Driving an Electric Car Abroad: Everything You Need to Know

Can I Take My EV Abroad?

Different regions outside of the UK will have different laws you’ll need to bear in mind when it comes to driving a UK-registered electric car. Here’s a look at some of the general rules that will apply when you take your EV to popular driving holiday destinations outside of the UK.

Can I Drive My Electric Car in Europe?

You can drive your EV in Europe and most countries around the world with a UK driving license, though you may need an international driving permit (IDP) if you’re driving on a paper license depending on the exact country. Before setting off on your journey, it’s always crucial to read up on any country-specific rules that may affect your eligibility to drive.

The UK government offers a simple guide to the countries and regions where you’ll need an additional permit if you want to drive a UK vehicle abroad, which you can read here: https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit

Though laws vary from one nation to another, bringing the following documents alongside your UK driving license will ensure that you can drive in most countries in the EU:

• Your passport
• Your V5C certificate (vehicle log book)
• Your vehicle insurance details
• Your breakdown cover information
• Your travel insurance details

Rules for Driving an EV in Ireland

Driving an EV in the Republic of Ireland comes with the same rules as any other country in the EU. As long as you have a full, in-date UK driving license, or a paper license and an international driving permit, you can drive legally in the country.

Like other EU countries, you’ll need to have car insurance in your name, or insurance as a named driver on another person’s policy. 

Things to Consider Before Driving an EV Abroad

Aside from making sure you’re legally allowed to drive an EV in another country, it’s also crucial to look at a few practical considerations to ensure your trip abroad is smooth and hassle-free.

Some essential things to plan ahead for are:

Charging availability: Research the kind of variables that can make charging more or less accessible in the country you’ll be visiting. This should include how widespread public EV charging points are, the kinds of connections used, and the standard payment methods.

Driving range: Depending on the route you’re planning, driving an EV abroad may involve covering much longer distances compared to what you’re used to. Your driving range can also be affected by particularly cold weather, for example if you’re planning to drive in Scandinavia in the winter. It’s crucial to think about these factors ahead of time and allow for enough charging stops along your planned route.

Legal requirements: Aside from the licensing and documentation requirements for driving your car abroad, there’ll be additional legal requirements you’ll need to be aware of, including speed limits, road etiquette, and emergency equipment you may be required to carry in your car. Always research the country-specific road laws you’ll need to follow as part of the preparation for your trip.

How to Find an EV Charging Station in Europe

Just like in the UK, there are a variety of route planning apps available that allow you to map out your journey, identify charging stations along the way, and even check their availability in real-time. Some of the most popular apps include: 

Plugshare: An international EV charging map with information on location, charger types, payment methods, and networks. There are also some helpful community features allowing you to leave ratings and reviews on individual charging stations, or check other drivers’ experience before you use a certain charger.

Chargemap: A detailed EV charger map that also comes with a handy route planning feature, allowing you to set a route and automatically highlight charging points along the way. The premium membership option gives you access to additional features, including seeing real-time availability and pre-booking.

Plugsurfing: An app covering several hundred thousand charging points across 38 different countries, with filters for variables like charger types, payment methods, and charging networks. There’s also a real-time availability tracker without the need for a paid subscription, making it a particularly good option for on-the-fly charging sessions in countries with a well-developed charging infrastructure.

Outside of these apps, many EVs now come with in-car navigation systems that are set up to show nearby charging stations, making it easy to find a stop while you’re in the middle of your journey. These systems often have features that indicate whether the charging station is free or in use, helping you save time and hassle.

The Biggest EV Charging Networks in Europe

There are several large EV charging networks across Europe that make long-distance EV travel more feasible.

Ionity is one of the most well-known high-speed charging networks, with stations located along major routes, particularly in countries like Germany, France, and the UK. Their chargers can provide rapid charging, allowing you to top up your battery in a fraction of the time compared to standard chargers.

The Tesla Supercharger Network is another popular option for Tesla owners, though it’s also compatible with CCS chargers on other EVs. This network is widespread and often found in prime locations, including along highways and near tourist destinations.

Other major networks include Allego, which is widespread in the Netherlands, Germany, and France, and EnBW, which offers excellent coverage across Germany. Fastned and Total Energies are also expanding rapidly, ensuring that EV drivers have more options as they travel.

Here’s a table showing some of the most widespread EV charging networks in continental Europe:

How Much Do EV Chargers Cost to Use in Europe?

The cost of using an EV charger can vary significantly across Europe, with prices differing depending on the country and charging network. On average, the cost per kWh in Western Europe tends to range from €0.25 to €0.90, although this can be much higher or lower depending on the country. Some countries, such as Norway, have lower charging costs due to their reliance on renewable energy.

There are two main payment models for EV chargers: membership subscriptions and pay-as-you-go options. Subscriptions often offer discounted rates but require you to sign up with a specific provider. Pay-as-you-go options, on the other hand, offer more flexibility, but you may end up paying more per kWh compared to membership subscriptions. 

A minority of networks require you to have an RFID card to access their chargers, a practice which is rapidly being phased out in the UK and across the world.

According to data collated by popular European EV news site Mobility Portal, here are some of the most economical regions in continental Europe based on the average price of EV charging:

• Croatia: 0.06 to 0.15 euros per kWh
• Malta: 0.28 to 0.58 euros per kWh
• Bulgaria: 0.18 to 0.65 euros per kWh
• Romania: 0.04 to 0.63 euros per kWh
• Portugal: 0.05 to 0.66 euros per kWh
• Cyprus: 0.35 to 0.68 euros per kWh

Documents Needed for Driving an EV Abroad

VE103 Certificate: This document is necessary if you’re leasing or financing your EV, and proves that you have permission from the leasing or finance company to take your car abroad.

V5C Logbook: Your vehicle’s registration document, which shows your proof of ownership.

International Driving Permit (IDP): An IDP is required in some countries in continental Europe, especially if you hold a paper UK driving license rather than a full one. Always check the country-specific requirements in advance.

Insurance Documents: Ensure that you have proof of insurance coverage for driving in the EU, as your standard UK car insurance may not automatically cover European travel.

How to Get a VE103 Document

Obtaining a VE103 certificate is straightforward. You can apply for it through the leasing or finance company from which you obtained your EV. 

When requesting a VE103, you’ll need to provide a few pieces of information, including:

• Your vehicle registration number
• Your name and contact information 
• The planned dates of travel 
• The countries you plan to visit 
• Any additional people who will be driving your vehicle on the trip.

Your VE103 application will typically take a few days to process, and may come with a small fee which will vary depending on the provider. To make sure you’re fully prepared by the time you leave the country, it’s best to apply for this document well in advance of your trip.

Do I Need Special EV Insurance for Europe?

Your UK insurance policy may provide a basic level of European cover, but it’s important to confirm whether this meets your specific needs as an EV driver. 

Many UK insurers provide coverage for driving in the EU, typically for a period of 30 to 90 days, but the extent of protection can vary, with some policies only offering the minimum required third-party cover.

It’s also worth checking whether your policy includes EV-specific coverage. Electric vehicles come with unique risks that traditional policies may not account for, such as:

Battery cover: Your EV’s battery is one of its most expensive components. Some insurers may exclude damage to the battery from their policies, especially if it results from improper charging or extreme temperatures.

Charging cable theft and damage: Public charging points are common across Europe, but they require you to use your own charging cable. These cables can be costly, and some insurance policies don’t cover theft or accidental damage.

Recovery to the nearest charging point: If your EV runs out of charge, does your insurance include cover for transportation to the nearest charging station? Not all insurers provide this as standard.

If you’re unsure whether your policy offers sufficient protection, it may be worth upgrading to a more comprehensive plan or seeking a specialist EV insurance provider.

EV Breakdown Cover for European Travel

Breakdown cover is essential for any road trip, but it’s especially important when travelling abroad in your EV. While charging networks across Europe are expanding, running out of charge in an unfamiliar country can be extremely stressful, not to mention expensive. Ensuring you have a suitable breakdown policy in place will give you peace of mind in case of unexpected issues.

Many UK breakdown providers offer special European breakdown cover, with services such as:

• Roadside assistance
• Recovery to a nearby garage or charging station
• Replacement vehicle hire if repairs take time
• Accommodation costs if you’re stranded overnight

However, not all breakdown policies are tailored to EVs. When choosing your European cover, look for providers that offer EV-specific assistance, including:

Charging assistance: Some providers now offer mobile EV chargers, which can provide enough power to get you to the nearest charging station.

Battery-related faults: Unlike petrol or diesel cars, EVs have high-voltage battery systems that require specialist mechanics to repair. Make sure your breakdown provider has experience dealing with electric vehicles.

Flatbed recovery: Due to their lack of a traditional neutral gear, EVs shouldn’t be towed in the traditional way, as this can damage the battery and drivetrain. Instead, they need to be transported on a flatbed truck. Ensure your policy includes this service.

If your EV breaks down abroad, your first step should be to contact your breakdown provider, who will guide you through the next steps. If your vehicle needs major repairs, some of the more comprehensive policies will even cover the cost of repatriation, ensuring that your car will be returned to the UK if it can’t be fixed locally.

Before setting off, take the time to compare breakdown cover options and check whether your policy includes everything you might need to avoid unexpected costs and ensure a stress-free journey.

French Clean Air Zones & Crit'Air Stickers

France has a series of Clean Air Zones in major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Grenoble. These areas require vehicles to display a Crit’Air sticker, which shows the environmental classification of your vehicle. Although electric cars are exempt from the usual restrictions imposed on ICE cars, you’ll still need to display a sticker.

You can apply for a Crit'Air sticker from the French government online, and the process is quick and simple. Ensure that you leave plenty of time to complete the application before your trip, as you’ll need the sticker displayed on your vehicle when driving in any areas with a clean air zone.

French Road Laws for EVs

In France, there are certain road laws and regulations that apply to all vehicles that it helps to brush up on before your trip.

Some key laws to be aware of are:

• All UK-registered vehicles need to display a sticker with the letters ‘UK’ on the vehicle when driving in France (this has replaced the older ‘GB’ sticker).
• All cars are required to have reflective jackets, headlamp beam deflectors, and a warning triangle. You may also need to have snow chains if travelling in mountainous areas, which are designated as ‘snow zones’.

If you're travelling on toll roads, there are even some discounts available for EV drivers. Make sure you check the latest toll policies before you go to take advantage of these discounts.