I recently did a road trip through France. It was the same week we launched some big updates to Tap’s map.
From Amsterdam, it’s 1,382 km to get to Antibes via the Route du Soleil.
If you were an EV pioneer, you may remember the feeling of nervously eyeing your battery while passing yet another unavailable charger and swearing to meticulously plan your next long distance drive.
This time, however, I found myself simply hopping from one charger to the next. I enjoyed hours of uninterrupted driving in between, all thanks to the Tap app and fast charging network down (and up) the Route du Soleil.
Here’s a few thoughts from my trip:
#1 Charging really was that easy
Not once did I worry about where to charge next. The Route du Soleil, a popular route for travellers, is dotted with a variety of fast chargers, making it the model for other countries aiming to attract tourists.
On my drive I used Fastned, IONITY, TotalEnergies, Allego, and Shell Recharge. The density of 150kW+ chargers was impressive and I had a lot of options on when and where to charge.
#2 Big battery, big convenience
For this trip, I rented a Polestar. Since it’s got a 75 kWh battery, I never had to stop solely for charging. Instead, I paused for a KitKat Chunky or a coffee break, and conveniently found chargers at every stop.
#3 EV drivers deserve better signs
One of the things that stood out was the difference in signage between petrol stations and EV chargers. Petrol stations have clear signs indicating the operator, but this isn’t always the case for chargers.
Yet, with some operators like Fastned you know you’ll always have excellent user experience and facilities.
#4 Destination charging makes a difference
Destination charging made all the difference. I was able to top up my battery at hotels and even during grocery shopping at Carrefour. This level of convenience is one of the perks of driving an EV and my car was always ready for the next leg of the trip.
#5 Yes to accessibility
I spotted a fast charger specifically designed for wheelchair and aided accessibility. It’s great to see accessibility being prioritised over revenue – it was the only spot at the time that wasn’t occupied. Navigating through cables from 16 cars in a wheelchair must be tough, and this spot on the corner with a nice slope makes it so much easier.
Final words
My road trip through France highlighted just how crucial a robust and user-friendly charging infrastructure is for EV drivers. The ease of finding and using chargers, along with the convenience of destination charging made the journey stress-free. As more countries look to attract EV drivers, they can certainly take a page from France’s book.
With Tap Electric, traveling with an EV isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about enjoying the journey without the constant worry of where to charge next. And if you’re wondering if you should visit the Côte de Azur with yours, I highly recommend it. Bon voyage!
