To the supermarket, to work or to the lake - owners of electric cars use their vehicles primarily to cover shorter distances. However, the shorter range of cars powered by electricity does not rule out long distances: Going on holiday with an e-car is possible with the right planning.
BEFORE THE HOLIDAY TRIP: PLAN THE ROUTE
The charging infrastructure is not only being constantly expanded within Germany. Many European countries, especially in the west and north of Europe, are well prepared for electric mobility. If you want to go on holiday with an e-car, different providers as well as payment systems require careful planning before you start your journey.
Special route planners are particularly helpful for this. In addition to Google Maps, websites such as GoingElectric or Chargemap not only show the planned route, but also charging stations. GoingElectric also includes the car model and the plug type of the vehicle used in its individual calculation. Information on registration and roaming is also available on the website.
The ADAC route planner also has a function for displaying the charging stations on the selected route. For on the road, there are also various apps that are helpful in the search for charging options via location detection. The Here application for Android and iOS, for example, provides a good overview of charging stations throughout Europe.
TO AUSTRIA BY ELECTRIC CAR
Austria is the perfect holiday destination for owners of electric cars. Locally, e-mobilists will find a charging point about every 30 kilometres. With 5,000 charging points for about 21,000 pure e-cars, the neighbouring country is one of the pioneers in the expansion of public charging infrastructure. The network of the Federal Association of Electric Mobility Austria (BEÖ) includes a total of 3,000 of these charging points. To find the nearest charging point, use the e-charging point finder. The free map service lists e-charging stations in Austria and is also available as an app.
The charging cards of all BEÖ member companies are compatible with the charging stations. A list of these can be found on the association's website. Those who do not have a suitable card can also spontaneously fill up with electricity in Austria using their smartphone and a QR code reader. Payment is then made by credit card or another payment provider. Schuko plugs, type 2 plugs. CHAdeMO plugs, CEE plugs and Combo plugs (Combined Charging System CCS).
Another charging infrastructure provider in Austria is SMATRICS. Of the more than 435 charging points in the SMATRICS network, 210 are fast charging points with outputs of 43 or 50 kW. These are located approximately every 60 kilometres along the motorways and in conurbations. This makes full charging possible in 30 minutes. Roaming partners include The New Motion and Ladenetz.de.
HOLIDAY IN FRANCE
With 24,850 public charging points, France also ranks among the top countries in Europe. So going on holiday with an electric car is relatively easy here. However, those on holiday here should note that the local charging points are unevenly distributed geographically. Many charging stations are located in the major cities - 738 in Paris alone, for example. Away from the French capital, the departments of Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-et-Marne, Gironde and Finistère are also good places to recharge. In contrast, the charging infrastructure is less developed in the centre of the country.
Holidaymakers can quickly charge their electric cars in France at over 2,200 charging points. Thanks to the Corri-Door project of the charging infrastructure provider IZIVIA, e-mobilists currently find a fast-charging station every 80 kilometres. Charging here takes about 20 to 30 minutes - as long as a coffee break. Type 2 plugs, Combo plugs (Combined Charging System CCS) and CHAdeMO plugs can be connected to the fast chargers. The normal chargers also have a connection for the Schuko plug.
The Chargemap Pass is a suitable charging card for holidays in France. It is currently accepted in France by Corri-door, CNR, Belib, Eborn, EPAMSA, USEDA, SDE07, SDE28, SDEF and many other providers. The starter package costs 19.90 euros. After registering, users receive the charging card by post within a few days.
ON THE ROAD IN DENMARK
In Denmark, e-mobilists can refuel at around 2,700 charging points. Over 500 of these are fast-charging. The charging stations of E.ON DK and Clever are particularly widespread. Travellers must note, however, that the two companies do not offer roaming between each other. You have to choose a provider's card before you start your journey. E.ON DK offers non-customers, among other things, telephone activation and charges a flat fee per charge. To use the Clever charging stations, on the other hand, an RFID prepaid card is required that can be recharged in 100 kWh increments. The provider recommends ordering the card at least seven working days before departure.
Practical: If you have a charging card from NewMotion or EinfachStromLaden, for example, you can charge your electric car at both E.ON DK and Clever.
CONCLUSION: Going on holiday with an e-car? No problem!
Taking an e-car on holiday is no longer a problem in Austria, France and Denmark. As a general rule, planning is everything. Travellers should familiarise themselves with their route in advance of the trip and register for the appropriate payment system at least two weeks in advance. If you want to be on the safe side, keep the 230 V emergency charging cable in your car. This way, your electric car is ready to go again for the next stage after a few hours or overnight if you are travelling for several days.
Poland and the Czech Republic are also worthwhile destinations. We have already researched for you which providers there are and where you can find the nearest charging station.