Journeyed Through Europe in an Electric Vehicle: A Steady, Economical Trip with Insights Gained Throughout

Journeyed Through Europe in an Electric Vehicle: A Steady, Economical Trip with Insights Gained Throughout

Liv Cooper, a dedicated environmentalist, recently embarked on a round trip of 1602 miles from Manchester to Switzerland in an electric vehicle (EV). Her journey, made in a Volkswagen ID.7, demonstrated that modern EVs with long-range capabilities and rapid charging can deliver a smooth and viable experience comparable to traditional petrol or diesel cars.

Liv's trip was not without its challenges. The charging infrastructure in Europe still needs improvement, as she encountered issues such as stations not accepting UK payment methods and poor signal for the app. However, she managed to maintain flexibility during her journey by checking charging locations before setting off and topping up whenever possible.

The ID.7, with its comfortable, smooth, and efficient performance, proved to be an ideal choice for long-distance travel. Modern EVs like the ID.7 offer advanced route planning tools that factor in weather, traffic, and real-time charger availability, making long drives more predictable and less stressful. The ID.7’s compatibility with fast charging infrastructure allowed recharging from 10% to 80% in around 18-20 minutes using 800V architecture chargers (150 kW+).

Compared to traditional combustion engine travel, EV long trips still require somewhat more planning around charging locations and time management. However, the gap is narrowing thanks to improved vehicle range, dense charging networks, and smart-trip planning apps. Winter or cold conditions can reduce EV range by 20-30%, which can impact travel in mountainous or colder regions like Switzerland and northern UK. However, vehicles like the ID.7 with 350-400 mile WLTP range and rapid charging capability mitigate these issues.

Liv was impressed with the affordability of her EV trip, especially when costs were split between herself and a companion. She also found some charging stations to have slower-than-expected charging times and encountered range anxiety, the worry that the EV's battery would run out of charge before reaching a destination or charging station, at times, particularly in rural areas.

Despite these challenges, Liv's EV trip changed her perspective on EV ownership, making her believe that long-distance travel in EVs can be enjoyable with the right preparation. Arriving in Switzerland for the Women's Euros final in an EV felt empowering to Liv. The charging costs for the EV trip were significantly cheaper than flying, even at fast-charging rates.

Liv used OVO's Charge app to plan charging stops during her trip. She believes making more sustainable choices in football, such as traveling in EVs, is a way to support the planet. Her journey from Manchester to Switzerland in a VW ID.7 highlights how European long-distance EV travel has matured into a realistic alternative to conventional methods, combining sustainability with growing convenience and reliability.

1. Liv's interest in electric vehicles expanded beyond her round trip, as she now sees them as viable options for sports-related travel, such as attending the Women's Euros football final in Switzerland.
2. In her quest for a sustainable lifestyle, Liv promotes the use of electric cars, like the Volkswagen ID.7, not only for long-distance travel but also as a viable means of transportation in the sports world.
3. Liv's adventure of traveling from Manchester to Switzerland in an electric vehicle has encouraged her to consider electric sports cars in the future, realizing that her love for travel and sports can align with her commitment to the environment.

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