Are you planning a vacation or business trip abroad with your electric car?
There's no need to worry because a trip with your electric car can be just as smooth and hassle-free as a traditional car holiday.
In this article, we share valuable tips and advice on charging abroad so you can focus on enjoying the trip without worrying about power.
Research your route from home
Where is your trip heading? The number and location of charging stations vary significantly from country to country. The Netherlands has a very dense network of charging stations, which is also true for Norway and Sweden, where there are ample opportunities for charging. Conversely, countries like Spain and France may have sparser networks, resulting in greater distances between charging stations.
There are approximately 700,000 charging points in Europe, so there are many charging options, but it still requires planning along the way.
Download these apps
Several apps and websites can help you find charging stations across different operators. It can provide peace of mind to research the route from home if it's your first time traveling abroad with your electric car. We recommend the following apps:
- A Better Routeplanner (ABRP)
- Chargefinder
- Clever
Follow the car’s recommendations
Modern electric car navigation systems are becoming more advanced and can help you plan charging stops. Most electric cars can automatically calculate the most efficient routes, including charging points, while in other cars, you may need to plan the route more detailedly. We always recommend following the car's recommendations, but it is still a good idea to research the distance between charging stations in the countries you plan to visit.
Can I use my Clever subscription abroad?
We collaborate with Clever and therefore offer our customers the subscription solution Clever Complete, which provides access to Clever's many charging stations across Europe. In the Clever app, you can see the 14 public charging networks in Norway, Sweden, France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Austria. However, be aware that a Clever subscription does not cover charging abroad, which your employer pays for. Instead, you can use roaming, which in some cases can be billed directly through ALD Automotive, while in other cases, you need to make expenses with your own or company credit card, depending on your agreement with your employer.
It is always a good idea to check with your employer about internal rules and attitudes towards roaming and charging abroad.
Use fast charging and take advantage of breaks
It is important to note that it is not always necessary or appropriate to wait for your electric car to charge to 100%, especially when using fast or rapid chargers. When the battery approaches full charge, the charging speed drops significantly, leading to unnecessary waiting time. As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to charge up to around 8 0% of the battery's capacity before continuing your journey. This ensures efficient use of charging time while providing sufficient range to your destination. Most electric cars today can charge their battery from 10 % to 80 % in 25-35 minutes, so make sure to use breaks to stretch your legs and recharge your own batteries.
Charging during your stay?
Does the hotel or campsite offer charging where you will be staying? It is always a good idea to check from home whether it is possible to charge on-site – or at a nearby charging station. There are now several booking sites, including Booking.com, Euro-camping, and Hotels.com, where you can filter for places that offer charging facilities for electric cars. If it is not possible to charge where you will be staying, we do not recommend Mode-2 charging. According to the Safety Authority, you should be cautious with this type of charging, as the local electrical installation may not always be up to the task.
Ready for the trip
Now you just need to pack your bags and enjoy your holiday with your electric car. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact our customer service at 3355 8000 or kundeservice.dk@aldautomotive.com.
We wish you a great, electric road trip!