With rapidly growing demand and a push for sustainable travel worldwide, the use of electric vehicles (EVs) is shifting from a nice-to-have feature to travelers’ preferred mobility option. In some areas with lots of sunshine and innovation, EVs are a huge hit among visitors and locals alike. As eco-conscious drivers look to explore off the beaten path, questions arise about the availability of EV car rentals in Oman, a country full of impressive landscapes, long roads, and adventure opportunities. In this article, we unpack the electric car rental situation in Oman in 2025. Let’s see if going green is a practical option yet for Oman rental cars.
Electric Cars Gain Momentum in the GCC
Sustainable transport has been a growing area of focus for GCC governments in recent years. The UAE and Saudi Arabia have taken big steps toward greener infrastructure and have made significant investments in EV charging networks and green vehicle incentives. Oman has also started talking about the future of electric mobility.
In the broad plan Oman 2040, the development of green energy sources and a sustainable transport network is a high priority, and several statements from government agencies and state-owned businesses like the Oman Environmental Services Holding Company (be’ah) and Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) have demonstrated this.
Is the Concept Catching Up with the Market?
The big question for EV car rental in Oman is whether Oman’s current EV-ready infrastructure and policies can keep up with demand. Let’s take a closer look at the current state of EV car rental in Oman, covering things to know about electric car rental in Oman, plus if it’s a good idea for your trip to Oman.
Where to Rent an Electric Car in Oman
Electric vehicles for rent are almost nonexistent in Oman currently, while most rental car agencies offer a fleet of petrol-powered cars (e.g., compact hatchbacks, SUVs, or 4WDs) as it is much more aligned with Oman’s fueling infrastructure and road conditions. We found a few EV models offered by specific premium rental agencies and high-end hotels in Oman, but it is not a common thing to find as regular travel rental cars.
If you are traveling in Oman and are keen on hiring an electric vehicle, you may have a chance to find it (barely) in Muscat, but otherwise, you’ll need to rent a traditional car.
Oman: Are Electric Cars Rentals Practical Yet?
The availability of electric car rentals in Oman and throughout the country is not very large at the moment. Several reasons contribute to this fact:
Limited Charging Network
Although charging stations are being gradually installed in Muscat and a few highway locations, there is a long way to go until the network becomes a national one and is easily accessible to EV drivers.
Driving Distances
Oman is a big country, with many attractions located quite far apart. It is important to take into account the range of EVs and long distances between points of interest.
Higher Costs of EVs
Electric cars tend to have a higher upfront cost than traditional vehicles.
Lack of Public Awareness
Locals and tourists are not very familiar with electric car technology and thus are not interested in EVs at this stage.
EV Charging in Oman: Where and How Fast?
By 2025, Oman had started to roll out its public charging infrastructure with charging stations appearing in:
Hotels and resorts in Muscat
Petrol stations along the Muscat-Sohar highway
Shopping malls and office buildings
Government buildings and EV pilot projects
The number of fast-charging stations is still limited though, and the majority are Level 2 (medium-speed), which could take hours to fully recharge an electric vehicle. This can be a big inconvenience for road trips and when traveling on your own schedule. As such, if you are considering renting an electric vehicle, you will need to plan the trip around charging locations and time.
Renting Electric Cars: What the Future Brings?
In the long run, it can be expected that the government, having put EVs on the agenda and increased environmental awareness among local citizens and tourists, will take a more active stance in the development of electric mobility and the number of electric cars for rent in Oman will gradually increase.
Government Steps
Oman’s National Energy Strategy calls for a shift to renewable energy sources in the future, and EVs are seen as an essential part of this strategy. The government is likely to expand the infrastructure and service areas to cover most of the country in the near future, and there is a likelihood of private companies experimenting with small EV fleets on a trial basis.
In the first quarter of 2025, the government also announced plans to implement EV-friendly rules and policies that would apply to both individuals and commercial users of the new vehicles. These include:
Financial assistance for EV purchases
Tax incentives for EV importers and fleet operators
Encouragement for property developers to incorporate EV chargers in new projects
Private Sector Influence
As global agencies with branches in Oman, like Europcar, Hertz, AVIS, etc. expand their EV fleets in their home markets to meet growing demand, it can be expected that these companies will follow suit in the GCC.
These include countries where major travelers now regularly seek EV rental cars wherever they travel, and the local tourism industry is a key pillar of Oman 2040. The obvious first steps here would be Muscat International Airport and popular tourist clusters.
Renting an Electric Vehicle for Your Oman Trip
Is Oman EV-Friendly for Car Rental?
The country in general, regardless of its car rental market, is doing well in terms of electric vehicle support:
Road Quality
In terms of the quality of roads and highways, Oman is a very good destination for electric vehicles because of:
Smooth asphalt reduces tire and brake wear
Limits the impact of a hot climate on the battery
Less energy wasted and more efficient consumption
Traffic
Traffic in Oman is on average not very heavy, and cities like Muscat, Salalah, and Sohar have a moderate level of congestion when compared to other capitals and major cities in the region.
Outside urban areas, the roads are often wide open and free, which is great for extending the range of electric vehicles.
Heat
Hot weather can reduce the energy efficiency of EV batteries, although newer EVs are usually equipped with battery thermal management systems to combat it.
Traveling in the cooler seasons (October to March) will likely have the least impact on battery performance.
Travel Tips: Renting Electric Cars in Oman
If you’ve traveled in regions with fully-integrated EVs into the rental mix (i.e. Norway, Germany, or the UAE), Oman will be a shockingly different experience. But don’t lose hope: Oman is poised to follow the trend of other GCC nations that have invested big in EV infrastructure. In the meantime, here are some tips for adventurous EV drivers in Oman:
Always check with the rental company in advance if you have a shot at getting an EV.
Plan your route in advance and around chargers.
Ask your hotel if they provide EV chargers for guests.
Avoid traveling to remote areas for safety reasons and plan your journey within urban areas.
Confirm the actual range of the EV car model you are interested in and charging time.
Final Thoughts
Electric car rental in Oman may not be a widely available and mainstream feature for most travelers yet, but the tide is turning toward eco-conscious transport in Oman. As local governments and businesses increase awareness and service coverage, we expect the electric option to become more widespread in the coming years. For the time being, travelers renting cars in Oman will likely have to stick to petrol-powered options. We recommend using all cars efficiently and supporting green tourism in Oman where possible.
As Oman aims to shift toward a greener and more sustainable future, electric vehicles can be expected to become an important part of the country’s rental fleet. For now, renting a car in Oman remains the most convenient and flexible option to explore all that the destination has to offer, but if you’re into EVs, keep a lookout for the upcoming changes!