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Electric Car Holiday with Children
An electric car holiday with children is not a challenge at all. It’s an opportunity. It forces you to approach the journey differently, shifting the focus from arriving quickly to enjoying the journey together. Compulsory charging stops transform from a necessary evil into planned rest moments that make the trip more pleasant for everyone. With the right preparation, you can turn these breaks into the most enjoyable moments of your road trip. We’ll explain how.
a smart route forms the foundation
A successful electric car journey doesn’t begin on the road, but at the kitchen table. Your car’s range is an important starting point. Preferably choose a model with a range of at least 400 to 500 kilometres. This way, you won’t have to stop every two hours. Use route planners specifically developed for electric cars, such as the ANWB Routeplanner or A Better Routeplanner. These apps calculate the quickest route and take your car’s consumption into account. They also plan the most efficient charging stops.
For a relaxing journey with children, it’s important to look beyond just the location of rapid chargers. Apps like PlugShare offer the option to filter charging points based on available amenities. Look for charging stations near restaurants, playgrounds, and supermarkets. By combining charging moments with an activity, waiting won’t feel like wasted time.
‘ This way, the journey itself becomes part of the holiday, with unexpected discoveries you might otherwise have missed. ’
Turn charging stops into an experience
The traditional break at an anonymous motorway service station is a thing of the past. With an electric car, you leave the motorway and discover the surroundings: charming villages, local museums, and beautiful nature reserves. A 30 to 45-minute charging stop provides time for a short walk or a visit to a point of interest. This way, the journey itself becomes part of the holiday, with unexpected discoveries you might otherwise have missed.
Strategically plan your charging moments around mealtimes. Find a rapid charger near a restaurant where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch while the car charges. Many family-friendly restaurants, even abroad, have playgrounds or play areas. Children can burn off energy there, and you can enjoy a relaxed meal. After the break, everyone gets back in the car refreshed for the next leg of the journey.
Comfort and entertainment in the back seat
A good atmosphere in the car is just as important as a full battery. Long journeys are tiring for children, so keep the stages manageable. Don’t drive for more than two to three hours at a stretch. This rhythm often aligns perfectly with your car’s charging needs.
Provide plenty of entertainment to combat boredom. Headrest tablet holders offer viewing pleasure during the journey. Headphones ensure peace and quiet in the car. Alternate screen time with other activities. Think of audiobooks, travel games, or a drawing and craft set. Small cool boxes with healthy snacks and plenty of drinks prevent hungry and thirsty children. Take a few small, new items with you to bring out when boredom strikes.
Practical tips for a relaxing journey
Good planning and the right mindset are crucial. With this practical approach, you, your family, and your electric car can enjoy a relaxed holiday.
- Plan your route with child-friendly stops: Use apps to find charging stations near playgrounds, parks, or restaurants. This way, every stop offers a welcome break.
- Book accommodation with a charging point: Choose a hotel, campsite, or holiday home where you can charge your car overnight. This way, you start each day with a full battery and no charging anxiety.
- Keep journeys short: Drive for a maximum of two to three hours at a stretch. This is more pleasant for children and often aligns with the car’s charging cycle.
- Drive efficiently: A calm driving style, a lower speed on the motorway, and limited use of air conditioning increase your range. Less consumption means fewer stops.
- Charge in good time: Don’t wait until the battery is almost empty. Plan your charging stop when the battery is around 15-20%. This gives you flexibility if a charging point is unexpectedly occupied or out of order.
A journey with an electric car requires a different way of thinking. It’s no longer about getting from A to B as quickly as possible, but about the quality of the journey itself. By smartly planning charging stops and combining them with fun activities for the whole family, you’ll experience the drive as a valuable part of your holiday. On the Traveler Tips website, you’ll find much more practical information for your road trip. Discover how to travel more comfortably and consciously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan your EV road trip with children by choosing a car with sufficient range (400-500 km) and rapid charging. Use route planners like ANWB Routeplanner or PlugShare to combine stops with charging points and child-friendly attractions. Keep journeys short (max. 2 hours) with snacks and entertainment, and book accommodation with charging points to avoid charging anxiety. Charge the battery at 15% and drive more calmly on busy routes to minimise unexpected delays.
The document provides general tips for travelling with an electric car and children but does not name specific EV models most suitable for families in terms of space, comfort, and safety. However, it is advised to choose an EV with a minimum range of 400-500 km and a rapid charging function.
Plan child-friendly charging stops by combining them with playgrounds, attractions, or swimming pools, making waiting enjoyable. Provide snacks and drinks to improve mood. Entertain children with drawing tablets, car tables for crafts, educational apps, or introduce \”new\” toys. Explore villages, local cafes, or churches near charging points for extra distraction.
Financial considerations for an EV road trip with a family include potentially lower ‘fuel costs’ through efficient charging planning and the use of monthly subscriptions. This contrasts with the fluctuating fuel prices of a traditional car. Strategically charging at accommodations or tourist attractions can save costs and optimise travel time. While the initial purchase cost of an EV might be higher, long-term operating costs can prove more economical.
For a successful EV holiday with the whole family, an EV with at least 400-500 km range and a rapid charging function is essential. Plan the route carefully with apps like ANWB Routeplanner or PlugShare, combining charging stops with child-friendly activities such as playgrounds or attractions. Book hotels with charging points, where children often stay for free and amenities like swimming pools are available. Keep journeys short (max. 2 hours), provide entertainment and snacks, and charge the car at 15% battery instead of 5% to avoid stress.
