Electric car charging at the campsite

Going on holiday with an electric car may require some extra planning and attention, but it is certainly feasible. There are plenty of charging points available in many European countries these days. It is always wise to plan your route before you travel, so you know where you can charge and where you can find fast chargers on your route. Several websites allow you to plot your route, taking into account your car's range. Although Tesla's have a well-functioning software that tells you exactly where and when to charge, it is still wise to plan a route for all electric cars. Charging stations along the motorway are often prime locations. So make your stop a nice break and enjoy a delicious coffee or something sweet.

If you want to make optimal use of your range, it is advisable to maintain a constant speed of about 100 km/h and drive on the automatic pilot. If you maintain a continuous speed, you will need to charge less quickly and will probably reach your destination faster than if you step on the accelerator and need to charge more often. So depending on your range, it is wise to drive slowly.

Some tips for your electric car journey:

• Choose fast chargers on your route: To keep your stop short, opt for fast chargers that can recharge your electric car 80% within 30 minutes. Use this stop for a quick refreshment and sanitary break.
• Carry several charging passes: Make sure you carry several charging passes, including Tesla's app, so you can access several charging networks, especially in areas with few charging points such as northern France, Burgundy, Auvergne and Limousin. Pay close attention to whether different rates apply abroad for your chosen pass and whether the pass is also usable for charging in the country you are travelling through.
• Know what to do in case of breakdown on the road: Make sure you are aware of dealer support for your electric car or that your car insurance offers breakdown cover.
• Take an extra charging cable with you when you travel! Usually, you get a charging cable as standard with your car for charging from a pole as well as a charging cable for charging from a normal socket (if the latter is not the case, you can purchase one).
• Don't forget to bring environmental stickers, hazard vests and breathalyzer tests. Also get a toll badge for toll roads in countries such as Spain, France and Italy.
• Set regenerative braking for better range: Use regenerative braking to improve the range of your electric car while driving.
• When booking accommodation for a stopover, it is wise to check in advance whether there is a charging station. This gives you more security so that after a long day in your car, you can charge your car at your accommodation.

Germany

In Germany, you have several charging station providers (EnBW, Allego, Ionity, E.ON) for this it is advisable to bring several charging passes and have corresponding apps on your phone.

France

Along the main routes to southern France, ultra-fast charging stations have been established by various providers such as Allegro, IONITY and Fastned. Having an extra charging pass can be particularly handy in France. Fortunately, most Dutch charge cards come with a French variant, such as those from Izivia, Freschmile or Fulli, giving you access to more than 90% of the charging network.

Spain

For larger energy needs on the road, there are fewer fast chargers available than in France, for example, with charging speeds of 50 kW or higher.
Along major main roads, 50 kW fast chargers in Spain offer reasonably good coverage. However, if you want to charge faster than 50 kW, options in Spain are limited. Besides Tesla Super chargers, Ionity charging stations are also available.

On more than 95% of the charging network, the Electromaps charging pass can be ordered and taken with you when you take your electric car to Spain. Especially if you go off the main roads and want to charge, this pass is indispensable.

Italy

Going on holiday to Italy is doable and easily accessible. The north of Italy up to Rome is well equipped with charging stations. Besides Germany and Austria, Switzerland also has excellent coverage with charging facilities along the motorways. For these countries, check which charging card you need and take several with you to be sure. If you are not a Tesla driver and depend on other types of fast chargers, we recommend buying an Enel or Nextcharge charging card, which are accepted on almost all Italian providers. So handy for travelling!

Croatia

On the way to Croatia, you will travel via Germany, Austria and Slovenia. If you do not drive directly to Croatia, but make a stopover in Germany or Austria, it is important to book accommodation with a charging station. This will save time on arrival and departure. Fortunately, the supply of charging facilities along the motorways in Germany and Austria is extensive enough to get around the country well. In Slovenia, however, it takes a bit more planning to find a charging point. It is wise to check in advance which charging card you can use. The Plug Surfing charging card is common in Slovenia and can be purchased before your holiday. Connecting the charger here may also be slightly different from in the Netherlands. You may have to present your pass first before attaching the charging cables. In Croatia, you will find most charging stations from the provider ELEN, both in cities and along motorways.

Use the tips above and plan your trip carefully so that you arrive at your camping destination relaxed and ready to enjoy the fun holiday time.