Electric car trip: our tips for planning your journeys

Traveling in an EV requires a different approach. Between battery range, available stations, and planning tools, several elements come into play to optimize your trips.

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Preparing your EV trips

Preparation starts with knowing your model’s real-world range. Tesla, Renault, Peugeot, and other manufacturers advertise WLTP values between 300 and 600 km, but actual range varies depending on several factors: weather, driving style, terrain, and highway speed.For long-distance travel in France or Europe, it’s best to start with a full battery. Schedule a full charge the night before using your carmaker’s app. Don’t forget to check tire pressure—this small detail can affect energy consumption by up to 5%.On highways, real-world range is about 70% of the advertised WLTP value at 130 km/h. Reducing your speed to 110 km/h can increase your range by 20%. These figures are crucial for anticipating necessary stops and efficiently planning your route.

Planning apps and tools

Specialized route planners make EV travel preparation much easier. ABRP (A Better Route Planner) remains the go-to for precise trip planning, calculating consumption based on weather, speed, and vehicle specs. The app offers optimized routes based on your priorities: shortest time or lowest cost.The Electra app focuses on simplicity, with ultra-fast chargers up to 300 kW. The reservation feature guarantees a free spot—especially useful during holiday travel. Locations near shops help you make the most of charging time during your trip.And starting July 15, a built-in route planner will be available in the app: it will suggest the fastest and best-located charging stops based on your destination, range, and battery level. No need for third-party tools—everything is handled directly in the Electra app for a smooth, stress-free journey.

Other planners complete the offering: PlugShare for international trips, carmaker apps (Tesla Supercharger, Renault Mobilize), or Ulys for highways with real-time data.

Managing range and breaks

Optimizing your EV trip involves several driving techniques. Maintaining a steady speed, anticipating braking, and using eco mode help preserve battery life. Regenerative braking significantly improves range on long trips.For charging stops, use the 20/80% strategy: charging within this range takes 20 to 30 minutes on a fast charger. Beyond 80%, charging speed drops significantly. Two short stops are better than one long one on an EV trip.As for cost, expect €0.30–€0.60/kWh for fast charging. A Paris–Lyon trip in an EV costs around €15 versus €50 in a gas car. These savings more than make up for the charging time.

Finding charging stations

France has over 100,000 public charging points. Three types based on available power:

AC (7–22 kW): for longer stops
Fast DC (50–150 kW): 80% in 30–45 minutes
Ultra-fast (150–350 kW): 80% in 15–20 minutes

Compatibility depends on the model. A Renault Zoe supports up to 50 kW in DC fast charging and up to 22 kW in AC thanks to its Caméléon charger. A 2024 Porsche Taycan can handle up to 320 kW in fast charging.On highways, stations are available every 150 km. In cities, parking lots offer overnight solutions. Shopping centers often provide free charging while you shop.

Our long-distance travel tips

A few recommendations for smooth EV travel:

Before departure:

Install multiple route planning apps (backup in case of issues)
Register your payment methods for charging stations
Update your GPS and route info
Pack a spare Type 2 cable for your EV

On the road:

Keep at least 50 km of range as a buffer
Take breaks every 2 hours (legal requirement and perfect time to charge)
Adjust your speed if needed to optimize your trip
Report broken chargers in apps to help other drivers

For EV vacations:

Avoid peak hours at charging stations
Use reservation features when available (Electra, Tesla)
Identify backup stations in your route planner
Check charging options at your destination

EV travel is getting easier every year. With good planning and the right tools, long trips are no longer a problem. The EV travel experience is often more enjoyable: quiet, smooth driving, savings, and eco-friendly satisfaction.