EV charging on the motorway: everything you need to know
Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining in popularity, offering an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional cars. However, one of the major concerns for drivers is charging on the motorway. What infrastructure is available and how can you optimise your journey? This article explores these key issues.
What types of charging points are available on motorways?
On motorways, charging points are essential for EV drivers 🚗🔋. There are mainly two types of charging points:
Rapid charging points
Rapid charging points, generally 50kW, charge around 80% of the battery in 30 to 45 minutes. They are ideal for short stops and for those who want to get back on the road quickly. The benefits include less downtime and greater convenience for drivers. They are often located in service areas, allowing drivers to take a break to eat or rest while charging. They are also accessible via charging cards such as the Chargemap Pass, which simplifies the process by centralising payments and access. Using a rapid-charging station on the motorway optimises journey time by reducing waiting time.
Ultra-rapid charging points
Ultra-rapid charging stations, with a capacity of up to 350kW, are even more powerful. They charge an EV battery to 80% in 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the vehicle model. These charging points are perfect for long journeys, where every minute counts.
However, not all vehicles can cope with this amount of power, so it’s important to check compatibility. Furthermore, these charging points are becoming increasingly common on Europe’s main roads, making long-distance journeys easier.
Their presence at rest areas enables ultra-rapid charging while drivers take a short break, making journeys smoother and less stressful.
Among the networks of ultra-rapid charging points, Ionity stands out for its extensive coverage across Europe. This network offers high availability and easy access for EV drivers.
How do I find charging points on the motorway?
📍 Locating charging points is made easier by dedicated apps, such as Chargemap.
Using an app to find charging points
Chargemap makes it easy to locate available charging points along your route. As well as location, the app provides information on availability, the type of charging point, and the rates applied 📱.
It’s an essential tool for any EV driver. It makes planning your journeys easier and more efficient! The app also features user reviews, which help you choose the best-rated and most reliable charging points. What’s more, Chargemap provides an overview of charging networks, which is particularly useful for long journeys across several countries.
Proactive planning
Proactive planning is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises. Before you set off, use Chargemap to identify charging points along your route. This preparation will allow you to travel with peace of mind, knowing where and when you can charge your vehicle.
What’s more, some apps offer real-time planning features, taking into account the current state of the battery and traffic conditions to optimise charging stops. Features such as real-time availability notifications and integrated navigation further enhance user experience.
Integrating charging points into route plans
Using apps like Chargemap, you can also integrate charging points directly into your route plans. This helps you avoid unnecessary detours and optimise your driving time.
Interactive maps and customisable filters allow you to quickly find the charging points best suited to your specific needs (type of connector, charging speed or tariff).
How do you charge your EV on the motorway?
Charging on the motorway requires planning and consideration of your vehicle’s range.
Range and battery capacity
Range varies according to the model of your EV and the capacity of its battery. For example, a Tesla Model 3 can travel up to 500km on a single charge, while other models have a more limited range ⚡. It’s important to know your car’s range and plan your stops accordingly.
Factors such as speed, weather conditions 🌧️❄️, type of road (mountain, city…) and use of accessories (air conditioning, heating, use of electronic devices…) can influence range.
Driving at moderate speeds and using economical driving modes can help maximise range.
To better understand the importance of range and choose an electric vehicle that’s right for you, take a look at our ranking of best deals. You’ll find detailed information on models offering great range at competitive prices!
Getting an electric charging card
The Chargemap Pass is a practical solution for accessing a large number of charging points in Europe. This card simplifies the charging process, allowing you to activate charging points quickly and easily. What’s more, it often offers you preferential rates, helping you to save on charging costs!
Having a multi-purpose charging card is essential to avoid the complications associated with different charging networks. It allows you to easily manage your charging sessions through a single interface. It’s a practical solution for frequent travellers.
List of the main charging networks in Europe
These networks are well established along motorways, offering rapid and ultra-rapid charging points for drivers. The growing presence of these networks at service areas simplifies long-distance EV journeys, making international travel more accessible and convenient.
Compatibility between these networks is also achieved through cards such as the Chargemap Pass. This makes it even easier to use the various charging points.
The importance of standardised connectors
Another important consideration for charging on the motorway is the standardisation of connectors 🔌.
Most rapid and ultra-rapid charging points in Europe use standard connectors such as CCS (Combined Charging System) or CHAdeMO.
This ensures that the majority of EVs can use the same charging points, making it easier to charge on the motorway without having to worry about compatibility.
How much does it cost to charge an EV on the motorway?
The cost of charging varies according to several factors💰.
Power of your vehicle and conditions of use
Vehicles with a higher battery capacity can benefit from faster charging, but at a potentially higher cost. Generally speaking, the more powerful your electric car is, the more strain it puts on the battery and the more electricity it consumes.
The average consumption of electric cars is estimated at 15kWh per 100km. A Renault Zoé Zen, for example, is estimated to consume 10kWh, while the Nissan Leaf consumes around 20kWh per 100km. (source ZeBorne)
Climate and driving conditions also influence energy consumption. For example, driving at high speeds or in cold conditions can increase battery consumption, requiring more frequent charging.
On the other hand, driving more smoothly and economically can reduce costs by extending the range between charges.
Type of charging point and price
Ultra-rapid charging points are generally more expensive than rapid charging points. Rapid charging means you can charge your vehicle in record time. But that comes at a price!
Most “conventional” charging points operate from 3kW to 22kW, while rapid charging points start at 43kW. And let’s not forget the development of HPC = High Power Charger charging points, which offer charges of up to 350kW, as we saw earlier! Prices also vary from one supplier to another. On average, expect to pay around €5 per charge.
You should also bear in mind that some charging points may apply additional charges for parking time once charging is complete, encouraging drivers to free up the point for other users.
These additional costs may include connection fees or service charges, which vary depending on the supplier. The cost of EV charging on the motorway can therefore vary considerably.
Our tips for reducing motorway charging costs
- Use apps such as Chargemap to compare the rates of different charging points in advance.
- Plan your stops to take advantage of the cheapest rates.
- Consider joining a charging service that offers reduced rates for members.
- If possible, charge during off-peak hours to take advantage of reduced rates.
- Optimise your driving to maximise energy efficiency, reducing the frequency of charging needed.
- Take advantage of special offers and loyalty schemes offered by some charging networks, which can offer significant discounts for regular users.
Factors influencing long-term costs
Beyond the immediate costs, it’s important to consider the potential long-term savings. Although EVs are sometimes more expensive to buy initially, they can benefit from reduced running costs due to savings on fuel and maintenance.
In addition, many governments offer financial incentives and subsidies to encourage the uptake of EVs, which can offset initial costs. For a more detailed look at the costs and best practices for charging your electric vehicle when you travel, read our guide on how to go on a weekend trip in an electric car.
In short, charging EVs on motorways has evolved considerably, with infrastructure that is increasingly efficient and accessible. Rapid and ultra-rapid charging points make it possible to charge your vehicle efficiently, and tools such as Chargemap make it easier to locate and use these charging points. Costs vary depending on a number of factors, but with proper planning, it’s possible to travel both economically and ecologically.
To enjoy an optimal charging experience, take advantage of the practical solutions that are available, such as apps and their benefits. In doing so, you’ll spend more time on holiday than on the road!
Chargemap is your best ally for finding motorway charging points easily. Download the Chargemap application free of charge.
