Your first road trip with an EV — step by step

Many new EV owners feel a bit nervous about their first long trip. That is completely understandable — the thought of having to stop and charge along the way can seem stressful. But here is the good news: with a little planning, road trips with an EV are both simple and comfortable. The charging breaks become natural stops to stretch your legs, grab a coffee, and recharge — literally.

Before the trip: planning is key

Good planning makes the difference between a stress-free trip and unnecessary worry. Here is what you should do in advance.

1. Know your car's range

Check what your car actually manages — not just the stated range. A good rule of thumb is to expect 70-80 percent of the WLTP range in the summer half of the year, and down to 60 percent on cold winter days with lots of motorway driving.

Example: If your car has a WLTP range of 450 km, you can in practice expect about 315-360 km in summer and 270-315 km in winter.

2. Plan the charging stops

Use the trip planner on ladr.no→ to find the best charging stops along your route. Plan to stop when the battery is at 10-20 percent and charge up to 80 percent.

Why 10-80 percent? Because EVs charge fastest in this range. Charging from 80 to 100 percent can take just as long as charging from 10 to 80. So you save a lot of time by staying within this window.

3. Download apps and check accounts

Check which charging operators have stations along your route, and make sure you have downloaded their apps and have working accounts with payment cards registered. The most common operators along Norwegian main roads are Circle K, Mer, Recharge, and Ionity.

4. Check weather and road conditions

Weather and temperature affect range noticeably. Strong headwinds, cold, and rain increase consumption. In winter, you should add extra margin — plan slightly more frequent charging stops than in summer.

Winter tips:

• Precondition the car while it is still connected to the charger at home.
• Use seat heating instead of cabin heating — it uses much less energy.
• Drive a bit more gently on the motorway — the difference between 110 and 100 km/h can give noticeably better range.

5. Charge to 100 percent before departure

This is one of the few times it makes sense to charge to 100 percent. When you are going on a road trip, it gives you the best possible starting point. Set the car to finish charging right before you leave, so the battery does not sit at 100 percent for a long time.

During the trip: how to charge along the way

Now you are on the road! Here is what you need to know while driving.

When should you stop and charge?

Stop to charge when the battery is at about 10-20 percent. Do not wait until it flashes empty — that causes unnecessary range anxiety. Most cars warn you in good time and suggest charging stations nearby via the navigation system.

How long should you charge?

Charge to 80 percent — it typically takes 20-40 minutes on a fast charger, depending on your car and the charger's power. That is just enough time to use the toilet, stretch your legs, and have a cup of coffee.

If the next charging stop is nearby, you can even stop at 60-70 percent and save time. It is about finding the right balance between charging time and range to the next stop.

How to use the fast charger

1. Drive to the charging station — Follow the car's navigation or use the map on ladr.no→.
2. Park at an available charger — Choose a charger with a CCS connector (the vast majority of fast chargers have this).
3. Start charging — Open the operator's app, select the correct charging point, and start. Some chargers let you start with a bank card.
4. Connect the cable — Plug the CCS connector into the car. You will hear a click.
5. Relax — Go inside and take a break. The app will notify you when you have reached the desired charge level.
6. Disconnect and drive on — Stop charging in the app, pull out the cable, and continue your trip.

What do you do while charging?

The charging break is a natural part of the trip. Use the time well:

• Have a meal break — Most charging stations are located at roadside restaurants, petrol stations, or shopping centres.
• Stretch your legs — A short walk works wonders after long driving.
• Let the kids play — Many rest areas have playgrounds nearby.
• Check the next stop — Plan the rest of the route while you wait.

Special situations

What if the charger is busy?

It happens, especially during holiday periods. Here are some tips:

• Check the app — Many apps show whether chargers are available in real time.
• Have an alternative station ready — This is why it is smart to have planned an extra stop.
• Wait patiently — Most people only charge to 80 percent, so the waiting time is rarely long.

What if the charger is not working?

It is frustrating, but it does happen from time to time. Call the customer service number displayed on the charger — they can often help you get started. If not, drive on to the next station. With good planning, you always have enough range.

Mountain pass crossing in winter

Mountain pass crossings require extra planning. Cold temperatures and ascent drain the battery faster. Charge more than you think you need, and be aware that there can be long distances between charging stations in the mountains. On the other hand, you get a lot of energy back on the way down thanks to regenerative braking.

After the trip: evaluate and learn

When you have arrived, take some time to think about what worked and what you can do better next time:

• Was the consumption accurate? — Compare actual consumption with what you planned. After a few trips, you will gain good experience with what your car actually uses.
• Were the charging stops good? — Note stations with good locations, fast charging, and good facilities.
• Was there anything you were missing? — Perhaps you need another app, or a charging cable in the car for destination charging?

Checklist for the road trip

Print this list or take a screenshot:

• Checked the car's real-world range
• Planned the charging stops along the route
• Downloaded necessary apps
• Checked that accounts and payment cards work
• Checked weather and road conditions
• Charged the car to 100 percent the evening before
• Packed a charging cable (Type 2) for destination charging