Thanks to significant advancements in charging infrastructure and supportive policies across the continent, embarking on an EV road trip has never been more convenient and appealing. With sun-soaked coastlines, scenic Alpine passes, and historic cities all within reach, more and more travellers are swapping air miles for electric miles. The best part? Europe's EV infrastructure is becoming better and better equipped for the road trip of your dreams.

The Rise of the Electric Road Trip

Forget range anxiety. As of early 2025, Europe has surpassed 1 million public EV charging points, a significant leap from previous years, underscoring the continent's commitment to electric mobility. Countries like the Netherlands (over 175,000 charge points), France (165,000), and Germany (140,000) are leading the charge with dense and accessible networks, making cross-country travel not just possible, but increasingly convenient.

Plus, thanks to charging networks like Plugsurfing, Tesla, and ChargeNow adopting roaming agreements, you can now power up almost anywhere in Europe with just one app or card. It’s the kind of seamless travel experience electric drivers used to only dream about.

Planning Made Simple: Tools for the EV Traveller

Let’s be real: no one wants to spend their holiday hunting for a charger. That’s where tools like A Better Routeplanner (ABRP), Chargemap, and Tesla's navigation system come in.These apps don’t just show you where to charge - they consider road type, terrain, traffic, and even your driving style to plan the smartest, smoothest route.

And if you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye out for the upcoming Spark Alliance. The collaboration between Ionity, Fastned, Atlante, and Electra aims to create Europe’s largest ultra-fast charging network, with 11,000 points across 25 countries - charging up to 400 kW. That’s enough juice for hundreds of kilometres in just minutes. This Platform plans to be up and running by summer, enabling all EV drivers to experience the best of Europe by EV.

Country-SpecificPerks Worth Knowing

Driving an electric vehicle through Europe doesn’t just reduce your carbon footprint - it often comes with bonus travel perks that make your journey more convenient, budget-friendly, and stress-free.Here's what to expect in some of the most EV-friendly countries:

🇳🇴 Norway– Enjoy free public parking in many towns and cities, as well as toll exemptions and access to bus lanes for EVs. Plus, Norway’s fast-charging network is one of the densest in the world.

🇸🇮 Slovenia– EV drivers benefit from reduced motorway vignette costs and a growing network of rest-stop chargers - perfect for crossing to Croatia.

🇳🇱 Netherlands– The charging density here is unmatched, especially in urban areas. You’ll find frequent public charging points, convenient parking options for EVs, and great city access even in low-emission zones.

🇩🇪 Germany– With strong autobahn coverage, Germany offers high-speed chargers at most motorway rest areas, and many cities allow EVs into Umweltzonen (environmental zones) without additional stickers.

🇫🇷 France– Take advantage of the country’s “La Route Électrique” and its well-maintained highway chargers. EVs also get access to clean air zones, in many cases without special permits.

🇦🇹 Austria– Some routes offer discounted tolls for EVs, and you’ll find well-integrated charging along Alpine highways - ideal for a scenic summer detour.

🇮🇹 Italy– From Milan’s low-emission zones to coastal autostrada chargers, Italy is rolling out easy-to-use charge stops and urban access perks for electric vehicles.

🇪🇸 Spain– In cities like Barcelona and Madrid, EVs benefit from either free or discounted street parking, bonus access to restricted areas, and an improving network of chargers along tourist routes.

Whether you’re heading to the beach, the Alps, or a city break, Europe’s EV perks make the drive smoother, cleaner, and surprisingly relaxing.

Tolls, Zones & Rules: What to Watch Out For

While EVs open doors, a bit of admin is still necessary. In Belgium, for example, EVs can enter low-emission zones in cities like Antwerp, Brussels, and Ghent - but you’ll need to register your vehicle first. Similarly, Czech EVs qualify for toll exemptions, but only if you apply using a certified electronic signature.

Austria, while generous with tax benefits, currently doesn’t offer toll exemptions. But don't let that stop you - many of its scenic routes are worth every euro.

Why EVs Make the Best Summer Travel Companion

Think about it: no fuel costs, no carbon guilt, and no limits (well, almost). EVs offer a smooth, silent drive that lets you soak up every mountain curve, vineyard-lined road, and coastal breeze. And with Europe’s historic push towards green mobility, you’re not just travelling- you’re becoming part of a continent-wide movement toward sustainability.

So this summer, instead of checking into an airline app, check your tire pressure. Plot your route, pack your swimsuit, and let your EV lead the way across a greener, more connected Europe.

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