller and more efficient than Tesla's SUVs, making it easier to use in Italian cities, underground garages and narrower streets. Long Range versions are particularly well suited to routes such as Milan–Florence, Milan–Rome or a multi-day tour through Tuscany.
Its lower energy consumption also generally means fewer charging stops than larger EVs. For two travelers with normal holiday luggage, it offers plenty of usable space without becoming unnecessarily large.
The standard rear-wheel-drive version makes sense for shorter trips around Milan, Como or Florence. The Long Range versions are better if you plan to cross several regions. Performance models add much stronger acceleration, but the extra speed brings relatively little practical benefit to an Italian road trip.
Tesla Model Y: Best All-Round Choice
For families and travelers carrying more luggage, the Model Y is probably the best all-round Tesla rental.
The current Long Range rear-wheel-drive Model Y offers up to 603 km WLTP range, while maximum cargo capacity exceeds 2,100 liters depending on configuration. It can also add up to approximately 257 km of range in 15 minutes at a suitable Supercharger.
That combination makes it particularly good for longer holidays involving Milan, Lake Garda, the Dolomites or Tuscany.
The trade-off is size. A Model Y is nearly 4.8 meters long and more than two meters wide with its mirrors open, so a Model 3 may be easier around historic centers and small Italian parking garages.
Tesla Model S: Best for Long-Distance Comfort
Where available from rental companies, the Model S is the more luxurious choice.
It is especially attractive for long motorway journeys because of its combination of range, performance and cabin comfort. Someone planning Milan–Rome, Milan–Venice–Florence or a larger Italian grand tour may appreciate it more than somebody spending most of the trip inside cities.
The Plaid version is extraordinarily fast, but the regular long-range configuration is arguably the smarter rental for touring.
Tesla Model X: Best for Maximum Space
The Model X is the choice for larger groups, substantial luggage or travelers who simply want more interior space.
It can work particularly well for family trips to Lake Garda, ski destinations or longer holidays where several suitcases need to fit comfortably.
Its main disadvantage in Italy is also obvious: it is a very large car. Narrow streets, hotel entrances and older underground garages can make the Model X less convenient than a Model 3 or Model Y.
Charging, Autopilot and What to Expect
Charging is usually the biggest concern for someone renting an EV for the first time, but Tesla removes much of the planning.
Enter your destination and the navigation system can suggest Supercharger stops automatically. Tesla currently lists a substantial network of Superchargers across Italy, including locations near major motorway routes and cities.
A few practical examples:
- Milan → Lake Como: normally no charging stop required.
- Milan → Lake Garda: normally no stop in a Long Range model; charging at the destination may be useful.
- Milan → Florence: usually zero or one fast-charging stop, depending on model and starting charge.
- Milan → Rome: usually around one stop in a Long Range Model 3; one or two is more realistic in shorter-range versions or under less favorable conditions.
- Florence → Rome: generally manageable without stopping in a Long Range Tesla if starting with sufficient charge, although a short stop can provide a comfortable reserve.
These are practical estimates rather than guarantees. Real range depends on motorway speed, temperature, elevation, air-conditioning or heating, passenger load and battery level at departure. Tesla itself notes that real-world range can vary with factors such as speed, weather and elevation.
Rental customers should also check exactly how charging is handled. Some rental companies bill Supercharger use afterward, while others may have their own payment arrangements. It is worth confirming which charging cables are supplied and whether the vehicle can use third-party public chargers.
Tesla's driver-assistance systems also deserve clarification. Autopilot is a driver-assistance system, not autonomous driving, and Tesla states that currently enabled Autopilot and related features require active driver supervision.
*October 2026: Full Self-Driving (Supervised) is still not approved for general customer use in Italy. Tesla is currently offering passenger-seat FSD demonstrations in locations including Milan, Rome, Bologna, Padua and Verona, but ordinary rental customers should not assume that FSD will be available on their car. Tesla's Italian support pages state that availability depends on regulatory approval in each country.
For most visitors, the Model 3 Long Range is the strongest choice for efficiency and long-distance touring, while the Model Y Long Range is better for families, luggage and longer holidays. Model S adds comfort and performance, while Model X makes sense when maximum space matters more than maneuverability.
The main difference from renting a petrol car is simply learning to think about charging rather than fuel stops. Once that becomes part of the route, traveling through Italy by Tesla - from Milan and Lake Como to Tuscany and Rome - is relatively straightforward.
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