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Electric driving and winter sports: Tips for a worry-free journey

We all know that the winter holidays are in full swing, and with that winter fun also comes the dreaded ‘charging station stress’. Especially if you plan to cruise around Europe in your electric car. Last year, we saw many people with plug-in cars who borrowed or hired a petrol car for the summer anyway, purely to avoid getting stuck on a foreign motorway somewhere with a dead battery. No fun, right?
These days, the idea of a winter sports trip in your electric car is music to your ears. But before you dive into the snow, there are a few things to keep in mind to make your ride go smoothly.

1. Route planning and charging stops

Good route planning is crucial. Make sure you are aware of the locations of charging stations along your route. This will avoid unpleasant surprises and long waiting times.

2. Cold Influence on range

It is common knowledge that the performance of electric cars can vary depending on weather conditions. In particular, an electric car’s range can decrease by up to 30% in cold conditions.
Electric cars depend on their batteries for propulsion, and like all batteries, these can be affected by temperature. In cold weather, chemical reactions in the battery can slow down, resulting in reduced capacity and efficiency. This can lead to a decrease in the car’s range by as much as 30%.

3. Charging facilities at destination

Check in advance whether your accommodation offers charging facilities. It is a bonus if you can charge at your place of accommodation, so you can top up the batteries overnight.

4. Charge cards and adapters

Bring several charging cards and different cables/adapters. Not all charging stations have the same requirements, so a little variation can save you a lot of hassle.

5. Full battery on departure

This is, of course, a clue! Start your trip with a fully charged battery. This is the best start for a stress-free drive to your winter sports destination.

Charging infrastructure in Europe

The growth of charging stations in Europe is impressive, but the situation varies greatly between countries, especially between Western and Eastern Europe.

Current Situation

For fast charging along European motorways, you can go to several providers, including Ecotap of course. A big advantage is that these larger stations often accept all European charging cards.

Future developments

The European Union plans to have a charging station every 60 kilometres along major roads by 2026. This means a significant increase in the number of charging stations. The future also promises new technologies such as induction charging, which will allow wireless charging.

A sustainable winter sports trip

Driving to your winter sports destination with an electric car is quite doable these days, provided you are well prepared. With the growth of charging stations in Europe and future developments in charging technology, the future looks bright for sustainable travellers. So, grab your snowboard or skis and enjoy your eco-friendly drive to the snow!