Outside of Norway

Driving a car outside Norway, or visiting car-related events such as car exhibitions, carspotting, car museums, car fairs and the like.

With an electric car to Europe this summer?

Posted 28/04/2024 by Terje Bjørnstad

Only since last autumn, several new charging stations have appeared along the main routes down through Europe. Driving an electric car is easier than ever. But it pays to plan your trip in advance instead of traveling on luck and piety.

Choose a good route

If you are going to drive through Germany, there are not that many route options to choose from. Autobahn 7 takes you from Denmark through almost all of Germany to Italy and Austria. Those going to France and Spain can either take Autobahn 1 towards Luxembourg after Hamburg, or follow Autobahn 7 down and take Autobahn 5 towards Frankfurt, Mulhouse and Basel. Both options take about the same amount of time, but the Autobahn 1 to Luxembourg does not have the same coverage of charging stations. If you choose that route with an electric car to Europe, you should plot the charging stations in advance. Along the Autobahn 7 and 5, on the other hand, the charging stations are close all the way. Several new charging stations have appeared since we drove there last autumn.

With an electric car to Europe, it is an advantage to have many charging stations along the way. One less problem. Where there are long distances between the charging stations, queues can easily form during the holiday season.

Ferry or Sweden?

It is not only about what is most effective, but also what one prefers. Last year we traveled with a dog, and chose to drive through Sweden. Now we took the Colorline from Larvik to Hirtshals, with an overnight stay in a hotel before we went on early the next morning. In low season, the crossing takes 3 hours and 55 minutes, with arrival no later than 1 hour before departure. On the trip you can enjoy a good buffet with food and drink - and a view of the fjord, or snooze in good recliners.

All roads meet in Kolding - whether you choose to drive via Sweden, or take the ferry from Larvik. If you look at the time consumption between Oslo and Kolding, the two alternatives can be compared in the following way:

Option 1. Ferry Larvik-Hirtshals

Drive Oslo-Larvik: 1,5 hours
Waiting in Larvik: 1,5 hours
Crossing: 4,0 hours
Driving time Hirtshals-Kolding: 2,5 – 3,5 hours
Charge/rest time: 0,5 hours (1 quick charge)
Total: 10,0 – 11,0 hours

Option 2: Drive through Sweden

Driving time Oslo-Kolding: 9,0 – 10,5 hours
Charge/rest time: 1,5 hours (3 quick charges)
Total: 10,5 – 12,0 hours

Both options make up a one-day stage and with an electric car they are also roughly the same price. Remember that you get a discount over the Øresund Bridge and the Storebælt Bridge with a toll tag from Fremtind.

We had a great trip over to Hirtshals - with our own table at the very front of the bow. A fantastic buffet with good food, snacks and all types of beverages for only NOK 299 per person (every day outside the season) - and greeted by friendly crew during the entire crossing.

Charging preparations

You should have all the charging apps installed in connection with a valid bank card before you set off. Also check that the apps have not logged you out, so you don't have to mess with passwords at the charging station. Many people experience problems registering on a charging app abroad. When I recently tried to install an app from a French charging company, I couldn't register because I didn't have a French mobile number. Nor are all solutions that accept Norwegian bank cards when you are abroad.

Charging companies and intermediaries

From our trip last fall, I boasted that I could use the charging app and charging chip from Fortum Charge & Drive at my local French charging stations. Today, Fortum Charge & Drive no longer works outside of Scandinavia. On the continent their app is worthless. The same applies to Elton's app.

Of course, you don't travel abroad with an app from just one charging agent. I also recently tested an app from plug surfing – the first time at a French charging post from Eng. It didn't work well. The map in the app showed that I was at the correct charging post, but when I was going to charge, I received a message that I was not at the charging post after all. The IDs in the app also did not match what was written on the bars. plug surfing showed data for charging posts that were previously some distance away at the same rest area - but which had now been removed!

A common mistake

A reviewer claims that half of the charging points on the map in plug surfing is wrong. This probably also applies to other intermediaries. I have experienced the same type of problem with Fortum Charge and Drive at a popular Norwegian charging station. In both Germany and France, new chargers have recently arrived from charging companies I have never heard of before. It must be a challenge for the companies that provide charging contacts to keep up to date. We still need the intermediaries, because some charging stations do not have their own app offer. I also like moderator apps that allow for comments - for example electromaps og plugshare.

Charging in tropical rain and storm surge - Narbonne

Need both

If you are on the move a lot, you should ensure that you have access to apps from international charging companies - not just intermediaries - both because the charging companies' own apps provide increased security (fewer errors) and because charging there can be cheaper. It may still be worth paying a little extra to be able to use an unknown charging station there er, instead of having to drive to another location just to charge from a well-known charging company.

Pay by bank card?

Although there is an EU requirement that it should be possible to pay for charging with a bank card, it is probably a long time before such solutions can be trusted. I have tried with normal cards at new charging stations in France, without success. The card is registered, but the authorization fails (time-out). My French bank card doesn't work either. I think it will take a long time before we can pay by bank card. *)

First charging customer?

Based on reviews from users, you should therefore not trust the app from plug surfing. But today I found a new charging station nearby that only existed on the map plug surfing. I went there - and sure enough - outside a local hotel two brand new 300kW charging posts were ready. They were set up last week. I chatted with the owner who was delighted to see that "his" charging station was listed on the map in a general app.

Book a hotel

I recommend booking a hotel room before you travel. We have experienced that good hotels along the road are filled up regardless of the season - either by tourists or business travelers. Finding suitable hotels requires a lot of research in advance. You can use Google Maps to find out the driving time based on the desired date and time. It is important to arrive at the hotel in good time before the reception closes for the evening. Use the booking apps to check reviews from previous guests. There are hotels that you should just drive past.

After a long day on the road, it's good to arrive at a pre-booked room

Live near the road or go into the nearest village?

It may be easier to get a place at hotels located a few kilometers off the motorway. Moreover, hotels in the villages offer more charm than the road hotels. We still prefer to stay close to the road in hotels for road users - often with chargers and parking facilities right outside. It is an indescribable feeling of happiness to see the lights of the hotel in the distance after a long day on the road in pouring rain and know that we have a room there waiting for us.

Customs and use on motorways

Germans don't like someone "occupying" a field. It doesn't matter how fast you drive, there is always someone who drives faster. If you are being overtaken by other cars, you are expected to pull over to the right if possible. It is perhaps more about custom and courtesy than about rules. It also increases the capacity of the road.

Remember "Rettungsgasse" in queues, where the cars in the left lane keep to the left and the cars in the middle lane stay to the right in their lane before stopping so that the emergency vehicles can pass freely.

On French motorways around Lyon, motorists are encouraged to regard the middle lane as a safety zone which is used to overtake or let other cars pass.

French motorways have a speed limit of 130 km/h and speed cameras have been set up along all motorways. They are small and hard to spot - and flash for the slightest infringement. If you drive a Norwegian car, it is not certain that you will receive any reminders in the post. I myself have been waiting for months - and still haven't received a letter 😉

🙂 Smiley face

Tesla Supercharger – more than ever
IONITY – a friend in need
The crew at Colorline SuperSpeed
Montra Skaga Hotel, Hirtshals
Hotel Pfefferhôhe, Alsfeld
VINCI aires et services

🙁 Surfing

Fortum Charge and Drive cut foreign chargers.
Plugsurfing with a twist in its data.

- And while you are in Germany, you can enjoy fine classics like these.

Parked above this nice Volkswagen in Soltau, Germany.

*) Update 08.06.2024

Q8 has recently installed fast chargers in Sweden and Denmark with bank card payment - and they work! Just look for Q8 with charging symbol. When will other gas stations follow, think?

See

The petrol stations take charge of the charging

The best highway?

Posted 22/10/2023 by Terje Bjørnstad

motorway — On the highway. Photo: lembit/Depositphotos.com

If you are going to drive through Europe, motorways apply. I have rolled the dice over motorways through 6 different countries - and have chosen a winner!

A freeway, is a freeway, is a…

We had a nice trip this time too. Three days on the motorway went like a dream, thanks to the motorways, the service offers along the road and the other road users. The motorways do not only consist of vei, but is also an international "community" that supplies everything that road travelers from all corners of Europe need on their journey. That's why I think that if you've seen one motorway, you've seen them all.

But are all roads equally good?

We have driven the AP7 in Spain from Barcelona to France. Then A9, A7, A6 and A36 via Lyon to Alsace, Bundesautobahn 5 and 7 through Germany via Hanover to Denmark, then E45 and E20 over the Øresund Bridge and E6 through Sweden to Oslo.

Road standard

The roads in Spain and France are part of Vinci Autoroutes. In Spain the motorways are tolled and free, while it cost €80 to drive through France. The road standard in Spain is good, but some sections of the road seem undersized in relation to the speed limit of 120 km/h. In France, the road standard is excellent and can easily withstand 130 km/h.

In Germany, on the other hand, the maintenance of the roads seems to have been neglected for many years. They are simply so bad that I was afraid that the tires would be destroyed. Road works are taking place "all over the place" and they are unlikely to be finished for several decades. Dilapidated 4-lane roads with tight on-ramps and exits bear little resemblance to what one would expect from class A motorways.

The roads in Sweden receive top scores - not only for the road standard, but also for how they are laid out in the landscape. The roads in Denmark are surrounded by vegetation and earth embankments. Although the standard is good, it is boring that you cannot follow the surrounding landscape.

The Øresund Bridge. Photo: hansenn/Depositphotos.com — The Great Belt Bridge. Photo: hansenn/Depositphotos.com

Service offer

You should not need to leave the motorway system to refuel, charge, top up air, eat or visit a toilet. In Germany, you are continuously notified of how far it is both to the next and subsequent service station. In France we paid tolls, but in return could use very good and safe service points along the road, including good toilets. Since Spain no longer charges tolls, we are unsure whether the service offer in Spain will be maintained. We experience that Circle K charges to use the toilets in Denmark and Sweden. The rest areas are centered around Circle K and Q8 stations. In Sweden, the Swedish Transport Administration has established nice rest areas with free toilets.

Charging options

Had we made the same journey 4 months ago, we would have argued that France was not suitable for electric cars. Today the situation is completely different. All the charging stations we have visited - Tesla and others - have been established during the last 4 months - several with the option to pay by bank card. The Tesla chargers are located outside the motorway system. Although they are cheaper, we preferred fast chargers located within the toll booths.

We had expected that the development of charging stations in Germany would have progressed further. We found older chargers that could barely cover the demand on a normal weekday in October. In both France and Germany, service points with charging stations were marked from the road with their own charging symbols. Signage of charging stations was not as well implemented in the Nordic countries. It is important that there are signs for the charging stations along the road, so you don't have to search on a screen while driving. In Sweden, it was possible to observe the charging stations from the motorway in several places.

Driving culture

On the continent, you are expected to keep to the right on motorways and use the lanes on the left for overtaking. In Germany, you are expected to pull over to the right - if possible - if you are overtaken by another vehicle. That way you undoubtedly get more cars through the motorway at the same time - especially on sections with free speed.

In France, many people drive in "jerks and nibbles". They give full throttle when they "throw" the car out to drive past - and reduce speed just as suddenly after they have pulled in to the right. Both parts create unrest in the traffic picture, and inhibit the flow of traffic.

In the Nordic countries, the principle of lining up on the right is not followed as strictly. In Norway, many people choose to drive in the left lane over long distances, despite the fact that the traffic behind wants to pass. Seen from Norwegian eyes, this is normal - "the road is free for all". Seen with continental eyes, on the other hand, it seems arrogant that one motorist chooses to block other road users from passing, and I can clearly see how this inhibits the capacity of the motorway. Danes and Swedes are generally better at changing lanes without disrupting the flow of traffic.

On German motorways we saw several times grown men in expensive fast cars driving at "free speed", closely followed by young people in older cars. It was clear they were racing. Shouldn't adults show responsibility towards the youngest road users?

Country	ES	FR	DE	DK	SE	DO NOT
Road standard
Service offer
Charging options
Driving culture
Total	17	21	13	18	22	18

Sweden wins on good roads and skilled drivers. France ends up in 2nd place. We love the motorways and the new charging stations, but many French drivers have trouble keeping the flow. Norway and Denmark end up in shared 3rd place. The Danes have a better driving culture than the Norwegians, but lose something at hidden and poorly signposted service stations and the charging options along the road are not quite on par with Norway. Spain comes in second last place due to few charging options. Germany is beautiful, especially to the south, but the roads are worn and some Germans drive recklessly fast. All the accidents we saw on the road happened in Germany.

A couple of tips

Rescue alley
I don't think anyone can drive through Germany without experiencing a traffic jam. You are then obliged to ensure that emergency vehicles have clear passage. That passage is created between the two lanes furthest to the left, which means that the cars in the left lane lay well to the left before stopping, and that the cars on the right squeeze together towards the right. This worked fine. If there is a queue on the motorway, an emergency vehicle will often pass by.

The bypass north of Gothenburg
As is well known, part of E6 disappeared in the quick clay landslide in Stenungssund north of Gothenburg. If you are coming from the south, traffic will be signposted onto E45 towards Karlstad, with exit at Lilla Edet to E6 at Ljungskile south of Hogstorp. The detour steals neither time nor kilometres, but if you drive an electric car, you should be on your guard as there are no charging options until you get back down to the E6. You can choose to drive north as normal with a local detour around the slide.

Accommodation no. 1. Highway Hotel, Herbolzheim. Source: Google Maps

Accommodation no. 2. Hotel Kryb i ly Kro, Fredricia. Source: Google Maps

See

Tesla at a workshop abroad

Posted 15/09/2023 by Terje Bjørnstad

We have tested Tesla workshops abroad. The Tesla network works and is perhaps the brand's most important and decisive factor.

With Tesla abroad

I sometimes live in France. In recent months, I have discovered that there have been more Teslas on the road, more charging stations and a brand new service centre. In August, Tesla was the 8th best-selling car brand in France with the Model Y as the best-selling electric car. I guess Tesla has gained the most popularity in the rich parts of France, but even here where I live, I occasionally meet Tesla Model 3 and Model Y - and since I drive a Tesla myself, we sometimes say hello over the steering wheel when we meet. When Tesla establishes new charging stations and service centers, it is not only to serve the local market, but also to provide security for everyone who travels with Tesla in the area - in our case, this applies to the stretch between Italy and Spain along the coast of the Mediterranean.

Tesla's network worked!

While other car manufacturers build cars, Tesla has invested in building a network. Already when Tesla came out with the Model S, they had built a total infrastructure for electric cars with charging stations, service points and extended roadside assistance to ensure a simple car service where everything can be operated via the mobile phone.

When we arrived at our house in the south of France, it was in the middle of a heat wave. The windscreen was well cooled, and because of a tiny piece of stone it cracked almost its entire width in the middle of the field of vision. I opened the Tesla app, sent photos and booked an appointment. The job of changing the windscreen was conveyed to Tesla's brand new service center in Perpignan. Had the car not been drivable, I could have had it picked up. Delivery and collection of the car takes place via the app - payment too. Everything goes via Tesla.

As a Norwegian in France, it is much easier to relate to one app instead of a local workshop. This avoids misunderstandings and errors due to language skills or the workshop's lack of expertise in your car. In addition, you avoid unscrupulous workshops. The Tesla workshop in Perpignan did a super job with the car where they also carried out two repairs free of charge under warranty.

Thumbs up!

Tesla Supercharger at Rivesaltes. Photo: Google Maps

Dedicated charging stations

Tesla's network also includes charging stations. Locally in our city, I charge from other charging stations, but it often takes several attempts to connect. If I had been dependent on these chargers along the road while traveling through, I would have experienced it as a stressful moment. Tesla's chargers are, by comparison, "plug-and-go".

Can Tesla's network explain Tesla's sales success?

In the sales statistics for the 2nd quarter in the USA, we find the Tesla Model Y in 4th place and the Model 3 in 12th place. After Tesla, we have to go far down the list to find more electric cars. The Chevrolet Bolt is in 112th place and the Ford Mustang Mach-E in 115th place. There are still areas in the US without public chargers. Tesla's network is probably not as important for car buyers in electric car countries as Norway, but can play an important role for car buyers in other countries.

A digital society

It is obvious to think about how you book flights today. A few decades ago we contacted a travel agency (independent retailer) who helped us set up an itinerary of hotels that they sold to us. Today, we fix everything ourselves online directly with the airline. It's a win-win for all parties concerned - except for the part you no longer need. Tesla's network can be described as follows:

100% online
Primary communication takes place directly with the car manufacturer – not via local dealers.
100% online car purchase from order to delivery.
100% online service from ordering to collection.
100% online delivery of rescue services.
Dedicated “plug-and-go” charging points along the road.

No other car manufacturer can offer the same type of network. If established car brands were to base sales, service and customer care on a similar network, they would have to make major cuts in their dealer networks in the same way that the travel companies have done. After Volvo fired Bilia, they are now free to build up network-based sales, service and customer care. If Volkswagen and Stellantis are to restructure, they must fire - or reduce - the collaboration with MøllerBil and Bertel O Steen. Tesla has proven that the car industry does not need to pay salespeople who fill out forms, give quotes, value cars, sell financing packages and mediate payments. Nor middlemen at the workshop who create forms and invoices, accept payments and get pats on the back when they manage to sell repairs the customers don't need. Seen from a sober, modern, economic perspective, such functions are redundant and expensive.

I have tried to map how other car brands are equipped to establish all business through an app-based network. Ownership structure and dealers tell how quickly they can adapt. A car brand with several independent dealers is in a bad position to make the business 100% online. Ideally, a network should also include charging. Finally, I have seen if the brand is represented in France.

Car manufacturers with an app-based sales model similar to Tesla

NIO
NIO Norway is owned by NIO Nextev Europe Holding. They have a sales model similar to Tesla and build their own charging stations with the option of changing batteries in a few minutes. The charging network is under development. The brand is being established in France, but needs a larger volume to expand its network.

Polestar
Polestar Automotive Norway is owned by Polestar Performance AB. They have a sales model similar to Tesla. Polestar owners are offered a discount on Ionity's charging network, but do not manage their own charging stations in Europe. Polestar is represented in several European countries, but not yet in France, partly because the rights to the brand name are not in place. The brand needs better support for charging services.

Chevrolet
GM Europe is re-establishing itself in Europe with new electric car models. It is not entirely clear which sales model will be chosen, but as they are establishing themselves with a showroom in Oslo, it may indicate that they will sell cars online. GM has planned its own dedicated charging network together with Stellantis. It will be interesting to see what GM comes up with.

Car models sold via independent dealers

MG
MG is not registered as a separate company in Norway, but manages its European operations through the European company MG Motor Europe (SAIC). Sales and service take place through independent Norwegian dealers such as Kverneland Bil and others. There are no charging networks earmarked for MG's customers. In France, MG has independent dealers as in Norway. The brand is not in a position to build an app-based platform in line with Tesla.

Xpeng
Xpeng Motors Norway is owned by Xpeng European Holding. Sales and service take place through independent dealers such as Motor Forum and Bilia. There are no charging networks earmarked for Xpeng's customers. The brand is being established in France and is not in a position to develop an app-based platform in line with Tesla.

BYD, Maxus and JAC
The car brands are introduced and sold through the independent Norwegian dealer chain RSA. There are no charging networks earmarked for customers. BYD has only recently been established in France. Maxus' commercial vehicles are transported in France with service equipment through the workshop chain NorAuto. JAC's commercial vehicles are serviced in France through the workshop chain TekAuto. BYD is a brand that has models that can challenge Tesla. They are established in Europe with a wide range of vehicles, but with different, independent dealers to handle the passenger car market. They are not in a position to develop an app-based platform in line with Tesla. BYD and Shell have, however, entered into a partnership with regard to charging.

Voyah
Voyah is a brand new car brand and these days is being introduced through the independent dealer chain Sulland. No charging network is earmarked for customers. The brand is being established in France.

Car brands with charging networks

Free2move Charge Go is planned for customers of GM and Stellantis.

IONITY offers an integrated charging solution for German car brands and Hyundai. The charging network is under development.

I am convinced that the car industry is forced to adapt to new technology in the same way as in the travel industry, the insurance industry and banks and more. No airline would survive today without the possibility to book a seat via app. By cutting out the middlemen, the services are made less costly while simplifying the process for the customers. Ultimately, it comes down to cost. Car manufacturers without intermediaries will be able to operate with lower prices than the others, although Tesla must have spent a lot of money on building charging stations and service centers. The investment can make them better equipped to adapt to bad times.

It wouldn't surprise me if they drop their prices again.

See

tesla's network — To Europe with an electric car in 2023

Tesla receives 160 million USD in EU support to expand its Supercharger network...

To Europe with an electric car in 2023

Posted 25/08/2023 by Terje Bjørnstad

I have great respect for the electric car pioneers who went down to Europe ten years ago. It must have been exciting to arrive at the town's only charging station and find that it was out of order. That makes good stories. Many of the stories are still out there online and can scare people away. A lot has happened in the last year alone. Everyone can travel with an electric car in Europe, although not entirely without challenges. It may be a good idea to prepare in advance.

Convenient with large charging stations

We are a husband and wife with a dog who recently went by electric car to our little house not far from Perpignan in France. Although we drive a Tesla, the post is not only about Tesla. Large parts of Tesla's charging network can now also serve other car brands. If you have the opportunity, you should register your car in the Tesla app. Not because it is necessary, but because it is convenient to know that you can arrive at charging stations with over 20 terminals. You rarely have to wait - and if so, hardly more than 5-10 minutes. Other players, such as IONITY, have a good spread, but there are fewer terminals at each location.

Preparations

Apps are an important part of the preparations. It is not as easy to arrange such things when you are standing in front of a charging terminal in a foreign country. If you have the "right" charging chip, you can get through the whole of Europe with one chip or one app. The Electric Vehicle Association and NAF have such chips. I have a chip from Recharge (Fortum Charge & Go) which also covers IONITY and many - to me - completely unknown charging operators in Germany, France and Spain. Not only are the main roads covered, but I can charge locally in our little town too. But just to be safe, you should have multiple options in case the payment solution for one app is down. IONITY and E.ON are good alternatives for the whole of Europe.

If you depend on a well-developed charging network, it is also important to have mapped the travel routes – not just one route, but also be prepared for alternative routes. Our main route went through Hamburg, Hannover and Frankfurt. If we had chosen to drive via Luxembourg to France, the distance between the charging stations would have been greater. No problem for today's electric cars, but I fear that large distances between charging stations create charging queues during the holiday season. By checking the charging map for various operators, you can quickly find the driving routes with the best coverage.

Ferry or Sweden?

Part of the planning is finding out which ferry to take, or whether to drive through Sweden. With the Kielfergen, you start in Germany and can drive across the country in one day, provided you have the time and money to spend almost a day on the boat. DFDS from Oslo arrives in Fredrikshavn around midnight and then you either have to take in an accommodation or bet that the driver has had enough sleep during the voyage. The Larvik-Fredrikshavn ferry departs at 08.00 and 12.00 and arrives after approx. 4 hours. The advantage of ferries is that you don't have to spend as many hours in the car.

Sweden

We chose to drive through Sweden. Do you live in Oslo and start at 8, you can arrive in Southern Denmark at approximately the same time as you would have arrived with the boat that leaves Larvik at 12. Our reason for driving was that we would feel bound by having a "mammadalt" dog on the boat. Also, it feels liberating not to be bound by departure times either. The trip through Sweden went well. We loaded up in Kungälv, but took the lunch break in Falkenberg. Our next stop was Löddeköpinge in Scania. It was very busy at the Tesla station there and you could only charge up to 80%. To make sure we got to the last stop of the day, we chose to top up at E.On right next door while eating ice cream.

Sweden has good charging networks near service centers with easy access from the E6. The charging terminals were clearly visible.

Denmark

Did you know that AutoPass tags also work on the Øresund Bridge and the Storebælt Bridge? We have a toll subscription without a tag, but on the occasion of the trip over the Danish bridges we had found an old AutoPass tag. I optimistically held it up to the windscreen in front of the barrier in the "Biz field" to the Øresund Bridge - but the barrier would not budge. A nice guard came to our rescue and scanned the code on the chip - and found that it was blocked. Fortunately, we were able to pay on the spot and didn't have to back up to choose another hatch - which the cars behind us probably appreciated.

My wife revealed that crossing the Øresund Bridge had been on her "bucket list" for a long time. The bridge is a fantastic piece of construction, but the main road through Zealand and Funen is, in return, terribly boring. The only thing we saw was the road. What the world looked like behind the bushes, we could only guess by studying the map on the screen.

Germany

After spending the night at Comwell Middelfart, we entered Germany. We hadn't booked a hotel in advance, but I had set my sights on a hotel in Herbolzheim just before Freiburg. When we arrived there in the evening, the hotel was unfortunately full. In the last week of the holiday season in Germany, many were out on the same errand. What were we supposed to do? Drive on, or try to find another hotel?

The main roads in Germany are well developed with rest areas and service points, where you can also charge from local - and unknown to me - charging stations, but the large Tesla charging stations are located in places without service facilities. This meant that we stopped more times than we strictly needed - once to charge and once to eat, drink and stretch our legs. If I had wanted, I could have charged at almost all the stations that were located at the service points with the code tag from Recharge, but I noticed that these chargers were widely used by other car brands, so I thought to myself that "you who have a Tesla, can well charge in a quieter place”. What's more, the electricity is cheapest at Tesla. Back home, we will probably make more use of local electricity companies.

Driving at night

With holiday time and full hotels in the border area between Switzerland, Germany and France, we found that we might as well drive on into nocturnal France. Driving at night has several advantages. There are fewer cars - and a greater proportion of steady drivers, so that you can drive efficiently on cruise control. Driving on French motorways costs money. The trip from Mulhouse to the exit just before the border with Spain cost us €80 (NOK 925) but is worth every penny. Not just offers Vinci Autoroutes the best roads, but also good night-time service offers where you can relax before driving on. At night, I think it is important to take breaks at least once an hour to feel the body whether it is safe to continue driving.

In France, as in Germany, you rarely find Tesla chargers at the 24-hour rest areas. In France, we experienced finding brand new chargers in rather secluded places. In the darkness of the night, they became even more secluded, because in many places the street lights are switched off after midnight. A couple of times we had to take detours, and soon found out that when maneuvering in tight urban areas, you have to drive at a snail's pace so that the navigation system has time to update itself. It's an advantage to have two - one to drive and one to scout for hidden charging stations. It's almost like a game - Find the charging station!

toilets

Toilets are important welfare when you are on the road. We were disappointed by the McDonalds along the main thoroughfare. Bad food and wretched sanitary conditions throughout Europe. When we chose a McDonalds restaurant a couple of km outside the motorway system, the quality increased considerably. We are also left with the impression that organized rest areas with joint service offers (Serways and Vinci) generally have good sanitary conditions.

Beware of heat wave

In Europe, there is now a heat wave. This can result in shorter ranges, although we didn't notice anything about that since we had the ventilation system on right from the start in Denmark - also for the dog when he had to be alone in the car. A negative experience was that the windscreen cracked a few hours after we arrived. Perhaps it was not very smart to park a car with a cooled compartment in the scorching sun when the thermometer approached 40 degrees.

A positive experience is that the charging chip from Recharge (Fortum Charge & Go) works at the local charging stations here.

Power Dot is available in Spain, France and Belgium, but can be used with a charging chip from Recharge

See

E.ON — Rechargeable roads with induction

nine norway — NIO changes batteries in 3 minutes

Tesla against "smoke"

Posted 25/07/2020 by Terje Bjørnstad

tesla 3 — A stop in front of Rolfstangen

In the search for a new reportage car, the choice fell today on the Tesla Model 3 Long Range. It must be done not to choose Tesla when driving an electric car to France.

Has a wall charger - looking for a car

If you have your own wall charger, you can drive cheaply with rechargeable cars. The lady of the house thought that the time had come to replace the hybrid car with a proper electric car. Her list of demands was simple. It must have the range to drive round trip Oslo Skien - mid-winter. And then it must not be too big and wide – not an SUV. I myself dream of driving an electric car to France one day. It makes all the arrows point towards Tesla. I still choose to keep an open mind. Actually, I don't like Tesla.

Interesting nyheter

"The new Corsa is nice". My wife likes small cars. I have to agree. It's been decades since Opel launched a car that looks this good. It looks bigger than its stable brother, the Peugeot e-208. The Peugeot has a more youthful and sporty feel than the more mature Corsa. But both cars are small cars with little luggage space. The high-built Peugeot e-2008 shares drivetrains with the e-208 and e-Corsa, but extra space steals 19 km of range. I'm happy to sacrifice that range for more space.

peugeot 2008 — Peugeot 2008. Off-road design with messy lines.

Range matters a lot

The battery pack in the Opel e-Corsa provides a range of 336 km (WLTP). The stated range for the larger Peugeot e-2008 is 320 km. Such ranges mean that the cars can function as car number 1 for most people. You will be able to drive Oslo Skien round trip on the same charge with a slightly economical gas foot, but hardly on the coldest winter days.

Development is going fast. The newcomers from PSA show today's high level. These are cars you can get on the road for under NOK 300. Two other newcomers to the electric car market, Mazda MX-30 og Honda and, by comparison, have far too little range – 200 and 222 km respectively. Range is as important for electric cars as "location" is for homes.

staff — Beautiful flower arrangements at Stabekk.

The yardstick

It is not fair to compare the Tesla Model 3 with the e-Corsa and the new electric Peugeots. Tesla is much more expensive. Nevertheless, it is a model that cannot be ignored. It is designed as an electric car from the ground up. Two engines and super low center of gravity with driving characteristics like a sports car. It offers ranges others can only dream of, as well as an international network of charging stations. Although many of the Teslas have had childhood illnesses, they seem durable once the problems are resolved. Tesla also has a very hard time low value loss.

Minimalism

Inside, the Tesla 3 bears the stamp of minimalism. It is unusual to deal with only one centrally positioned screen. I think this is an easy fix. The dashboard is a PC with a screen - not vulnerable electronic components scattered around within a dashboard that take hours to disassemble and reinsert. Externally, the Tesla bears the stamp of having been shaped in the wind tunnel. The omission of the grill increases the range by several kilometres. What is most important for an electric car? Tough grill or extra range? Minimalism in practice. No thing is there without having a function.

Tesla wins on range and charging outside Norway

The advantage of having your own wall charger is the comfort of always having electricity in the car and avoiding public charging stations. Also, electricity is cheaper there. The price for installing your own box is admittedly additional, but you get that money back on the day you sell the house. The point of wall chargers and long range is that you reduce the need to visit charging stations. If you are not extremely sporty and outgoing, charging along the road appears like a plague and a nuisance. I'm willing to pay a lot of money to avoid standing in a charging line along an access road on a Sunday night.

In Europe there are not many charging stations - at least not fast chargers. Driving an electric car in France and Spain can present challenges. Which charging stations are available? Do they work? Do they take our payment? Are they available? In my French city, there are two municipal charging stations with Type 2 connectors. The city's only two electric cars are permanently parked there. Tesla and the Volkswagen group are currently the only ones that offer (will offer) their own charging networks to ensure mobility over long distances.

tesla 3 rear seat — Inspection of the rear seats while we test drive.

- And the others?

The reviews are linked to our requirements and spring taste. These are therefore subjective notes that do not give a complete impression of the models.

Here is "The Good, Bad & Ugly"

The PSA group's new electric cars

The PSA group's drivetrain, based on the new 50 KWH battery pack, is used in the Peugeot e-208 and e-2008, Opel e-Corsa and DS3 Crossback. The range of the two crossovers is 320 km, the e-Corsa 336 km and the e-208 339 km. The batteries are water-cooled and can withstand fast charging, but the range will be limited to many. Both the Peugeot e-2008 and DS3 Crossback have slightly quirky designs that you may love or hate. The Peugeot e-2008 has created a front with far too many disjointed lines and angles. My guess is that a facelift will force its way before too long.

Opel e-Corsa

The designers of the Opel e-Corsa have done a good job, but when the digital screen in the instrument panel in front of the driver does not fit into the frame, you understand that components have been used that are obviously made for a different model than the Corsa. Studying this apparent blunder, I think: What other camels has Opel had to swallow to adapt to Peugeot's powertrain?

e-corsa dashboard — Do you see the error? The digital screen does not meet the targets. It looks retrofitted.

Volkswagen ID.3 1st

Production has been delayed due to Covid-19, but the cars can be ordered now. The 58 KWH battery pack provides an estimated WLTP range of 420 km. It is good. The new drivetrain is more advanced than the current e-Golf, including liquid cooling of the batteries and no restrictions with regard to receiving fast charging. The Volkswagen Group is the only car manufacturer besides Tesla with its own charging network. It's called IONITY and is currently under development in Norway under Cirkle-K. The charging network is far from fully developed. My guess is that it will take several years before it works in France.

Order now, or wait?

I am not sure that the Volkswagen group will be able to roll out the new cars without problems. Here at home, the problems can be exacerbated by the fact that the dealers (Møller Bil) lack knowledgeable mechanics. Today, battery cars often have to stand for days waiting for an available specialist. It is too early to order a new ID.3 now. I would wait until the dealers are prepared and the charging network is operational. It is being developed in full now.

The Korean models

Korean models with 64 KWH battery packs from LG Chem are in the top tier in terms of range. The Hyundai Kona has a WLTP range of 484 km, the KIA e-Soul has 452 km and the KIA Niro has 455 km. Kona's higher range shows how important it is to have an aerodynamic design. The range of Hyundai and KIA is on a par with the Tesla Model 3. Hyundai and KIA have delivered many electric cars to Norway - and there have supposedly never been any problems with the batteries. The 64 KWH battery pack has liquid-cooled battery cells that can withstand efficient fast charging. The disadvantage of Korean electric cars is that they are more "budget" than "premium". The seats in the Hyundai Kona and Ioniq look nice, but are not very comfortable on long journeys. The seats in the KIA e-Soul suited me well, but the special Asian look did not get a unanimous thumbs up from us.

Hyundai Ioniq

The Hyundai Ioniq comes with a smaller battery pack than the others from the Hyundai group. 38,3 KWH is enough for 311 km (WLTP) which is good for this battery size. The Ioniq has low consumption and is easy to charge. From 2020, the batteries are also liquid-cooled. The range is too short for us. In addition, the seats are relatively uncomfortable - especially on long journeys. In terms of price, it is on a par with the Opel e-Corsa and Peugeot 208, but in terms of space it is considerably larger. The Ioniq offers perhaps the most car for the money.

Renault Zoe

The 2020 model of the Renault Zoe received a mild facelift and larger battery pack. The capacity is now 52 KWH, which gives a WLTP range of a whopping 395 km. There are many Zoe cars on the road during the day - as rental cars in the Oslo area. WE fear that it may affect future trade-in values.

Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf with 62 KWH has a WLTP range of 385 km. Nissan's battery packs lack active battery cooling and may therefore be limited in accepting fast charging due to the batteries being too hot. Blockers for fast charging have also been added to the software - at least on cars manufactured before 2019. The problem is referred to as "rapidgate" because many believe that Nissan has misled its customers. Nissan has come up with a software update, but many still experience poor fast charging. The Nissan Leaf is an example of how battery capacity and range should not be overlooked.

Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Standard Range has a 60 KWH battery pack that gives a WLTP range of 409 km. Tesla Long Range and Performance both have a 75 KWH battery. The Long Range has a range of 560 km, while the model with stronger engines "only" has 530 km. Tesla has had far more childhood illnesses than other brands, especially on new models. The cars are sold according to a new sales model. You can complete the entire order online, including financing and insurance. Tesla does not accept trade-in cars, but offers an opportunity to list the cars on an exchange for 3rd party buyers. Trade-in prices are therefore lower than what brand dealers can offer.

tesla 3 a-pillar — Calm lines around the A-pillar.

Overview

Concern	Model	KWH	km (WLTP)	250 km on winter roads?	Drive to France?
PSA	Peugeot e-208	50	339	Maybe	in this
	Peugeot e-2008	50	320	Maybe	in this
	Opel e-Corsa	50	336	Maybe	in this
	DS3 Crossover	50	320	Maybe	in this
Hyundai	Hyundai Ioniq	38,3	311	in this	in this
	Hyundai Kona	64	484	Ja	in this
	KIA e-Soul	64	452	Ja	in this
	Kia Niro	64	455	Ja	in this
VW	ID.3 1st	58	420	Ja	In the future
Renault	Zoe	52	395	Ja	in this
Nissan	Leaf	40	270	in this	in this
	Leaf	62	385	Ja	in this
Mazda	MX-30	35,5	209	in this	in this
Honda	Honda and	28,5	220	in this	in this
Tesla	standard range	60	409	Ja	Ja
	Long Range	75	560	Ja	Ja
	Performance	75	530	Ja	Ja