Road tripping in an EV requires slightly different planning than with a petrol car. But do not worry — with these 7 steps, you can plan any route stress-free and efficiently.
1. Know your real-world range
Treat the official WLTP range as a maximum. In reality, expect 70–85% of the rated range depending on temperature, driving style, and speed. Highway driving at 130 km/h reduces range by up to 30%. In winter, expect a further 15–25% drop. A Škoda Enyaq rated at 540 km will realistically cover ~400 km on the highway in summer, ~320 km in winter.
2. Plan stops every 150–200 km
The optimal strategy is charging from 15–20% to 80%. In this range, charging is fastest — above 80%, speed drops dramatically. For an Enyaq, this means a charging stop every 200–250 km in summer, 150–180 km in winter.
3. Select stations along your route
Use a route planner like A Better Route Planner (ABRP), NajdiNabíječku.cz, or your car's built-in navigation. Look for DC fast chargers (minimum 100 kW) near the highway. Stations at rest stops with restaurants are ideal — you can use the charging time for a meal.
4. Have a backup plan
Always identify at least one alternative station for each planned stop. A station may be occupied, out of service, or slow. Apps like PlugShare show real-time status and user comments.
5. Check payment methods
Different stations accept different payment methods — RFID cards, credit cards, mobile apps. Before your trip, make sure you have active accounts with operators along the route. Roaming services like Plugsurfing or Chargemap Pass give you access to most stations across Europe with a single card.
6. Adjust your driving style
Drive at 120 km/h instead of 130 — you save 10–15% energy. Use regenerative braking and eco mode. Pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin while still plugged in. These simple adjustments extend your range by tens of kilometers.
7. Build in time buffer
For your first long trips, add 30–45 minutes of buffer. You will get better at planning with experience. A typical DC charging stop takes 20–30 minutes — perfect for coffee and stretching. Most EV drivers say that after a few trips, charging becomes a natural part of the journey.