Blog of RENAULT NISSAN Alliance

Driving an electric car like the Renault ZOE over long distances is actually easier than you would think. Public charging spots that allow you to charge your ZOE in less than 45 minutes are available all over Europe. For my drives, I can easily locate them on the ZOE’s onboard multi-media R-Link console and on the internet. 

 

 

The most complicated aspect of public charging today is the different systems. There are many operators on the market today, all offering different charging possibilities. They’re working on simplifying the process for everybody and this is key to the success of electric mobility. The number of public charging spots is sufficient, at least in Germany where I live, and availability especially outside big cities is not a problem.

 

To travel long distances with an electric car, you could use a car with a very big battery to extend the range or quick charge at several intervals on the public charging infrastructure. The former makes the electric car heavy and expensive; the latter is the economic solution if you seldom travel long distance.

 

 In my experience, “range anxiety” does not exist among electric car drivers. The remaining driving range estimation of cars like the ZOE is pretty accurate.. And you can always extend the range of your car, if necessary, by slowing down. 

 

To travel long distances with an electric car is a whole new experience. You slow down automatically and this fits perfectly with the silent and smooth ride of the electric vehicle – it’s really something worth trying.

 

This blog post was written by Renaut ZOE owner Werner Hillebrand as part of "I Made The Switch", a video series exploring the daily lives of EV owners. Visit his e-mobility tour business website here, and watch his video below.