Relaxed and Environmentally Conscious: Travelling to Austria by Electric Car!
Travelling to Austria by electric car is easier than ever. Thanks to significant improvements in the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, it is now a relaxing and environmentally friendly choice for holidaymakers who want to explore the beautiful Alps by car. In this blog, we’ll give you some tips to prepare for your trip to Austria!
Charging Stations
Anyone who drives an electric vehicle knows that you always need to have the charging cable on hand and that charging takes time. How long exactly depends on your vehicle type. But don’t worry: charging moments are the perfect opportunity to take a break, stretch your legs, and enjoy a cup of coffee with a treat. Many charging stations are strategically located near restaurants, picnic areas, or places with beautiful views. It’s the ideal way to make the most of your stop!
Charging Infrastructure in Germany
In Germany, the network of charging stations has expanded significantly, with more than 20,500 available charging points, including many fast chargers. Major cities and motorways are well-equipped with charging stations, but in rural areas, availability may be more limited. Therefore, it’s important to plan your route in advance. Use apps like Chargemap or PlugShare to find charging stations and check their availability. You can also easily search for charging stations in our ChaletsPlus app (available for download on your mobile or tablet) under the "electric charging stations" section.
Charging Infrastructure in Austria
Austria, like its northern neighbours, has an extensive network of charging stations, both in urban areas and along motorways and in tourist regions. There are more than 30,000 charging stations, including approximately 750 fast chargers. Many hotels, restaurants, and shops also offer charging points. For a stress-free trip, you can use tools like the e-tankstelle finder app to help you locate charging stations and check if they are available. These charging stations can also be found in our ChaletsPlus app (available for download on your mobile or tablet) under the "electric charging stations" section.
Practical Tips
Although there are many charging stations available along the roads in 2024, it’s still advisable to plan your route carefully in advance. Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind:
Plan your route carefully: Use route planners like Chargemap or A Better Routeplanner to find charging stations along your route and avoid long waiting times.
Take multiple charging cards with you: Make sure to carry several charging cards, such as ANWB, Maingau, or Plugsurfing, so you can charge at any station, regardless of the provider.
Check the availability of charging stations: During busy holiday periods, charging stations along popular routes can be occupied. Use apps to check real-time availability and plan your stops at less busy stations.
Use fast chargers: Fast chargers are ideal for a quick stop. In Germany, you’ll find many fast chargers at petrol stations, supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi, and along motorways. Tesla Superchargers are also accessible to other brands with a CCS connector.
Charge during breaks: Plan your charging stops during meals or overnight stays. Many hotels and restaurants offer charging points, but it’s wise to check in advance and possibly reserve a parking spot.
Be prepared for variable charging rates: Charging costs can vary. In Germany, the rate is often charged per kWh, but some stations charge per minute. Check the rates beforehand to avoid surprises.
Use free charging points: Some supermarkets and shopping centres offer free charging points. Use apps to find these locations and charge your car while you shop or take a break.
Avoid peak hours: Try to charge during less busy hours, such as early in the morning or late at night. This reduces the chance of waiting at charging stations.
Overnight Stays
The journey to Austria cannot be completed in one go by everyone with an electric car, so it's advisable to plan for an overnight stay along the way. Choose a charming hotel with a charging point, dine in a picturesque town, or relax in a hotel with wellness facilities!
Driving Electrically in the Mountains
The mountains in Austria always pose a challenge for cars. Fortunately, modern electric vehicles (EVs) are well-equipped for such conditions. However, keep in mind that your vehicle consumes more energy when driving uphill. Plan your stops wisely and make sure you start a mountain pass with a full battery.
While descending, you can recover energy through regeneration. Put your car in the mode that optimises this. Although regeneration is useful, don’t rely solely on it. It's best to charge your car before starting a mountain road, as charging points in mountainous areas are not yet widely available.
Charging at Your Holiday Home
Once you’ve arrived at your holiday home in Austria, you’ll want to charge your electric car without any worries. Many ChaletsPlus chalets have charging points or offer easy access to charging stations. How convenient!
In short, with the right planning, driving an electric car to Austria is a fantastic experience. Enjoy the breaks along the way, make your trip more relaxing with an overnight stay, and explore the stunning nature without local emissions. Austria is waiting for you – get in and charge up!
With these tips, you can travel through Germany and Austria with your electric car with ease. Have a great time and a safe journey! Explore ChaletsPlus holiday homes with a charging point here.