The Polestar convoy gets a move on (Image: PA)
If there’s one criticism that electric vehicle doubters express more than any other, it’s the claim that battery-powered models can’t handle long journeys. ‘It’ll take too long to charge’, they argue, while pointing out that a diesel-fuelled Volkswagen Passat from two decades ago could travel further without refuelling, says motoring writer Jack Evans.
Don’t misunderstand me, I relish a lengthy road trip in a large diesel vehicle. However, times are changing, and as electric vehicles become increasingly prevalent, we’re having to incorporate them into our daily routines.
That’s why I thought it would be illuminating to see how an electric vehicle fares on a comprehensive European road trip, providing a real test of progress. The plan is straightforward. Drive from the UK, through France and Germany to Austria, to a place named Zell am See.
Why this destination? It’s the host of this year’s FAT Ice Race, a celebration of all things automotive on ice.
It’s also where Polestar will be unveiling its latest model – the 5 – before it hits the UK market later this year. It seemed appropriate, therefore, that I’d undertake the journey in one of Polestar’s newly launched vehicles, the 4.
I’ve got the dual-motor version, fitted with robust-looking tyres. They’re essential for the wintry conditions we’re heading into, whilst winter-ready tyres are a legal necessity in many regions.
Let’s delve into the specifics. The dual-motor variant of the 4 boasts a projected range of 367 miles, aided by an efficiency-enhancing heat pump.
It also offers a maximum charging rate of 200kW, which should enable you to charge the 4 from 10 to 80 per cent in half an hour when connected to a rapid charger. These are what I’d be counting on for swift top-ups whilst on the move.
However, there’s a catch. Upon my initial full charge of the 4 prior to setting off, the car displayed only 238 miles at 100 per cent – significantly short of the advertised figure. Despite this discrepancy, the spirit of adventure prevailed and it was time to hit the road.
Rapid chargers are commonplace in large parts of Europe (Image: PA)
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Embarking on the journey
We set off on a brisk morning, forming a convoy from a hotel near Maidstone en route to the Channel Tunnel. I’m accompanied by several others, all driving Polestars, and thanks to the chargers at our hotel, each vehicle is fully ‘fuelled’.
A swift drive down to the ‘chunnel’ soon sees us aboard a train, laden with pastries and coffees from the FlexiPlus area. The tunnel crossing always affords a good opportunity to strategise, although the overarching aim of this trip is to navigate as much as possible without resorting to apps for locating chargers – a habit not typically associated with electric car travel.
Beyond that point, we settle into a comfortable cruising pace as we sweep through northern France. The expansive, largely deserted routes feel worlds apart from Britain’s congested motorways, allowing swift progress towards our initial photography location – Reims.
The Reims-Guex circuit comprised public roads and frequently staged the French Grand Prix before its closure in 1972. Presently, remnants of the original infrastructure remain visible, with grandstands and pit structures available to explore.
It proves an appropriate stopping point for the Polestars as well, which assemble as a contemporary interpretation of the road vehicle in surroundings steeped in motorsport heritage. Thankfully, there’s a charging station close by – I’m down to 10 per cent battery and keen to replenish.
More affordable than the UK
This marks our initial charging session and the process proves remarkably straightforward. We pull into a neighbouring supermarket where there’s an extensive array of ultra-rapid IONITY terminals.
Once connected, they’re quickly delivering 135kW of power and by the time I’ve visited the washroom and collected a coffee and some provisions, the 4 has recovered to 80 per cent capacity. French charging costs sit considerably below British rates, too – we’re spending approximately 54c/kWh, while in Britain an equivalent charger would cost around 80p/kWh – potentially even higher.
The cars line up at the final destination (Image: PA)
Recharged – both caffeine-wise and electrically – it’s time to get moving again. We’re making our way towards Freiburg and a night’s stay at the ArtBau DesignHotel to split up the journey. Theoretically, you could manage it in one go – but our fatigue becomes more obvious as we press on with the drive.
Fortunately, we only require one additional charge to reach our destination and it’s at an ultra-fast Fastned unit. The location is pristine, modern and straightforward to operate, with just a brief 20-minute boost needed to provide us with sufficient power to reach our hotel for the evening.
The welcome news is that our accommodation also features overnight chargers, so there’s no concern about charging up for the following day.
Rising early the following morning and we’re onto the final stretch of the journey to Zel am See. In my mind, I’d assumed it was a brief trip, but a swift glance at the navigation system showed six-and-a-half hours left.
Nevertheless, Germany is a nation that makes light work of substantial distances. We begin by ascending mountains and encountering considerably more snow than I’d anticipated, but thankfully, the winter tyres fulfil their purpose and everything stays under control.
Our initial top-up is at a rapid IONITY unit, conveniently situated beside a McDonald’s for a quick coffee following our 200-mile stint. We’re discovering that two-and-a-half hours is roughly ideal for journey durations between charges.
The vehicles could manage longer but when you’re driving solo, it’s rather pleasant to hop out and have a conversation. We also enjoy a decent stretch of unrestricted autobahn to discover the Polestar 4’s maximum speed.
It’s 124mph, if you’re curious, and in a vehicle with this level of performance, it’s easily achievable. Naturally, sustained high-speed driving does hammer the range, but it’s worthwhile for the enjoyment factor.
Occasionally, the more thrilling choice is the right one. Our final charging stop is at Holzkirchen, just beyond Munich, and it’s our first taste of a motorway service station top-up. Previously, we’ve simply been using those situated slightly away from the motorways, at retail parks or outside supermarkets.
There’s quite a significant difference in demand at the service station; motorists form queues for their space, and at one moment, a driver shuts one of our vehicles’ charging flaps and connects their car to the charger instead.
First failure
It was also the location of our first unsuccessful charge. After a light, wholesome lunch of currywurst, we return to the vehicles to discover that one hasn’t charged whatsoever.
It’s frustrating, and it’s intriguing to find that it has occurred at our first service station break. Fortunately, they’re rapid units, so we switch the cars around and get the remaining one fully sorted. From there, a quick two-and-a-half-hour drive brought us to our final destination, a hotel just outside Zell am See.
There, ready to line up against our grimy, distance-devouring Polestars is a new 5, adorned in Gran Turismo livery. So, how did the journey go overall?
Quite smoothly, in fact. Of course, you could fill a diesel car and attempt to complete the entire trip in one go, but honestly, all of the stops we made to charge the Polestars coincided with when I needed a break as well. Apart from one crowded service station, there were no issues with the infrastructure either.
The total cost? Just above £160, which I believe is quite reasonable for over 800 miles of driving. However, the UK needs to pay attention to Europe’s charging costs – they make a significant difference and make electric driving much more attractive.
