EVs have increased significantly in popularity in Europe, thanks to growing environmental awareness and government policies. However, the profitability of EVs can be affected during rush periods, such as holidays. Charging an electric vehicle during these peak periods can present numerous challenges. This article analyzes the inconveniences that electric vehicle drivers face in Europe during the holidays.
Limited Charging Infrastructure
Although the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is expanding rapidly, the network is sometimes insufficient to meet demand during holiday periods. This problem became particularly evident during the summer holidays of 2023. A report by Euronews highlighted the congestion of charging stations along major European routes, with drivers having to wait longer than necessary to charge their EV.
The influx of holiday travelers can lead to an overcrowding of charging stations, especially public ones or those in hotels or holiday homes. It must be remembered that, although the choice to equip oneself with an EV is sustainable and helps to reduce CO2 emissions, recharging an electric vehicle can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, unlike refuelling a petrol car, which only takes a few minutes. These delays can turn a joyful holiday trip into a stressful experience, highlighting the need for more efficient charging solutions.
Inhomogeneous availability of chargers
Another major drawback is the inconsistent availability of charging stations. Not all charging stations are available at all times and some may be out of service or occupied for long periods. Additionally, while in large cities the presence of charging stations, both public and private, allows for fairly extensive coverage, the limited availability in more rural areas, albeit popular tourist destinations, exacerbates the problem and can disrupt travel plans and cause significant delays.
With the El-Monde app you can become part of a large network of private chargers, so you can enjoy your holidays and not have to stress about where to charge your EV.
Planning challenges
Planning a holiday trip with an electric vehicle requires careful mapping of the route to include charging stops according to the vehicle’s range. This necessity adds complexity to travel plans, as drivers must consider factors such as charger speed, battery health and potential detours. The spontaneity often associated with holiday travel is compromised as drivers must adhere to a strict charging schedule. This planning burden can reduce the enjoyment of the trip.
What could be possible solutions to these problems?
Stay tuned and we will explain in a forthcoming article!
