Range anxiety on summer vacation? Here's how to travel smoothly in your electric car

Have you heard of range anxiety, or perhaps experienced it yourself? Range anxiety refers to the fear that your electric car will run out of battery before you reach your destination or a charging station.

Some car owners worry about this when considering switching their gasoline or diesel car for an electric vehicle, or when planning their first road trip in an electric car. This concern is often unnecessary, as modern electric cars can meet most driving needs – both for daily use and longer trips abroad.

Here are some useful tips to help you leave range anxiety behind and enjoy your road trip.

Plan ahead

There are about 700,000 charging points in Europe, providing plenty of charging options – and the charging infrastructure is constantly growing. If it's your first time going on a road trip in your electric car in the countries you plan to visit, it's good to research the charging options available beforehand. The number and location of charging stations vary from country to country, and there is a significant difference depending on whether your trip goes north or south.

Research the route via apps

If you have some range anxiety, it can be a good idea to research the route ahead of time. Several apps and websites can help you find charging stations along your route, such as:

• A Better Routeplanner (ABRP)
• Chargefinder
• Clever (especially if you have a Clever subscription)

Does your subscription cover charging abroad?

If you have a Clever subscription, it doesn't cover charging abroad that your employer pays for. However, you can use the Clever app to charge abroad with selected companies listed in the app. The usage will appear on your monthly invoice from us and be listed as roaming abroad.

Always check your employer's policies and attitudes towards roaming and charging abroad.

Check your car's condition before departure

Also, make sure your car is in top condition before you leave. Check the tire pressure and remember to bring necessary charging cables and adapters.

Efficient use of charging time

Charging your car doesn't have to take long. It is recommended to charge up to about 80% of the battery's capacity when on the go, using a fast charger. This ensures efficient use of charging time and sufficient range to your next planned charging destination. Most electric cars can charge their battery from 10% to 80% in 25-35 minutes. Use the breaks to stretch your legs and recharge your own energy reserves.

Strategic planning of breaks to coincide with charging times allows you to eat, explore the local area, or just relax while the car charges.

Be aware that some battery types can't tolerate fast charging more than four times in a row without the charging speed decreasing. Therefore, ensure a charging opportunity at your overnight stay to reset this.

Electric car-friendly destinations

To reduce your range anxiety, you can choose destinations known for good charging options. Many hotels and campsites offer charging stations, making it easy to charge the car overnight. Use booking sites that allow you to filter places that offer charging facilities for electric cars. The following websites have this feature:

• Booking.com
• Euro-camping
• Hotels.com

Ready for vacation?

With the right preparation and planning, range anxiety can be overcome, and you can enjoy a smooth summer vacation in your electric car.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, where our experts are always ready to help you.

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