Electric vehicles are becoming the new normal for Danish vacationers heading south, as EVs outsold fuel-powered cars in Denmark last year. Here are five expert-backed tips for Danes to make your European road trip in an EV smooth and stress-free.
More Danes Hitting the Road in Electric Vehicles
Every summer, the German Autobahn sees heavy traffic from Danish families heading toward southern destinations like Italy, France, or Austria. This year, more of them than ever are doing so in electric vehicles (EVs), marking a shift in travel trends. More Danes are choosing electric cars on their summer trips to Europe.
In 2023, Denmark registered 166,388 new cars — 89,053 of them were electric, meaning over half of all newly registered vehicles relied on electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. The change has brought new planning needs for drivers: keeping an eye not only on their route but also on where and how they’ll charge along the way. With so many new electric cars on the road, drivers need to think differently about how they plan their trip.
As EV road trips differ significantly from traditional fuel-based travel, Danish motorists’ organization FDM recommends a series of practical steps to keep your trip efficient and stress-free. Following tips for Danes, can make driving an electric car on a long trip much easier.
Plan Your Route and Charging Stops
One of the good tips for Danes, is planning which is crucial for a successful long-distance trip in an EV. Drivers are advised to map out their route with charging stations in mind, ensuring they know where and when to top up their battery. Handy tools like the “A Better Routeplanner” app help EV drivers find optimal routes with available charging stations marked along the way.
It’s equally important to check if hotels or accommodations offer EV charging. This can save time and ensure that you start each day with a full battery, giving peace of mind and helping you stay on schedule.
Choose the Right Charging App — and a Backup
Unlike gas stations, many EV charging points across Europe don’t accept regular bank cards. Most require payment through specific apps or RFID key fobs. To avoid delays or higher fees, Danish consumers are encouraged to set up charging apps and possibly subscriptions with companies like EnBW, Elli, Ionity, or Tesla, which often offer better rates.
Those looking for added flexibility may install multiple apps or carry RFID keys from providers like E.ON or Clever. Backup apps such as Plugsurfing, Monta, Shell Recharge, and Spirii Go are particularly useful if the primary network fails or if internet connectivity is poor during charging.
Drive Smarter to Maximize Range
Speed matters in an EV. Driving at 110 km/h (around 68 mph) instead of 130 km/h (about 81 mph) on highways can reduce electricity consumption by an estimated 20%. For long trips, this efficiency boost can mean fewer charging stops and shorter total travel times.
Another tip is to avoid charging past 80% unless absolutely necessary. Charging the final 20% of your battery takes significantly longer and can clog up stations for others. Keeping at least 10–20% charge in reserve is also advised in case your next station is in use or defective.
Use Climate Control Wisely
Heating or cooling your car has a noticeable effect on your EV’s range. Using air conditioning or high heat settings can shorten how far you can drive on a full charge. During summer, minimal use of air conditioning — or adjusting your temperature a bit — could make a meaningful difference.
For those new to long EV trips, it’s important to remember that your car’s estimated range may fluctuate, especially with weather changes or varying driving speeds.
Bring the Proper Charging Equipment
EV travelers should pack essential equipment, especially a compatible charging cable. Many slower AC charging stations in southern Europe do not come with cables, particularly in smaller towns.
Having your own cable ensures you can use any available station, even if it’s not a rapid charger. These AC chargers might be slower, but they are usually significantly cheaper than direct current (DC) fast chargers, making them ideal for overnight top-ups at hotels or campsites.
Electric Travel is Here to Stay
With EVs making up more than 53% of new car sales in Denmark last year, the shift to electric mobility is accelerating. Though it requires extra preparation, an EV vacation offers a cleaner and often more affordable way to explore Europe.
By following these five key tips — planning routes, managing apps, driving efficiently, moderating auxiliary systems, and packing the right gear — Danish drivers can enjoy the road just as much as the final destination.
