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Skiing without stress? Here’s how to charge your electric car smartly on holiday
You’ve arrived in a winter paradise: snow-covered mountains, crisp air, ready to hit the slopes. But now a new challenge begins for you as an EV driver. How do you get the most out of your electric car so you stay mobile at all times, even when the thermometer drops to minus twenty at night? With these smart tips, you can enjoy your holiday without charging stress.
Check EV charging facilities upon arrival
That bullet point on the hotel website saying “charging point at the hotel” often turns out to mean just one or two spots in practice—and they’re always occupied. So what now?
Check the situation right away: is there an actual charging station, or perhaps a regular power socket you can use for your EV?
Can you reserve a spot? Ask at reception whether you can book a time slot, so you’re sure of your charging session. This is especially important if multiple hotel guests drive electric.
Charging points nearby: are there public charging stations outside the hotel? Think of a public car park or the parking area of the local supermarket. That way, you always have a backup option.
Battery management in the cold
Your EV doesn’t like icy nights. If your car is parked outside and temperatures drop well below freezing, you’ll notice a reduction in both driving range and charging speed. Fortunately, there are ways to deal with this:
Preheat while plugged in: warm up your car before you set off, while it’s still connected to the charging station. This way, it uses grid power and your battery stays full and at the right temperature.
Start every trip at maximum: whether you’re heading out for a day trip or just driving to the ski lifts, a warm, full battery gives you more range.
Consider covered parking: sometimes hotels or apartment complexes offer a garage for an extra fee. There, your car is better protected from extreme cold.
Top up during every short stop
The golden rule in severe cold: charge at every opportunity. Heading into the village for groceries or lunch?
Charge at supermarkets, restaurants or public car parks: even a few extra percent helps keep your battery at a good temperature.
Frequent charging = less risk of an empty battery: save both your car and your nerves.
Did you remember your emergency cable?
Winter in the mountains always involves a bit of adventure. So don’t forget to bring your 230V emergency charging cable!
Last resort: if the charging network is unavailable, a charger is broken, or you’re staying in a chalet with no charging point nearby, your emergency cable lets you slowly charge your car from a regular power socket.
On the road or in emergencies: it’s not fast charging, but it can make the difference between being able to leave and being stuck with a 0% battery.
In summary: stay charged, even at your destination
Winter conditions call for extra attention to your battery and charging options. Curious how to charge and drive smartly again on your way home?