Overwhelmed public infrastructure, “green rage” at charging points and long waits to top up batteries – driving to the Olympic Games in France this summer could be stressful for those in the wrong electric vehicle.
Ticketholders might also find a 292-mile drive from London to Paris the ultimate test of range anxiety. However, as battery technology improves, a perhaps surprising number of EVs can now manage the entire distance without having to stop to charge – some capable of going much further.
While the steady rise in EVs has changed how we organise our driving holidays, swapping rest breaks for charging stops and planning ahead to find public charging stations are all that’s needed to make it to a stadium on time.
Yet AA president Edmund King still advised caution when organising a European road trip. “Before you set off for the Olympics, download an app like Chargemap, to help identify the best charging locations on route,” he advised.
“Driving to Le Mans recently, I was advised that not all charge posts take credit cards. As it turned out, there is a good charging infrastructure on all French autoroutes and most do accept credit cards.”
King said the trick was to charge where you can, rather than wait until the car’s battery is depleted. “That’s especially true on long stretches in rural areas, whether in the UK or abroad, where charging infrastructure is more sparse.”
The other word of warning is that some slow chargers in remote parts of France also add a fee for every minute parked, in addition to the tariff for electricity.
“I was caught out with a long stay in a remote village that cost €115,” said King. “Otherwise, EV motoring in France is there to be enjoyed. A little pre-planning also means you can follow routes and enjoy charging away from the motorway [autoroute] networks,” said King.
EV drivers could also make use of their vehicle’s range predictor, which displays an accurate “real-time” expected range, calculated on driving characteristics and battery usage during the journey.
The quickest way to France with a car this summer is still LeShuttle – the crossing formerly known as Eurotunnel. The 25-mile tunnel celebrated its 30th anniversary in May, carrying more than 100 million vehicles between Folkestone and Calais during that time.
The UK terminal now has a bank of eight Tesla Superchargers, complemented by five new public chargers – although only one was in service when I recently made the journey in a Polestar 2. Topping up while waiting to board is the best use of time, too, with return crossings from £196 for a car and passengers.
If you hope to drive to Paris in an EV to see Dina Asher-Smith, Keely Hodgkinson and others bring home a gold for Great Britain, here’s our list of battery-powered podium prospects.
Note, all mileages are official Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) figures, and not real-world range. We usually recommend that buyers expect to achieve between 70 and 80 per cent of the advertised WLTP range, depending on the weather conditions – with cooler weather having a greater impact on the range than warm conditions.
Volkswagen ID.7
VW’s current range champion is the brand’s flagship ID.7 fastback, offering 383 miles. However, the Pro S version has been on sale since July for both Fastback and Tourer. Equipped with a larger battery, the Pro S returns up to 437 miles in Fastback form. Prices are TBC but a standard ID.7 starts at £51,550.
Renault Scenic E-Tech
A small French SUV that allows Brits to blend in perfectly with the locals while en route to the Games. Renault claims up to 379 miles from the long-range battery version, with prices starting at £40,995. Displaying French style in abundance, the E-Tech is easy to drive and spacious – don’t forget to load up with duty-free on the way home.
Peugeot E-3008
Another Gallic option could be this new Peugeot EV based on the best-selling 3008, due on sale in early July and priced from £45,850. The e-3008 is a direct rival to the Tesla Model Y and Volvo EX40, with a smart interior and exterior. Expect an electric range of up to 326 miles.
Tesla Model 3 Long Range
Elon’s “budget” model combines the best of Tesla’s advanced technology with a design that champions style and practicality. Recently upgraded and enhanced, the latest 3 delivers a more impressive range and a quieter cabin. Expect up to 390 miles, with prices starting at £49,995.
Tesla Model Y Long Range
Model Y is larger than the 3 on which it’s based – as well as taller and more practical, with a bigger boot. The world’s best-selling car in 2023 has a svelte and slippery exterior, combined with a minimalist interior. Maximum range is 331 miles and prices start from £52,990.
Porsche Taycan
If you want a Taycan that will cross the finishing line in Paris, then specify the entry-level Taycan SUV, fitted with Porsche’s optional £4,454 Performance Battery Plus. The final price is £90,954 but the maximum range is increased to an impressive 421 miles.
Polestar 2
The Swedes’ classy hatchback was my choice for a round-trip to Paris – and made the French capital with 83 miles to spare after my Folkstone top-up. Polestar offers various battery configurations, plus either a single or dual motor. Opt for the long-range, single-motor version to achieve a maximum of 406 miles. Prices from £47,950.
BMW i7
A humungous, hyper-luxurious limousine, the i7 is second only to the electrified Rolls-Royce Spectre for long-distance EV comfort – although the Roller only manages up to 329 miles on a single charge. The BMW can stretch to 387 miles and costs from £101,000. The i7’s odd-looking iX sibling finishes in silver position for BMW, priced from £70,985 and covering 382 miles.
Mercedes EQS
With Fisker filing for bankruptcy in June (the Ocean SUV was capable of up to 440 miles), the £112,610 Mercedes EQS 450+ is a clear long-distance champion. Recently updated, the luxury saloon covers a marathon-like 481 miles, depending on specification. Close behind is the smaller EQE saloon, travelling 429 miles and priced from £68,360.
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