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How to charge your car when travelling in Europe
From tips, blogs, maps and charge point locators, we have everything you need to plan your EV holiday with us.
Read our blogs and advice for tried and tested tips on how to plan a stress-free trip. That way you can start your holiday as you mean to go on, relaxed and ready for anything.
Where to charge your electric car on a road trip?
Charging your EV abroad works in exactly the same way as it does in your home country. We have our own charge points, but to make the network even more extensive we enable charging with other operators across 33 countries. That means, with the Shell Recharge app and charge card you get access to a network of 700,000 charge points from over 370 roaming partners. with Just like the UK, chargers are found in locations where cars are likely to be parked, shopping centres, restaurants, hotels, tourist attractions and car parks. You’re likely to find fast chargers at petrol stations, motorway services and of course, Shell forecourts.
This means you can charge on-the-go at public charge points all across Europe, just like you would at home.
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Map of EV charge points across Europe
Map your chosen electric car charging points across the whole of Europe. Even though Shell Recharge gives access to a large EV charging network with 700,000 public charge points, it is advisable to map your route. You can also check the availability of the location you wish to charge at, before you set off, of course.
How to plan a road trip with an electric car
Our first piece of advice is to download the Shell Recharge app and order your charge card, if you haven’t already. The best way to prepare is planning your journey through the app. The Route Planner app feature can minimise range anxiety and ensure you don't run out of battery during your journey. It will use your EVs battery data to plan a route, including the best places to stop and charge. You can apply filters too, so if you wish to use a certain speed or you wish to charge at Shell so you can take advantage of the services, make sure to add that to the criteria. You can then easily export this journey to your preferred map app with just a few clicks.
It's always a good idea to plan charge sessions around comfort breaks. Include charge stops at places where you can grab a coffee or scenic spots where you can stretch your legs and take in the views. To get more tried and tested advice, read 6 tips for a carefree EV holiday .
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How to find electric car charging points: Shell Recharge app
The Shell Recharge app enables EV drivers to easily find, navigate to, map their journey and charge on-the-go. Plan your trip around the 700,000 public charge points we have in our sprawling European network.
Shell Recharge top EV travel tip
- Before going on holiday, request a second charge card and keep it safe in your suitcase. It’s always safer to have a back-up plan, just in case you lose one.
In the UK, Netherlands and Germany, your Shell Recharge charge card will allow you to charge with a set tariff. At some locations, like some supermarkets, you can even charge for free. It's also a great excuse to get some ice creams en route to your next destination. However, in some countries (France as an example), as well as paying for the energy that you use, some providers also charge a price per minute. Be conscious of speeds too, rapid charging when travelling is convenient and quick, but remember, it also usually comes with a slightly higher price tag. If you aren’t on a strict time schedule, take your time and make use of regular charging. It is usually a good way to keep costs down. To avoid surprises, check out exactly what it costs before plugging in.
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How much does it cost to charge my EV in Europe?
Are you thinking about going on a road trip with your EV this summer? But wondering what it is going to cost to charge abroad? Look no further, we explain all.
Real life stories and expert advice
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A family road trip with Carole
We interviewed Carole about the 2500km trip she took with her family last summer. Can road tripping with an EV be easy, stress-free, and even a bonus? Check out how Carole tackled it.
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Route Planner makes road trips easy
The new Route Planner app feature can minimise range anxiety and ensure you don't run out of battery during your journey. EV holidays will never be the same again.
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6 tips for a carefree EV holiday
The school-run, popping to the shops and driving to work, you can handle these everyday trips with an EV, no problem. A longer journey does require more preparation. From planning advice to pricing insights and battery advice: with our tips, you'll never run out of juice.
Frequently asked questions about charging abroad
The Shell Recharge charge card provides customers with access to a network of over 370 roaming partners, including 300,000 charge points. This means you can charge on-the-go at public charge points all across Europe. Our Shell Recharge charging network spans across Europe, so you can charge in over 33 countries. Chargers are usually found in car parks, on-street parking, shopping centres, restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions. When you get to the charge point, start a charging session with an active charge card or key fob. Alternatively, scan the QR-sticker with your smartphone and select instant payment or start a session with the Shell Recharge app. It is important to know, with the last option, you must have a charge card activated in the app. When you open the app, the instructions will guide you through.
Just like you would in your home country, you can see if the charge point is available using the Shell Recharge app. If it is, a green checkmark icon will be shown.
Charging tariffs can vary between countries and providers, so we also advise you to check the tariffs per country before you travel. You can do this in the Shell Recharge app by selecting the charge point and clicking on the info. There you will see the actual tariffs. If you add your vehicle to your account, you will also see estimated session costs.
Firstly, we recommend you order an additional charge card before going on holiday. Keep it safe in your suitcase or in the car. Or alternatively, get a credit card for charging via the QR code on the charge point. If you have lost a charge card, you must remember to block it. You can do this in the Shell Recharge app.
Yes, in most cases can use your lease card abroad, but we recommend speaking to your employer directly about this. They set up the specific rules for the car policy in the company.
Questions you should be aware of:
- What is the company policy on using the company charge card for international holiday charging?
- What if the charge card does not work, and I need to use a second card or a different payment method?
- Can I get reimbursed for this, or do I need to pay for this myself?
As Shell Recharge, we have our own charge points, but we also grow our network by enabling charging at other charge point operators. This is called ‘Interoperability’, which works very similarly to using your mobile phone whilst abroad.
However, not all charge point providers are part of this network, which is why you won’t have access to all charge points. When charge point operators connect in the future, they will automatically be shown in the app.
Through interoperability, you can find and use nearby charging stations regardless of the network provider. This simplifies the whole experience, especially when you are abroad. In other words, seamless integration into software.
However, not all charge point providers are part of this network yet. When charge point operators that are not already connected, connect in the future, they will automatically be shown in the app.