NL
Good preparation with the right charging apps and cards is the key to a relaxed and cleverly planned driving holiday with an electric car. It prevents unexpected charging stress and ensures you really enjoy your trip. Discover which combination of apps and cards works best for your journey through Europe.
Why a mix of charging cards and apps is essential
Going on holiday in an electric car requires a different kind of planning than you are used to with a petrol or diesel car. You do not want to be faced with surprises, such as a charge point that is occupied, out of order or not compatible with your charging card. By using a combination of the right apps and several charging cards, you reduce the chance of hassle and can charge anywhere, any time. The best approach is to choose one charging card as your main card, supplemented with one or two alternatives for maximum coverage.
‘ Features such as real-time availability, filter options for plug type and charging speed, and up-to-date tariffs are essential for a smooth journey. ’
Top 5 charging apps for your electric driving holiday in Europe
A good charging app is more than just a map with charging points. Features such as real-time availability, filter options for plug type and charging speed, and up-to-date tariffs are essential for a smooth journey. Below is an overview of the most reliable and user-friendly apps for travellers in Europe.
1. Shell Recharge
The Shell Recharge app gives access to one of the largest charging networks in Europe, with more than 250,000 charge points. The app is particularly useful for planning longer routes along motorways. The route planner in the app not only shows where you will charge, but also gives an indication of charging time and costs. The tariffs may be slightly higher than with other providers, but the reliability and coverage more than make up for this.
- Large network throughout Europe.
- Handy route planner with planned charging stops.
- Real-time availability and tariffs.
2. E-Flux
E-Flux is known for its broad coverage with more than 700,000 connected charge points in 28 European countries. It is an all-round choice that provides access to a large network with transparent tariffs and no roaming costs at connected networks. The app is user friendly and the 24/7 support gives extra peace of mind on the road. E-Flux is a strong candidate for your primary charging card, especially if you are travelling through the Benelux, Germany and France.
- Broad coverage across the EU.
- Often competitive tariffs with no hidden costs.
- Reliable app with 24/7 support.
3. Vandebron
For the conscious traveller who values sustainability, Vandebron is a good choice. This provider supplies guaranteed green electricity. The charging card works at virtually all public charge points in the Netherlands and a large part of Europe. A big advantage is the transparency of the costs: you pay the exact tariff of the charge point operator with no mark-up. The app gives a clear overview of your charging sessions and costs.
- 100% renewable energy.
- Transparent tariffs with no extra mark-up.
- Good coverage in the Netherlands and beyond.
4. ANWB
The ANWB charging card is a trusted choice for many Dutch travellers. Coverage is good in 16 European countries, including popular holiday destinations such as France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Although the tariffs are not always the lowest, ANWB offers a reliable service with a clear and straightforward app. It is a safe choice, especially if you are already an ANWB member.
- Reliable network in popular holiday countries.
- Transparent cost structure.
- Ideal for trips towards the Alps and southern Europe.
5. Plugsurfing (via MoveMove or Vattenfall InCharge)
Plugsurfing is a major player with a roaming network, often offered via other parties such as MoveMove or Vattenfall InCharge. With access to hundreds of thousands of charge points, it is a powerful addition to your main card. The app is easy to use and lets you start and stop charging sessions directly. Do pay attention to the tariffs per charge point, as these vary.
- Wide coverage across Europe.
- Simple, easy-to-use app.
- Great as a back-up for maximum flexibility.
How do you check the status of charge points?
There is nothing more annoying than arriving at a charge point that is occupied or out of order. Fortunately, most modern charging apps show the real-time status of charge points. In apps such as Shell Recharge and E-Flux, you can see with colour codes whether a charge point is free. Often green means available, blue or orange means occupied. By checking the status of your next planned charging stop before you set off and during your breaks, you can avoid unnecessary waiting. Filter options in the apps help you search for charge points with specific facilities. Think of a restaurant, toilet or park nearby. This makes waiting more pleasant.
Practical tips for a smart charging strategy on holiday
Good preparation is half the battle. With these tips you can set off with confidence:
- Take several charging cards with you: Never rely on a single charging card. Take at least two, but preferably three different cards with you. A good combination is, for example, E-Flux as your main card, supplemented with Shell Recharge for motorway coverage and a free card such as Vandebron for peace of mind.
- Plan your route in advance: Use a route planner such as A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) in combination with your charging apps. These tools calculate the ideal charging stops based on the consumption of your car. They also take into account the elevation profile of the route and the weather conditions.
- Charge overnight at your accommodation: If possible, book accommodation where you can charge overnight. That way you start each day with a full battery and are less dependent on public rapid chargers during the day.
- Opt for rapid chargers along the motorway: For long distances, rapid chargers (DC chargers) from networks such as Ionity, Allego and Fastned are the best choice. In 20 to 40 minutes you can charge your battery to a large extent, which is just enough time for a coffee or lunch break.
The world of electric travel is constantly evolving. Good preparation with the right charging cards and apps makes your trip not only more comfortable, but also more enjoyable. On the Traveler Tips website, you can read many more articles about smart travel, route planning and preparing your driving holiday. Explore our guides and turn your next trip into a truly special experience.
Frequently asked questions
Vandebron and E-Flux offer broad coverage at almost all public points in the Netherlands and the EU, with Vandebron applying transparent, sustainable tariffs without a subscription and E-Flux being rated as the best all-round provider with more than 700,000 points in 28 EU countries. Shell Recharge is ideal for travellers driving mainly on motorways, with a network of more than 250,000 points in 35–45 countries. For specific regions, there are also targeted options, such as ANWB for Alpine countries and Chargepoint Europe for Germany and Italy, but combining several cards is recommended for optimal coverage.
To compare the costs and tariffs of different charging apps and cards transparently and avoid unexpected expenses, you can look at a number of key criteria. Choose charging cards with broad coverage and transparent tariffs, and check whether there are monthly fees or per-session charges. Compare independent tests and check current prices via the providers’ apps. Use apps with route planning and real-time availability to avoid busy or faulty charge points and watch out for any hidden roaming fees, especially if you travel a lot in Europe.
Vandebron and E-Flux are known for their broad coverage and transparent tariffs, which makes them reliable for European journeys. Shell Recharge is ideal for motorways, with a large network and handy route planning in the app. Essent and ANWB also offer good options with real-time insights or specific benefits for, among other things, trips to the Alps. For optimal coverage and ease of use, many travellers often combine several cards.
Yes, there are charging apps with specific features that help you plan charging stops along your route in advance, including availability and speed. Apps such as Shell Recharge, Greenchoice and Essent offer route planners with real-time availability to help you avoid full or faulty charge points. A Better Routeplanner is also a popular app that integrates with charging cards for holiday planning. It is advisable to check the app features and coverage of your chosen charging card before your trip.
For fast through-travel, a charging solution with broad coverage and efficient route planning via an app is ideal, such as Shell Recharge for motorways. For longer stays in one region, charging cards without monthly fees such as Vandebron, or with transparent tariffs such as E-Flux, are cost-effective and offer a good overview of session costs. It is often useful to use a combination of charging cards for optimal coverage and lower costs. Also consider country-specific options for reliability in certain regions.
