This year, our family embarked on a road trip to the Dordogne in France, opting to drive instead of fly. Surprisingly, the journey was smooth and uneventful, highlighting a significant shift in EV travel.
Infrastructure and Technology Advancements
EVs now boast longer, more reliable ranges and an abundance of charging points at various power levels. Apps and in-car technology make planning and executing long trips seamless.
During our busy season trip, we experienced no delays or charging issues. The reliable Tesla network offered convenient charges for our 500+km drives, with charging speeds over 200kW. Hotels and campsites provided chargers for overnight stays, and high-speed chargers were plentiful.
Our round trip cost under £100, covering over 2,000km. High-speed chargers via third-party apps cost around €0.69 per kWh, while Tesla’s network charged a mere €0.32 per kWh for 200+ kW convenience.
Added Perks
The EV adapted effortlessly to driving on the right and switching to kph and all of the associated safety measures – something many modern cars are now doing. The additional space in the EV however is perfect for holiday essentials and allows for some extra wine on the way back!
In conclusion, long-distance EV driving in Europe is now a reality—cheaper and more practical than ICE driving in my experience.
