Top tips for driving an EV to the Alps for skiing

Driving an electric vehicle (EV) to the Alps can be a smooth, cost-effective, and eco-friendly way to start your skiing holiday. With a little planning and some helpful hacks, your journey can be stress-free, even on long drives.

Here are our top tips for driving an electric vehicle to the Alps for skiing…

1. Maximise charging stops along your route

The key to an efficient EV road trip is choosing the right stops. For example, on the way to the Alps, there are dozens of great charging stations along the main motorways.

Also, get off on the right foot by arriving at the Eurotunnel terminal 30 minutes earlier to charge before you board the train. That way, when you get off on the other side, you can hit the road running with a full charge.

2. The first 10 minutes are vital

When you stop to charge, jump out and plug in as soon as you arrive. The first 10 minutes of charging an EV can add up to 25% of the charge, so while other passengers are waking up or preparing to get out, your car can be filling up at speed.

3. Avoid pairing chargers

Some charging stations pair chargers together, meaning that two cars parked next to each other might share power. To maximise charging speed, park one charger away from another to avoid sharing power and ensure a faster charge.

This might be an old wives' tale, but it was certainly true on the Tesla network!

4. Recalibrate your navigation

If your EV is being too conservative with its charging suggestions, try stopping the navigation and re-inputting your final destination while on the move. The system will often recalibrate, directing you to a farther charger, which could save you time and reduce the overall number of charging stops.

5. Check charger availability in advance

Use apps or your car’s navigation system to check charger availability before you arrive. This can help you avoid busy chargers and find less crowded ones, potentially reducing your wait time and even the cost. For example, Tesla charges more at busier stations, so locating a quieter charger could save you money—albeit not enough to pay for your holiday!

6. Free hotel charging

If you plan to stop overnight on the way down or back, many hotels offer free car charging, so it's worth checking in advance. A £70 per night hotel could get you £10-30 worth of car charging included.

7. Your best cuppa

Not specific to EVs, but pack a flask of hot water with your favourite coffee or tea. Service station hot drinks don’t leave much to be desired, so being able to make a decent cuppa while charging can be a godsend. And if you really want to save cash, packed food will save you pounds too.

8. Cold means drain

Spoiler alert: Ski resorts are generally cold, which can drain a battery even if the car is not being used. A happy car is a charged car, so charge the car early on in your holiday and leave it parked fully charged if you're not going to be using it. This way, you won’t find the cold has drained the last bit of charge you had left when you need it most.

With these tips, driving your EV to the Alps can be a smooth and enjoyable experience. Enjoy the scenic drive and eco-friendly journey!

These tips were kindly provided by Dominic Killinger of InTheSnow magazine and The Whiteout Ski podcast.

Related guides

• Driving to the Alps from the UK: A Practical Guide

• Best routes to the French Alps from the UK

• Driving to the Alps with children

• What to pack for a self drive ski holiday

• Peparing your car for a self drive ski holiday

• Where to stop overnight when driving to the Alps