[ad_1]
Driving an EV from the UK to Barcelona: A Tale of Two Journeys
Back in 2016, I attempted to drive a Tesla Model S from the UK to Barcelona on electric power alone. It was a difficult journey that resulted in big delays and almost cost me my job due to the difficulty of finding chargers. This year, I attempted the same journey with a VW ID 5 and was pleasantly surprised at how much easier the journey had become due to significant improvements to the EV infrastructure across Europe.
The 2016 Journey
My 2016 journey was supposed to be simple. I had taken a Tesla Model S to attend the Mobile World Congress tech show for CNET. I relied on Tesla’s Supercharger network that recharged the car in around 30 to 40 minutes. However, achieving the car’s maximum range was difficult at inefficient highway speeds. None of the superchargers were easily accessible, resulting in long setbacks before reaching Barcelona. My journey lasted almost 9 hours longer than expected, almost costing me my job.
The 2023 Journey
Driving the VW ID 5, an all-electric SUV with a range of up to 314 miles, I set off with a full battery from North London. Thanks to significant improvements to the EV infrastructure in France, finding fast chargers was much easier this time around. Fast chargers situated at highway rest stops allowed for quick and easy refueling on the go. Using the Shell Recharge app, that shows all charging brands and allows payment through the app, finding fast-charging spots was a breeze. My journey lasted around 15 hours, and there was no shortage of chargers, no long waits at the chargers, and no range anxiety. The trip was comfortable and straightforward, just like it would be in a gas-powered car.
Rural Driving and Contactless Credit Cards
While the EV infrastructure in major highways saw significant improvements, rural areas remain a challenge for EV drivers. Charging stations are fewer, and there are even fewer fast chargers. Additionally, not all charging stations accept contactless credit cards, which is a common problem with charging stations in the US. Some EV charging operators don’t allow any app payments, requiring drivers to carry specific ID cards for each service. Although most charging stations allow payments through the Shell Recharge app, some don’t, making the payment process more complicated.
FAQs
How has the EV infrastructure in Europe improved since 2016?
Since 2016, the EV infrastructure in Europe has improved significantly. Public charging stations have increased to over 82,000, with many being fast chargers at highway rest stops. This makes long-distance travel easier and more manageable for EV drivers.
What is the Shell Recharge app?
The Shell Recharge app is an EV charging app that shows all charging brands and allows payment through the app. It helps EV drivers find fast-charging spots quickly and conveniently.
Do all EV charging stations accept contactless credit cards?
No, not all EV charging stations accept contactless credit cards. Some require specific ID cards for each service, making the payment process more complicated.
Are rural areas still a challenge for EV drivers?
Yes, rural areas remain a challenge for EV drivers due to fewer charging stations and even fewer fast chargers. Drivers traveling in rural areas need to plan their route carefully and carry specific ID cards for each service.
Conclusion
The EV infrastructure across Europe has improved significantly over the past few years, making long-distance travel more feasible for EV drivers. Finding fast-charging spots is more accessible, and the charging process has become quicker and more manageable. While rural areas remain trickier than intercity highways, the overall drive has become more comfortable and straightforward. The improvements in EV infrastructure have made it possible to genuinely experience long-distance road trips without the logistics and range anxiety associated with EVs a few years ago.
[ad_2]
For more information, please refer this link