Planning a Trip with an Electric Car: Tips for Relaxed Road Trips

Planning a journey by electric car ensures a relaxed and eco-friendly time.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full cross-country trip, travelling in your EV can make the experience even more enjoyable. However, there are some steps you should take to ensure long journeys in your electric car are both exciting and effortless. This HDX guide offers all the EV driving tips you need for your next road trip. From the types of electric vehicle charging stations to tips for optimised battery usage, here’s everything you need to know about planning a trip with an electric car.

Going on holiday in an electric car: Have a great trip with our tips

So, is an electric car even suitable, or practical, for long journeys? Absolutely! With the right preparation and a reliable EV, you can confidently tackle any road trip in an electric car.

Planning is key when it comes to electric car road trips. If you’re headed long distances, you need to plan a route that accounts for charging stations along the way. Of course, choosing the right destination also plays a role in making your road trip with an electric car a success. There are many charging stations for electric vehicles in Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the Nordic countries. Around the Mediterranean and the Adriatic, on the other hand, there are fewer charging stations.

If you’re looking for the best route planner for electric cars, tools like the "Charge myHyundai" app are invaluable for assisting with route planning. The app helps map your journey, locate charging stations, and schedule breaks along the way.

Let's dive into some essential tips to ensure your electric car road trip is a success.

1. Choose a suitable destination for your electric car road trip

First, check whether it’s possible to charge electric cars at your accommodation or holiday destination. After all, you don’t want to have to divert to a charging station that may already be occupied before going on excursions in the surrounding area.
When planning your trip, you’ll quickly realise that some countries offer excellent charging infrastructure while others lag behind when it comes to charging stations for electric vehicles. Cities across Europe, for instance, have seen significant growth in their EV charging infrastructure, making it an ideal continent for road trips in an electric car. However, more remote destinations may have fewer charging options. By choosing a destination with ample electric chargers, you'll spend less time worrying about your next charge and more time enjoying your journey.

2. Consider weight and climate

Packing for your road trip? Remember that any additional weight and aerodynamic changes can impact your electric car’s range. If you never go on holiday without your bike, surfboard or roof rack, or pack your car to the brim, this could reduce your vehicle efficiency, so try to pack only what is needed for your trip.
Similarly, be mindful of climate conditions when planning a holiday in an electric car. Strong headwinds, rain, and extreme temperatures can all affect an EV's range. In summer, using air conditioning can also decrease the battery life of your EV. Don’t let these factors put you off – the key is to plan for your climate and adjust your expectations accordingly. Don’t rely solely on the stated range, and always leave a buffer for real-world conditions,

3. Note the special features of the route

Electric cars shine on road trips with varied terrains, offering unique advantages. When tackling mountain passes, for example, your electric vehicle might consume more energy on the ascent, but it recharges through regenerative braking on the descent. This feature, prominent in models like the IONIQ 5 N, can actually leave you with more charge at the end of a mountain road than when you started! However, it's crucial to plan for energy-intensive sections of your route. Ensure you have sufficient charging options before and after challenging terrains to keep your journey smooth and stress-free.

4. Choose a reliable charging service

You’re probably wondering which charging card you need for your electric car abroad. For a hassle-free road trip, it's best to register with an operator-independent charging service such as "Charge myHyundai" before you go on vacation with your electric car. This gives you access to one of Europe's largest public charging networks, with well over 700,000 charging points in 28 European countries for your relaxed EV road trips. With "Charge myHyundai", you have quick and convenient access to charging points from different providers, but only need one contract, one charging card and one access point. Convenient, isn't it?

5. Plan the optimal route

When planning your electric car road trip, always err on the side of caution. Ideally, you should already have the best route planner for electric cars integrated in the vehicle. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, for example, has the Hyundai Bluelink telematics services. This allows you to search for your destination in the Bluelink app before you even get into the car and transfer it to the navigation system via Bluelink. Bluelink provides you with real-time information on location, plug types and availability of charging stations. When planning your route with the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, you can specify the charging stops so that the batteries are optimally preconditioned when you arrive at the charging station. This means that charging only takes as long as charging your own batteries over a cup of coffee.

6. Pack your charging accessories

A long-range electric vehicle like the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is equipped with a powerful battery that can be charged from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes at fast charging stations. The CSS plug is used here. To ensure that you remain flexible when charging, you should also always have the type 2 plug for AC charging and the charging cable for household sockets with you.

Here is your packing list for your electric car road trip:
• Smartphone with activated app from a charging service such as "Charge myHyundai"
• Operator-independent charging card, for example, from "Charge myHyundai"
• Route planner for the electric car
• Charging cable with type 2 plug
• Charging cable with CSS plug
• Charging cable for household sockets
• Gloves or cloth for cleaning dirty cables

The Hyundai Driving Experience tip: Anyone who has ever had to plug in their vehicle at a charging station in pouring rain knows how welcome having an umbrella to hand can be.

Types of electric car charging stations

Understanding the different types of charging stations is crucial for a successful electric car road trip. Let's explore the three main types you'll encounter:

1. Wallbox

Wallbox chargers are charging stations for electric cars typically found in homes, hotels, and some workplaces. These AC (Alternating Current) chargers offer slow overnight charging, perfect for topping up your battery while you sleep. While not the fastest option, they're ideal for long stays and overnight stops on your journey.

2. AC charging stations

AC charging stations are commonly found in cities and some motorway service areas. They typically offer charging speeds of 11-22 kW, making them a good option for a few hours of charging while you explore a town or enjoy a leisurely meal. These are great for topping up your electric car during day trips or shorter stops on your road trip.

3. Fast charging stations

Fast charging stations are the speediest option, offering DC (Direct Current) charging at rates up to 350 kW. You'll find these at service stations, petrol stations, and some commercial locations. They're perfect for quick charges during long-distance electric car road trips, allowing you to get back on the road swiftly. However, the full 350 kW is not always available if, for example, a second vehicle is connected to the same charging station.

How to use a charging station for an electric car

For first-time EV road trippers, using a charging station might seem daunting. Here are some quick EV charging tips.

Choose an easy-to-use charging service like "Charge myHyundai". Activate the "Charge myHyundai" app and the card before you drive to the charging station for the first time. You can see which plug you need at the charging station. Most fast chargers are equipped with cables and plugs that you simply connect to your electric car.

As soon as you activate the charging process via the app, the car starts charging. You can use the app to specify the charge level you want. It is usually recommended that the car be charged up to 80%, as this is the fastest, at least for the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, and it also protects the battery. While you are charging, the plug is locked in the vehicle. This means you can safely move away from the vehicle while charging.

Save energy: EV driving tips for an optimised road trip

As with a combustion engine, a steady and moderate driving style also helps to increase the range of an electric vehicle. To maximise your electric car's range and optimise battery usage when planning a road trip, consider these practical hints:

Select energy-saving mode: Most electric cars offer different settings for both sport and energy-saving driving. Choose a mode that is easy on the battery charge.

Check the recommended tyre pressure: Insufficient tyre pressure can result in higher power consumption of your electric vehicle. It is, therefore, worth checking the tyre pressure and setting it to the recommended values, especially before going on vacation in an electric car.

Drive with foresight: If you adopt a steady driving style instead of rapid acceleration and abrupt braking, this will increase the range of your electric vehicle.

Recuperate during stop-and-go: Select a recuperation level in gridlocked city traffic and control speed and deceleration exclusively via the accelerator pedal.

Do without recuperation at cruising speed: If your car is rolling freely on the open road, you will drive better and save more energy without recuperation. Therefore, switch off recuperation when traffic is flowing on the highway.

Optimise payload: Luggage on the roof increases the aerodynamic drag of your electric vehicle and therefore also its power consumption. In addition, the payload with luggage and sports equipment also affects the range. Therefore, think about what you need to take with you on vacation and how you can stow it optimally.

Reduce power consumption: Seat heating, steering wheel heating, and air conditioning may consume a lot of energy, which will cause a lack of range.

These techniques extend your range and enhance the overall driving experience, making a road trip in your electric car more enjoyable and efficient.

Choose an electric car with efficient features

When selecting an electric car for long-distance travel, prioritise features that enhance range and convenience. Look for vehicles with high-capacity batteries, advanced energy recovery systems, and aerodynamic designs. Fast-charging capability is crucial for minimising stops, while an intelligent route planning system can optimise your journey. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N boasts all these qualities, offering an impressive balance of performance and practicality. Its efficient powertrain and thoughtful design make it an excellent choice for those seeking the best electric car for long distances.

Relaxed holidays with the IONIQ 5 N

Embarking on a road trip with the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N promises a blend of excitement and tranquillity. Its long-range capability, rapid charging, and efficient features ensure a smooth journey, allowing you to focus on the joy of the open road. Thanks to battery preconditioning and sophisticated charging technology, a coffee break is all it takes to charge the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N at a fast charging station. With its innovative 800-volt technology, it also has a clear lead over its competitors in terms of charging times. Whether you're cruising along coastal highways or exploring mountain passes, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N's performance and comfort make it the perfect vehicle for electric adventures. With the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, your electric road trip can be just as thrilling and even more eco-friendly than traditional journeys!

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