Ultimate EV road trip guide: everything you need for smooth travels across Europe

Know your EV:

Understanding how your specific electric vehicle behaves is one of the most valuable preparations you can make for a long-distance road trip. Every EV model has different charging speeds, range predictions, and battery conditioning systems. Knowing these details will help you plan more efficiently and avoid surprises on the road.

Take time to learn how your car estimates range and how it responds to different driving conditions. Some vehicles are more sensitive to elevation changes, while others adjust range estimates based on recent driving habits. Use your vehicle’s trip planning tools, if available, to better understand consumption over time.

It’s also important to familiarise yourself with how your EV handles battery temperature. Most modern cars manage this automatically with a preconditioning system that heats or cools the battery to the ideal level before fast charging. However, you’ll still get the best results by charging after some driving, when the battery is already warm.

Finally, take time to familiarise yourself with how your EV charges at different types of stations — at home, at public AC stations (3.7 kW-22 kWh), and at DC fast chargers (50-400 kWh). Know how long it typically takes your car to charge from 10% to 80%, and get used to checking the charger’s power output and plug compatibility. Understanding how quickly your vehicle can actually charge, and at what power level, is essential for planning ahead. For example, some EVs may have large batteries but can’t take full advantage of a high-power charger — so even if you plug into a 350 kW charger, your car might only be able to charge at 100 kW.

A well-understood vehicle makes for a far more confident and comfortable driving experience.

Create your route:

Countries like the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, and Austria lead the way in charge point density, while larger nations like France and Germany are rapidly expanding their networks, adding hundreds of new charge points every month. This means you can plan your trip based on your interests and preferred routes, confident that charging facilities will be available along the way.

When planning your route, consider the distance between chargers and the type of charger you’ll need. High-power DC chargers (up to 400 kW) deliver fast top-ups in around 20-30 minutes - excellent for longer journeys. Many are found along motorways and near service centres, allowing you to combine charging with coffee stops or lunch breaks. Sometimes a short detour is necessary – but this can lead to unexpected discoveries, such as a scenic viewpoint or a charming village.

To make your planning easier, use a roaming app, such as Spirii Go, that helps you locate chargers, compare prices, and view real-time availability and pricing. Spirii Go is a free app that provides access to 600,000+ charge points across Europe. It also integrates directly with Google Maps and Apple Maps for easy route planning. It does not lock you into one operator, so you can stay flexible and adapt your plans along the way – whether you're heading into the mountains or exploring a seaside town. You can get a good idea of whether the charger works, whether it is a fast charger or a slow charger, how many plugs there are, pricing etc.

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Types of charging station:

Understanding the different types of charging stations you’ll encounter can help with planning and expectations.

• Wallbox chargers: Typically found at homes, small accommodations and hotels, these AC chargers offer slower charging speeds but are perfect for overnight charging.
• AC charging stations: Common in cities and public areas, offering 11–22 kW charging. Ideal for a longer charging break while sightseeing or enjoying a meal during the day.
• DC fast chargers: The speediest option. Located along motorways and at service areas, delivering 50–400 kW for rapid charging. Best for quick top-ups on long-distance journeys.

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Charging cables:

Europe’s charging infrastructure has largely been standardised around two plug types for public chargers:

• Type 2 (Mennekes): the widely used connector for AC charging (up to ~43 kW), adopted across the EU since 2013
• CCS Combo 2: a combined AC/DC plug based on Type 2, adding two DC pins to support fast charging up to 400 kW

These two charging cables cover nearly all standard public charging stations in Europe – AC and DC alike.

However, it’s wise to bring a Type 2 to Schuko adapter in case you need to charge at a household outlet in a pinch.

Always check the compatibility of charging options along your route and carry your own cables to ensure you’re prepared for any setup.

Road trip packing list

Preparation goes a long way towards a stress-free EV holiday. Here’s what to bring:

• Smartphone with the Spirii Go charging app installed.
• EV route planner (Spirii Go or ABRP)
• Charging cables: Type 2 and CCS, compatible with most public chargers in Europe. The DC fast chargers have cables attached.
• Type 2 to Schuko adapter or emergency charging cable (bring only one, based on your vehicle and setup)
• Travel-sized cleaning kit for windscreen and lights
• Spare fuses and bulbs (as required by law in some countries)
• Valid driving license, registration, insurance documents and EV-related paperwork

Find hotels with free charging:

Choosing accommodation with EV charging options makes life easier on the road. Many hotels, guesthouses, and holiday parks across Europe now offer charging as a standard amenity. Use booking platforms with EV filters to find spots that suit your route and battery needs. While most hotel chargers are slower AC types, they’re ideal for overnight use and ensure you start each day fully charged.

If your accommodation doesn’t offer charging, plan a charging stop nearby before checking in. Many drivers pair this with dinner or a short walk, making it part of the experience. Even staying close to a charger – rather than directly at one –  offers flexibility without hassle.

Eco-hotels and agritourism spots increasingly cater to EV travelers, especially in countries like Italy and Austria. Apps like Spirii Go show nearby public chargers so you can power up while you relax.

Always check plug compatibility and carry your own cables to avoid unexpected issues.

Drive efficiently:

Efficient driving is one of the easiest ways to extend your EV’s battery range and get the most out of every charge. Small adjustments in your driving style can make a noticeable difference.

The most efficient charging strategy is to let the battery drop to around 10 percent and then charge to 70 or 80 percent. Charging above 80 percent takes significantly longer and is usually less cost-effective. Plan your driving in 200-300 km stretches, depending on your model, allowing for one or two efficient charging stops each day, ideally during a lunch break or while exploring a destination.

In summer, charging in the early morning or late evening helps avoid heat-related reductions in efficiency, this is especially important in regions of Southern Europe. Using air conditioning in high temperatures could reduce your range by up to 20 percent.

Here are some more quick tips for efficient driving:

• Use Eco mode: Enables the car to operate in a more energy-efficient state.
• Use cruise control: Keeps your speed stable and reduces energy use on flat terrain. Consumption tends to be lower in city settings too, where regenerative braking supports battery efficiency.
• Regenerate energy smartly: In urban or hilly areas, take advantage of regenerative braking, but switch it off at cruising speed for better efficiency. Most EVs allow you to adjust the level of regeneration – select the mode that fits your route.
• Avoid high speed, harsh acceleration and sudden braking: Driving fast or overtaking frequently on motorways significantly increases consumption and can compromise both efficiency and safety.
• Check tyre pressure: Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and reduce range.
• Optimise payload: Remove roof luggage when not needed and avoid overloading the car.
• Minimise accessory usage: Turn off heated seats, air conditioning and infotainment systems when not needed.

Understanding how your EV performs under different conditions and planning accordingly will ensure your summer journey is as efficient and enjoyable as possible.

Managing charging costs and payments on the go

Charging costs can vary depending on the station and charging network operator. Some operators bill per kilowatt-hour, others per minute, and some add a connection fee on top. If your vehicle charges more slowly, try to avoid stations that charge by the minute, as these can end up costing more than expected. Using thicker cables, where available, can also help speed up charging and keep costs down.

To stay in control, always check pricing in advance. EV apps like Spirii Go display real-time prices, helping you compare pricing options and choose the best-value charger nearby. This transparency means you can avoid surprises at the end of a session.

Payment is also much simpler when your setup is streamlined. Many apps, like Spirii Go, now let you store your preferred payment method, so you can activate chargers without entering card details each time. This saves time, reduces hassle, and means you won’t need to juggle multiple memberships, RFID cards or unfamiliar systems while traveling.

With Spirii Go, you can register your payment method in advance – including options like Apple Pay – so every charging session is smooth and straightforward. Once your details are saved, you can start charging with just a few taps wherever you are in the network. You can also use Spirii Go without registration and sign-up.

Useful charging phrases:

Traveling across different countries means encountering a variety of languages. While most public charging points are straightforward to use, it helps to know a few key phrases – especially in more rural areas. Simple questions like “Can I charge my car?” can go a long way. Here are a few translations:

• Italian: Posso ricaricare la mia auto?
• German: Kann ich mein Auto aufladen?
• Swedish: Kan jag ladda min bil?
• Dutch: Kan ik mijn auto opladen?
• Spanish: ¿Puedo cargar mi coche?
• Croatian: Mogu li napuniti svoj automobil?
• French: Puis-je recharger ma voiture?

Having these in your back pocket can make a difference in less touristy locations where English might not be widely spoken.

What if your battery run low?

While running out of battery is rare with good planning, it’s not the end of the world. Most EVs come with emergency cables that allow you to charge from a regular household plug, giving you enough range to reach a nearby charger. Roadside assistance services across Europe increasingly offer EV-specific support, including towing to a charging station or mobile charging units. Still, building in a good buffer in your route planning helps you avoid the situation altogether.

Some more tips on range anxiety here

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