Discover the ultimate guide to family road trips in Europe with an Electric Vehicle. Explore top destinations, rental tips, and the best EVs for a fun, eco-friendly adventure!
In 2009, I went on my first family road trip in Europe from Milton Keynes to a Caravan and holiday park in Snowdonia, Wales, UK. Since then, I have taken numerous road trips alone and with family and friends in the UK and Europe. With the increasing availability of charging stations and the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), EVs have become a popular choice for travellers. Recent trends in electric car sales show that over one in every five new car registrations is now an EV, reaching nearly 3.2 million in 2023 and increasing by almost 20% relative to 2022. Thus, Family road trips in Europe using an EV are now more attractive than ever. Whether it’s enjoying the scenic beauty of Switzerland, the historic charm of France, or exploring the vibrant cities of Germany, travelling in an electric vehicle is the way to go. Now is the perfect time to embark on a European car tour with your family and explore the continent using the best available travel vehicle.
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Why Choose an EV for Your European Road Trip?
With the rising cost of flights and the lingering impacts of the pandemic, many families are opting for road trips. Electric car road trips offer an eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and adventurous way to explore Europe. Here’s why an EV road trip across Europe is the best choice:
- Eco-Friendly: If you are someone like me who is always thinking about sustainability, then choosing an Electric Vehicle is an effective way to reduce your carbon footprint. You can thoroughly enjoy the natural beauty of Europe without the guilt of contributing to pollution.
- Cost-Effective: Electric vehicles are cheaper to run than traditional fuel cars. With lower per-km costs, you’ll save money on fuel, making it easier to stick to a budget.
- Comfort and Convenience: Modern EVs offer top-notch comfort and advanced technology, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride for the entire family.
Best Destinations for an Electric Car Road Trip in Europe
1. Electric Car Road Trip in the UK
According to new research by ATS Euromaster, staycations in the UK are more popular than ever, with over half of the UK population (56%) planning or already taking a trip within the UK this year. The UK offers numerous scenic routes and historic sites, from the charming countryside of Devon and Cornwall to the bustling city life of London. It’s also perfect for family road trips in Europe, especially with an electric vehicle (EV), as there is an extensive network of charging points, including rapid chargers, making it easy to explore the UK without worrying about running out of power. As per Electromaps, there are 20,771 charging stations for electric cars in the United Kingdom. It’s a good idea to check your EV charging route map beforehand and the average number of EVs per charging station. The full list of top UK staycation destinations, ranked by their suitability for EV drivers, can be found below:
| Rank | Destination | EV chargers | EVs in six-week holiday | EVs per charger | Potential wait time (hours) | Weighted ranking |
| 1. | Devon | 528 | 328,911 | 623 | 2 | 9.94 |
| 2. | Cornwall | 408 | 288,518 | 707 | 2 | 9.94 |
| 3. | North Wales | 97 | 213,503 | 2,201 | 6 | 9.80 |
| 4. | Scottish Highlands | 100 | 230,814 | 2,308 | 6 | 9.79 |
| 5. | Isle of Wight | 53 | 150,029 | 2,831 | 7 | 9.75 |
| 6. | Northumberland | 100 | 583,960 | 5,840 | 15 | 9.48 |
| 7. | Whitby | 9 | 57,704 | 6,412 | 17 | 9.43 |
| 8. | Lake District | 79 | 1,044,435 | 13,221 | 34 | 8.82 |
| 9. | Blackpool | 37 | 1,173,114 | 31,706 | 83 | 7.16 |
| 10. | The Cotswolds | 44 | 2,019,626 | 45,901 | 120 | 5.89 |
Offbeat Destinations: Head to the Scottish Highlands and the Lake District for stunning natural beauty and quaint villages. Don’t miss the coastal paths of Northumberland for a quieter, more serene experience.
2. Electric Car Road Trip in France
France is a top destination for European car tours, offering everything from romantic cities to picturesque countryside. Paris, the French Riviera, and the Loire Valley are must-visit spots. As per Electromaps, there are 52,334 charging stations for electric cars in France. Do download their app before starting your road trip for real-time information. The Electric Car Charging France Map and real-time updates ensure you’ll find plenty of charging stations, making your journey stress-free. Paris is the city with the most charging stations in France.
Offbeat Destinations: Explore the lavender fields of Provence, the rugged coastline of Brittany, the drop-dead gorgeous towns of Lille and Le Touquet, or the historical treasures in the Dordogne region.
Related: 10 hidden gems of France you have not heard about, Beyond Paris: Sights and Bites of Northern France Cities, 10 reasons to look beyond Paris and visit Northern France
3. Electric Car Road Trip in Germany
Germany is renowned for its efficiency and technological advancements, making it an excellent destination for electric vehicle (EV) road trips. You can explore Berlin, Munich, and the picturesque Black Forest with good preparation and a fully charged smartphone or tablet, giving you the confidence to start your electric car tour. Convenient charging stations are available at many locations, allowing you to blend necessity with leisure seamlessly. Aside from its sustainability, one of the best things about e-mobility is the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the journey. The required stops to recharge your car’s battery provide perfect opportunities to take breaks for sightseeing and enjoy a nice coffee and cake. You can enjoy a seamless journey across the country with a robust charging infrastructure. As per Electromaps, there are 75,308 charging stations for electric cars in Germany.
Offbeat Destinations: Venture to the Harz Mountains for medieval towns and hiking trails or the picturesque Moselle Valley for vineyards and quaint villages. Here are some slow travel ideas for Germany.
4. Electric Car Road Trip in Switzerland
Although Switzerland is best explored by its unmatched Swiss train system (SBB), doing a Swiss Road Trip on an EV would be a great way to see Switzerland’s stunning landscapes and well-maintained roads, making it perfect for an electric car road trip. Visit the Swiss Alps, Lake Geneva, and Zurich. Switzerland offers numerous EV charging points, ensuring a smooth and picturesque journey. As per Electromaps, there are 7,009 charging stations for electric cars in Switzerland. In fact, Switzerland has come up with the E-Grand Tour of Switzerland, the world’s first road trip done in electric vehicles, covering over 1,600km through the whole of Switzerland, passing by all the country’s highlights. Discover the most beautiful lakes, Alpine passes and all the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Offbeat Destinations: Discover the hidden gems of the Jura Mountains or the serene beauty of Lake Lucerne and its surrounding villages.
Related: Snow, Skiing and Stopover Switzerland in winters, Discover the best day trips from Interlaken: A 3-Day itinerary in Switzerland’s Alpine Paradise, Glacier Express – Is Switzerland’s most expensive train journey worth the price, Zermatt Travel Guide: From Hating to Falling in Love with the Majestic Matterhorn
5. Electric Car Road Trip in Austria
Thanks to its dramatic alpine scenery and well-maintained roads, Austria is a paradise for electric vehicle (EV) drivers. While Vienna, Salzburg, Hallstatt, Zellamsee and Innsbruck are popular destinations, there are lesser-known areas that offer equally stunning views and experiences. I highly recommend taking the picturesque route from Salzburg to Lienz, which will lead you through Austria’s breathtaking Alpine scenery, passing charming villages, crystal-clear lakes, and majestic mountain vistas. Make sure to stop at the Grossglockner High Alpine Road for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
Charging station availability in Austria is virtually non-existent. According to Electromaps, there are 16,251 charging stations for electric cars in Austria.
Offbeat Destinations: Drive through the Wachau Valley for its vineyards and historic towns, or explore the Salzkammergut region for its lakes and mountains.
Related: 5 Places To Visit In Austria – A First Timer’s Travel Guide, 48 hours in Vienna, a detailed Travel Guide for first-time visitors to the Austrian Capital
6. Electric Car Road Trip in the Baltics
The Baltic States—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—are becoming increasingly popular for road trips. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure is growing at a lightning pace. These countries offer a mix of medieval towns, pristine nature, and modern cities. As per Electromaps, there are 1,357 charging stations for electric cars in the Baltics region, with Lativa leading the pack.
Offbeat Destinations: Explore the national parks in Estonia, the coastal beauty of Latvia’s Kurzeme region, or the lakes and forests of Lithuania’s Aukštaitija National Park.
7. Electric Car Road Trip in the Balkans
The Balkans offer a diverse range of landscapes and cultures. Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina are particularly great for EV road trips, thanks to their growing charging infrastructure. In a significant push towards sustainable transportation, Croatia aims to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations every 60 kilometres on all major roads by 2025.
Offbeat Destinations: Discover the stunning Plitvice Lakes in Croatia, the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, or the historical charm of Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Related: Exploring the Jewel of Croatia: Ultimate Guide to Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park, Complete Travel Guide: From Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
8. Electric Car Road Trip in Central and Eastern Europe
Central and Eastern Europe’s captivating blend of diverse cultures and fascinating yet tumultuous history offers travellers a unique and immersive experience. From the medieval charm of the Czech Republic’s Prague to the remarkable natural beauty of Slovakia’s High Tatras mountains and the historic architecture of Poland’s Krakow, this region is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Embarking on an electric vehicle road trip through these countries allows travellers to not only appreciate the scenic drives but also to embrace sustainable and environmentally friendly travel.
Offbeat Destinations: Visit the Tatra Mountains in Slovakia and Poland, Hungary’s Tokaj wine region, or the Czech Republic’s Moravia wine region.
Challenges and Tips for EV Road Trips in Europe
Charging Infrastructure: While Western Europe has a well-established charging point network, Eastern Europe and some rural areas might pose a challenge. Always plan your route and charging stops in advance using tools like the Electric Car Trip Planner.
Language Barriers: In non-English speaking countries, you might encounter language barriers at charging stations or in rural areas. A translation app can be a lifesaver.
Pre-Plan Your Route: Use EV trip planners to map your journey and charging stops.
Keep Your Charge Between 20% and 80%: This ensures faster charging times and prevents you from getting stranded.
Opt for Rapid Charging: Choose charging stations with higher power ratings for quicker stops.
Avoid Tourist Spots: Charge your vehicle away from crowded areas to minimize wait times.
Best Electric Vehicle Rentals in Europe
If you don’t own an EV, you can still enjoy the benefits of an electric road trip by renting one. Here are some of the best car rental companies and EV models suitable for family trips:
- Sixt: Offers a wide range of electric vehicles, including the Tesla Model S, BMW i3, and Audi e-tron.
- Europcar: Provides options like the Nissan Leaf, Renault Zoe, and Hyundai Kona Electric.
- Hertz: Features the Tesla Model 3, Jaguar I-PACE, and Kia e-Niro.
- Avis: Includes models such as the Volkswagen ID.3, Peugeot e-208, and Mercedes EQC.
- Enterprise: Offers a variety of EVs, including the Tesla Model X, Nissan Leaf, and Renault Zoe.
Best EV Cars for a Family Road Trip
- Tesla X and Y: Both the Tesla Model X and Model Y are great for family trips due to their spacious interiors, long-range capabilities, and advanced autopilot features. The Model X is a strong choice for those in the market for a full-size SUV, offering ultra-premium features, long-range, and high performance. On the other hand, the Model Y provides a slightly more compact crossover option at a lower cost, although it doesn’t offer as much power or driving range.
- Audi e-tron: This 5-seater SUV offers all-wheel drive, ample space, a comfortable ride, fast charging, and a robust charging network across Europe.
- Hyundai Kona Electric: A budget-friendly option with a respectable range and modern features.
- Jaguar I-PACE: Combines luxury, performance, and practicality, suitable for long road trips.
- Nissan Leaf: A reliable and affordable choice for families looking to explore Europe without breaking the bank.
Family Road Trip on a Budget
EVs can make family road trips more feasible on a budget. With lower running costs and the ability to avoid fuel expenses, you can allocate more of your budget to experiences and accommodations. Plan to find cost-effective charging options and consider staying at accommodations offering free EV charging.
Conclusion
Family road trips in Europe in an EV redefine eco-friendly travel. With the increasing availability of charging points and the numerous benefits of electric vehicles, there’s never been a better time to explore Europe on an EV road trip. Whether driving through the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Baltics, the Balkans, or Eastern Europe, an electric vehicle ensures a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and unforgettable journey for the whole family.
Plan your Family EV Road Trip in Europe today and discover the best travel vehicle for your adventures!
There’s not much better than a family road trip in Europe! Add to that an environmentally friendly way to travel and you have the perfect adventure. Some great info in this article on what to look for, how to deal with charging, etc…
EVs would be perfect for road-tripping in Europe. I feel like Europe is far more EV-friendly than here in the States. There seem to be charging stations everywhere over there!
I would definitely use an EV if I were road-tripping in Europe. The stations seem to be everywhere, so there’s never any worry about running out of juice. They’re also so environmentally-friendly, which I really love.
I never thought about how much mroe cost-efficient it could be to rent an EV for a European road trip! This is something I’ll definitely be considering during my year living in Italy.
Paris, the French Riviera, and the Loire Valley are on my must-visit list. I’d definitely prefer someone to drive me around—vacations are for relaxing! So someone else can drive me around in the electric car.
Thanks for this guide, this is helpful when I am going to plan in having a roadtrip in Europe. I can tell that this is enjoyable and memorable at the same time.
Hhhhmmm….this is very interesting and timely information, for I who intends to use an ev soon. You guys sure do have lots of charging ports.
Wow, this is very helpful! We love road trips and would like to try an EV in Europe!
We have been contemplating on getting an EV and this is good new for us. We are a bit concerned with its mileage and I am glad that EVs are considered reliable for road trips. I guess it really boils down to planning our routes well.
Evs are becoming so much more popular these days. I can’t wait to obtain one