Electric car and charging stations

The journey with the electric car can be reliably planned, if not only the range, but the entire chain of driving distance, charging point and accommodation is considered. A charging point at the destination is helpful, but not self-evident. Before Arrival and departure for holiday accommodation Therefore, charging breaks, access, payment, parking and a solution at a busy or defective charging point should be clarified.

Brief facts on the subject

• The usable range depends on speed, weather, loading, height differences and heating.
• A charging station at the property does not have to be automatically accessible to guests or included in the price.
• Plug, charging capacity, access system and payment option should be checked before arrival.
• A charging point may be occupied, out of service or blocked by another vehicle.
• For long distances, at least one reachable avoidance station is useful.
• In winter, more reserve should be planned due to cold, heating and possible detours.

Realistically assessing range

The range indication of the vehicle is a starting point, but not a fixed distance guarantee. Highway rides, headwinds, low temperatures, roof luggage and a fully loaded vehicle can increase fuel consumption. With an accommodation in the mountains, climbs and low temperatures may be added. Therefore, do not plan charging breaks only when the display shows only a few kilometers of range.

Divide the route into easily accessible sections and check whether the charging points are actually open and suitable for your vehicle. Then check with them.Mobility planning with car and rental car whether range, charging points and the location of the accommodation match. For a remote vacation rental, a vehicle with a larger range reserve or an intermediate charge at the location may be more practical.

Charging points along the line

At each planned charging station you should check location, opening hours, charging capacity, plug type and access. A fast charging point at a service station is not automatically the best choice if it is busy or only works with a specific app. Save at least one alternative nearby. When travelling through several countries, providers, apps and payment methods may differ.

The Consumer information from the European Alternative Fuels Observatory can help to find information about charging infrastructure in Europe. Before the trip, you should also check the current availability in the used charging app. Screenshots or an offline note are helpful if there is no stable mobile network on the go. Binding prices and blocking fees should be checked directly with the respective operator.

Loading at the holiday accommodation

Before booking, ask if there is a charging point, where it is located and who can use it. An outdoor space with a normal socket is not automatically suitable for longer charging. The host should confirm which technical solution is provided and how the billing is done. An extension cable from your own household must not be used without testing, because length, load capacity, weather protection and the safe guidance of the cable are important.

Also clarify whether the cargo space can be reserved or used by other guests. If the car park is far from the house, the charging cable may be too short. In the case of a Verification of accommodation before booking Therefore, the parking space, access, charging point, lighting and the way to the door belong together. The information should be in writing and not only consist of a general symbol in the advertisement.

Costs, time and payment

The charging time depends on the vehicle, charging capacity, battery level and temperature. A short break is not always enough if the battery is heavily discharged. Plan the loading time into the journey duration and use longer breaks for a meaningful load. For charging points with time or blocking charges, the vehicle should be reparked after charging, provided that the travel planning allows.

Before the trip, check whether credit card, charging card, app or another payment method is accepted. For rental vehicles, it should be clarified whether a charging cable is available and how the state of charge is documented upon return. The Costs and additional costs of holiday accommodation may also include an electricity price or charging fee. A clear agreement prevents the billing from becoming incomprehensible only upon departure.

Winter, Luggage and Diversion Plan

Cold can reduce range and increase charging time. In the case of a Winter arrival Therefore, you should plan a larger reserve and check the route for climbs, snowfall and possible detours. A charging point in an unclear parking lot can be difficult to reach with heavy luggage or for older travelers.

A good alternative plan not only mentions a second charging station, but also a safe way to reach the accommodation later. In the case of a Late arrival It should be clarified whether a delay due to loading is still compatible with the key transfer. Families may need additional breaks; Information on: Arriving with children should be taken into account in the route planning.

Return journey and state of charge

Do not start the return journey with a tightly calculated battery level. Check when to leave the property, whether the charging point is free by then and whether there is a reserve before the first fast charging point. If charging at the property is not possible, a station in the neighboring village or on the return route can fit better. The return of the key and the loading break should not come into competition with each other.

If you have problems with a charging station, document the operator, location, error message and proof of payment. Inform the host if a reserved space is blocked. A factual message with photo and time can facilitate the clarification. The booking conditions under Rental agreement, cancellation and deposit may become relevant if a promised service is not available.

Planning loading as part of the itinerary

Calculate not only the distance, but also loading time, load, weather, luggage and detours. Before departure, check several charging points along the route and at least one alternative. The charging instructions of the ADAC help with the first orientation; Prices, accesses and availability must be checked on the day of travel in the respective provider app.

Ask the holiday accommodation if there is a charging station, what service it offers and how the billing is done. A normal household outlet is not automatically suitable for permanent charging. In Car rental and local travel In addition, the return journey to the next public charging facility is part of the planning. In winter weather, you should also Route reserve increase.

Frequent questions about travelling by electric car

Is the specified range sufficient for the route?

This depends on weather, speed, load, distance and height differences. Plan a reserve and at least one accessible backup station.

Can I load at any holiday accommodation?

No. Charging point, parking space, access, technical solution and billing must be confirmed before booking.

What should I check at a charging station?

Plugs, charging capacity, opening hours, availability, access, payment method and possible blocking fees are important points.

How do I plan the loading time?

Consider battery level, charging capacity, temperature and a possible queue. Connect the store with a meaningful break.

What applies to a rental car?

Check charging cables, permitted charging methods, return status, billing and operation of the vehicle before departure.

What do I do with a defective or occupied charging point?

Use the previously saved dodge station and inform the host if the arrival or key handover is postponed.