Travelling by electric car: where to charge your battery?

With the rise of the electric car, more and more people are choosing this mode of transport to travel abroad. The electric car combines comfort, savings and respect for the environment. But for the journey to go as smoothly as possible, one key question arises: where and how do you recharge your battery along the way?
The advisors at Callmepower give us a few tips.

How do you plan your route in an electric car?

The Redion Mobility Barometer reveals that many holidaymakers travelling with an electric car are worried about running into charging problems abroad.
Yet it's entirely possible to make a long journey in an electric car.
Choosing your route while taking a few specific factors into account is essential for the trip to go smoothly. Here are the key steps for a stress-free journey:

1. Find out beforehand about your vehicle's specifications: range, type of charging plug, etc.;
2. Find out about infrastructure and plan your route: locate charging points along your route (checking power output and plug compatibility), the distances between each charging point, traffic density depending on the geographical area, and any cards/badges to arrange if needed;
3. Plan your stops and charging times: on a long journey, a 20 to 30 minute stop at a fast charger (power > 100 kW) can be enough to recover a large part of the battery's range (charging your battery to 80% is enough);
4. Adapt your driving to save battery: by avoiding sudden acceleration, using regenerative braking to slightly recharge the battery, or checking tyre pressure to reduce rolling resistance;
5. Plan backup solutions: have an app ready for the unexpected, bring a portable charger for your phone, and keep the assistance numbers for your insurer or manufacturer handy.

Where can you find electric car charging points?

In 2024, Europe had around 820,000 charging points spread across its territory, a figure that has grown exponentially in recent years. However, this expansion remains uneven: the Netherlands, Germany and France alone account for the majority of this infrastructure, while in countries such as Romania, Bulgaria or Hungary, drivers are more likely to find themselves without a nearby charging solution.

To avoid unpleasant surprises, it's strongly recommended to plan your route in advance. Tools such as Chargemap make it easy to locate charging points, check their power output, compatible plugs and available payment methods. The site also offers a route planner for electric vehicles.

Furthermore, the European Union plans to strengthen its network: by 2026, fast chargers of at least 400 kW will need to be installed every 60 km along the main motorway routes of the trans-European transport network, making long journeys across the continent easier.

A breakdown on the road: who should you contact?

In case of a breakdown during a trip in an electric car, the priority is to ensure the safety of the occupants by moving away from the vehicle quickly, especially if the battery is damaged, as it can pose risks of overheating (fire risk) or toxic emissions. It's essential to turn on the hazard lights, place a warning triangle and wear a safety vest.

In case of an accident involving third parties, if there is only minor material damage, contact the police to make a report. If there are injuries, also contact the emergency services immediately.

Then immediately contact your assistance provider. Also let them know it's an electric vehicle so they can take specific precautions given the risks linked to a high-voltage battery.

Also read the articles on this topic:
- Fast: a breakdown on a motorway in Flanders
- A breakdown on a motorway in Wallonia
- Tolls in France (what to do in case of an accident on a French motorway?)

How do you pay at an electric car charging point?

To pay for charging your electric vehicle at the charging point, several options are available to you:

• The multi-network charging card or badge;
• The charging app;
• A bank card via the charging point's terminal;
• Auto-charge (some models can charge automatically when in contact with a compatible charging point, with payment made via the account linked to the subscription).

What equipment should you plan for your electric car trip?

It's important to be properly equipped to ensure a comfortable journey in an electric car. Here is the main equipment you might need, beyond the mandatory equipment:

• Suitable charging cables: a standard or fast-charging cable and adapters if needed;
• Cards, subscriptions or access badges for charging points;
• An app with built-in GPS;
• Your means of payment (RFID badges or cards provided by charging operators, mobile apps);
• A tyre repair kit in case of a puncture.
• The vehicle manual;
• Insurance and assistance number;
• Download your assistance provider's app so you can quickly call on them.

Article written in collaboration with Callmepower, a comparison site for energy, telecom, insurance and banking providers.