Driving Eight EVs on Europe’s Legendary Mountain Roads

Electric vehicles (EVs) are evolving rapidly, offering improved drivability, performance, and range. The charging infrastructure across Europe is also expanding, making it increasingly feasible to embark on long journeys in these vehicles. This September, a group of journalists will test the limits of this infrastructure by driving eight electric cars through some of Europe’s most iconic mountain passes.

The adventure is part of the Eurocharge event organized by Schaeffler. Starting from Bucharest, participants will traverse the famed Transfăgărășan road, celebrated for its breathtaking views and thrilling twists. This road gained fame when television presenter Jeremy Clarkson praised it over a decade ago, and it remains a highlight for automotive enthusiasts.

After navigating this scenic route, the journey will continue into Hungary for the first overnight stop. The next phase will see the group travel through Austria, Switzerland, and Italy, tackling renowned mountain passes such as Stelvio, Pordoi, and Grossglockner. The aim is to document the performance and efficiency of each vehicle across diverse terrains.

The eight electric models participating include the Audi A6 Sportback E-Tron, Porsche Macan Electric, Hyundai Inster, Mazda 6e, Renault 4, BYD Seal, Volkswagen ID.4, and Volvo EX90. This diverse lineup, featuring both new and updated models, will provide valuable insights into how well each vehicle performs in real-world conditions.

A key aspect of the trip is assessing whether Europe’s EV charging network can support the demands of multiple vehicles charging simultaneously. The designated charging partner, OMV eMotion, operates over 220 fast-charging stations across Austria, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia, providing ample opportunities for recharging.

Participants will also utilize overnight AC charging at various hotels along the route. With the trip occurring in mid-September, organizers have partnered with Michelin to equip the vehicles with the new CrossClimate 3 Sport all-season tires, designed to adapt to the unpredictable weather conditions often encountered in the Alps.

The expedition will cover approximately 3,800 miles (6,000 kilometers) over less than two weeks, offering ample opportunity to evaluate the efficiency and range of each vehicle while navigating challenging mountain roads. The objective is to demonstrate that long-distance travel in an electric vehicle is not only feasible but can also be enjoyable.

As the journey unfolds, the group will document their experiences, focusing on vehicle performance, charging efficiency, and the overall travel experience. A detailed report summarizing the findings, including range and efficiency statistics for all eight cars, will be published at the conclusion of the trip.

The event promises to be both a bold test of electric mobility and a showcase of the growing capabilities of EVs in challenging environments. As the expedition progresses, insights into the practicality of electric travel across Europe will emerge, potentially reshaping perceptions of electric vehicles for the future.