Embarking on a road trip in Germany entails cruising through a plethora of quaint villages, medieval architecture, and really well-maintained roads! Head to northern Germany to find the country’s best coverage of charging stations if you are taking an EV for your road trip.
One early September, myself and a friend set out to conquer northern Germany in an Electric Vehicle (or EV as I later learned they are called). As someone who continuously strives to promote sustainable tourism, it somehow felt like the art of road-tripping in Germany with nothing but electricity to propel you forward, was one I needed to master.
In this article I outline everything you need to know to embark on a 7-day Germany road trip, starting in Bremen and ending in Hannover. From where to charge the car, fun pitstops to make along the way as well as small paragraph on the basic driving rules in Germany – a little refresher course never hurt anybody – it can all be found simply by scrolling down.
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Germany Road Trip: A Brief Summary
WHERE TO STAY
- Bremen: Radisson Blu
- Hamburg: Superbude Altone
- Hannover: NH Hannover
TOP THINGS TO DO
- Bremen: Guided Walking Tour
- Hamburg: Guided Bike Tour
- Hannover: Marienburg Castle
HOW TO GET AROUND: We rented an electric vehicle in Bremen and dropped it off in Hannover. At the time of writing, there were very few rental companies that offered that combo. Find your rental.
LOCAL TOURISM BOARDS: Check out the local websites of Bremen, Hamburg and Hannover.
USEFUL READING: Learn more about driving an electric vehicle before your road trip through Germany. Introduction to Electric Vehicle Range, what are the charging speeds for EVs, how to maximize EV range were immensely helpful for me.

Itinerary for Your 7-Day Road Trip in Germany
Why Take A Road Trip in Northern Germany
This is a very fair question. My first few outings in Germany were to the Karlsruhe and then to southern Germany as I had seen so many impressive images of the magical castles and natural parks in this part of the country.
It seems I was not the only one to favor southern Germany for my trip, this part of the country – although absolutely stunning – tends to get very busy, and it also is pricier than its northern counterpart.
Aside from the price difference, northern Germany is choc-a-bloc with UNESCO world heritage sites, much lesser-known towns and cities, and wonderfully preserved medieval historical centers peppered with half-timbered houses like for example UNESCO-classified Goslar.
Seven-Day Road Trip in Germany Itinerary
DAY ONE: Bremen
DAY TWO: Bremerhaven & Hamburg
DAY THREE AND FOUR: Hamburg
DAY FIVE: Hildesheim & Marienburg
DAY SIX: Hannover
DAY SEVEN: Wolfsburg

Road Trip Day 1: Bremen
How to get there: We arrived by train from Brussels to Bremen. Bremen has a small airport (Bremen Flughafen BRE), which is a 10-minute tram ride away from the historical city center. Check schedules and find the cheapest train tickets online.
Car rental pick-up: We picked up our car rental from the airport on day two. Compare prices and find the cheapest rate via AutoEurope.
Charging Points in Bremen
If you are planning on picking up your car directly on day one, check in with your hotel if they have a charging station. The Radisson Blue where we stayed had two on-site charging stations, though it is noteworthy to mention they were slow charging. If you have an empty battery, this means you will need to charge the car overnight before embarking on your road trip.
MORE INFO | Find a list of charging stations via chargemap.com


Must Visit Attractions in Bremen

Despite its small size, one could easily spend a couple of days strolling around the bewitching streets of historical Bremen. Founded over 1200 years ago, it was once a prominent member of the Hanseatic League, which saw its maritime prowess flourish during the Middle Ages.
Home to two UNESCO-classified monuments: 15th century Roland statue, a legendary young knight who fought bravely under Charlemagne and the 15th-century Gothic Town hall; as well as the omnipresent legend of the Bremen town musicians, four aging and mistreated farm animals – a donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster – who decide to embark on a journey together to Bremen in search of a better life.


1. Explore the Historical Centre, the Prettiest in All of Northern Germany
Start your exploration of Bremen Market Square by paying a visit to its two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the historic Bremer Rathaus (Town Hall) designed in the distinctive Weser Renaissance style, and the venerable 600-year-old Roland statue, an iconic representation of liberty and commerce.
Next meander down the Böttcherstrasse, a narrow red-bricked alley lined with museums, artisanal shops and little souvenir stores. Nip inside Bremer Bonbon Manufaktur for some traditional sweets, head to no. 4 and listen to the carillon made out of 30 porcelain bells. And finally clamber up the 265 steps of the St. Peters Cathedral for the best views in Bremen.
SAVE TIME: We took a 2-hour guided walking tour through Bremen to learn all about the history and to explore the most important monuments.


2. Stroll Around the Schnoorviertel
Dating back to the 15th century, this labyrinthine quarter was originally home to fishermen and artisans. The name “Schnoor” likely derives from the Low German word “Snoor,” meaning string, due to the winding, narrow streets resembling a tangled cord.
Today, the Schnoorviertel offers a delightful blend of crooked half-timbered houses, quaint boutiques, and cozy cafés. Must-see places include the Schifferhaus Museum, where you can explore the life of a 17th-century shipowner, and St. John’s Church, known for its exquisite stained glass windows.
A one-hour guided tour is available for history enthusiasts, though personally I really loved exploring this little area solo and stumbling upon the beautiful buildings without a guide.


3. Learn About the Bremen Town Musicians
The Bremen Town Musicians is a beloved German folktale firmly rooted in Bremen’s culture and history. A timeless story originating with the Brothers Grimm telling the tale of four aging, discarded animals—a donkey, dog, cat, and rooster—who embark on an adventure to become musicians in Bremen. Their journey symbolizes courage and resourcefulness against adversity.
Remnants of the story can be found dotted around the city from the iconic bronze statue of the animals next to the town hall, to a little wishing on the main square. Throw a coin in the wishing well and you hear the sound of one of the four animals. The pennies collected from the well go straight to charity.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN BREMEN
Bars in Bremen
- Spitzen Gebel: Located in a 15th-century gabled house. Serves one of the oldest schnapps in the city from a lanter. Cash only!
- Beck’s Bistro: Smack on the central market, with the best views in town!
- Cafe Engel: Located in a very hip neighborhood with a plethora of bars around.
Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants in Bremen
- Plantenköök: Vegetarian restaurant serving seasonal dishes in an intimate setting.
- Markthalle: Centrally located food hall with a wide variety of cuisines.
- Katzen Café: Wonderfully romantic restaurant in the Schnoor district. A limited selection of vegetarian options. Serves Italian cuisine.
- Vengo: Small vegetarian restaurant with the most delicious assortment of fresh salads. Located in a very hip neighborhood, within walking distance from the historical center.
WHERE TO STAY IN BREMEN
BEST LOCATION: Radisson Blue ($$)
We stayed in the plush Radisson Blue located smack in the historical center of Bremen. Super comfortable beds, on-site parking with EV chargers and a huge breakfast spread!
VIENNA HOUSE EASY BY WYNDHAM BREMEN ($): Great budget option if you are looking for a centrally located hotel, with great service, and a gym. Guest particularly love the location and the breakfast
PLAZA PREMIUM COLUMBUS BREMEN ($$): A 3-star hotel located conveniently by the Bremen train station and within walking distance from the historical center. On-site parking is available.

Road Trip Day 2: Bremerhaven
Route: Bremen – Bremerhaven – Bremen
Distance covered: 131 km
On the second day of our northern Germany road trip, we picked up the rental car and headed to nearby Bremerhaven. Founded in 1827, Bremerhaven, or “Bremen’s Harbor,” was established as an extension of the nearby city of Bremen to accommodate the growing shipping industry and facilitate trade.
Its strategic location on the North Sea made it an ideal port for handling goods, fostering maritime commerce, and ultimately shaping its history as a vital maritime city. While Bremerhaven as a city pales in comparison to Bremen, it has absolute world-class museums making it a non-negotiable stopover on our road trip.
We spent half a day in Bremerhaven, before driving back to Bremen to spend the night there.
Driving From Bremen to Bremerhaven
Getting to Bremerhaven from Bremen is very smooth, a 45-min drive gets you from door to door. Park you car in the large underground parking underneath the Klimahouse museum.
Charging Your EV in Bremerhaven
The above-mentioned underground parking (Hermann-Heinrich-Meier-Straße 1, 27568 Bremerhaven) has two charging points for electric cars at the entrance of the parking.


Must Visit Attractions in Bremerhaven

German Emigration Center
The German Emigration Center in Bremerhaven is a poignant museum delving into the history of emigration from Germany to the New World. Visitors can trace the footsteps of millions who left their homeland in search of a better life. Interactive exhibits and personal stories bring to life the immigrant experience, making history tangible and deeply moving.
I heard from many friends that the German Emigration Center Museum is another top-notch museum. However, after spending a full morning in the Klimahause, my brain was satiated for the day. I will however definitely come back to Bremerhaven to check out the museum one day!


Climate House Bremerhaven (Klimahouse)
The Klimahause or Climate House is a huge museum dedicated to the exploration of Earth’s climate zones. Visitors embark on a multisensory journey, experiencing the climatic conditions of diverse regions from the Arctic to the Equator.
It offers an immersive educational experience, blending science and entertainment. As you learn about the various climate zones, you also see the devastating effects climate change is having on the local fauna & flora as well as the inhabitants.
We spent 3.5 hours walking around and could easily have spent another few hours as it was so well done and clearly presented. This museum is also great if you are traveling with kids.
Historic Harbor of Bremerhaven
The historic harbor is great for a little stroll around after you have spent a few hours inside visiting the various museums. We spent a good hour walking around, having a peek at the old ships and making our way to the lighthouse before heading back to the car. The tourism office in front of the Klimahause Museum has bikes available for rental.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN BREMERHAVEN
We ended up grabbing a bite to eat in the Klimahause museum which has two on-site restaurants offering both warm and cold meals as well as a variety of different snacks. Vegetarian options were available, and vegan was available upon request.
Alternatively, head to nearby Schiffergilde to grab a bite to eat.

Road Trip Day 3 & 4: Hamburg
Route: Bremen – Stade – Jork – Hamburg
Distance Covered: 169 km
Day three of our road trip through Germany was spent entirely on the drive from Bremen to Hamburg as we made a little detour. Day four we stayed put in Hamburg to explore the city. Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany and has a lot to offer visitors.
The city boasts a history dating to the 9th century and has been a major port for much of this time thanks to the strategic location along the Elbe River. With but one day in the city, we needed to be very selective with the places we could visit.
SAVE TIME | Short on time, book yourself a guided bike tour through Hamburg! Or alternatively have a look at a guided walking tour.
Bremen to Hamburg Recommended Stops Along the way
On day three we drove from Bremen to Hamburg, with a little detour via the villages of Stade and Jork. Medieval Stade is utterly quaint, filled with half-timbered houses and a little Open Air Museum showcasing the various architectural styles of Stade throughout its history.
Jork on the other hand is renowned for its apple orchards and brightly painted farmhouses. If you plan in advance you can hop on a farm tour or simply stop and grab some delicious apple pie in the Herzapfelhof orchard.
The orchard offers apple picking, has a reasonably large on-site store selling apple-related products, and has a small canteen in the back serving all-day kaffee und kuchen (coffee and cake).
Charging Options in Hamburg
We charged the car in Jork on our drive towards Hamburg. The Superbude Hotel where we stayed in Hamburg had a charging station on site.
MORE OPTIONS | Check out chargemap for charging points in Hamburg.


Top Attractions in Hamburg

1. Kontor Haus
The Kontorhaus district in Hamburg is a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its architectural significance. It comprises several early 20th-century office buildings, notably the Chilehaus, characterized by innovative brick expressionism. These structures reflect the prosperous trading history of Hamburg and the pioneering architectural achievements of the era.


2. Speicherstadt
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Speicherstadt is made up of endless neo-Gothic red brick structures that were once the largest warehouse complex in the world. Storing popular commodities like coffee, tea, spices, and other precious goods.
Today one can still find a smattering of carpet warehouses, but mostly the buildings have been transformed into museums, cafés, and the occasional office/apartment buildings. Sunset in this part of the city is unparalleled, it turns the full ensemble of buildings a deep orange hue. Explore either on foot or even better by taking a little boat tour through the intricate canal network.
SEE IT FROM A DIFFERENT ANGLE | Cruising through Speicherstadt on a boat is one of the most popular activities in Hamburg. Book yourself a 2-hour boat tour around sunset!


3. Elbphilharmonie
This beautiful waterfront concert hall is said to have one of the best acoustics in the entire world. We did not go inside to see a show, though if you have time I highly recommend you do!
The top of the Philharmonie offers stunning views over the harbor of Hamburg and can be accessed for free. Simply head to the ticketing office and tell them you would like to visit the rooftop, they will provide you with a ticket stub which you feed into a turnstile, granting you access.
4. Dialogue in the Dark Museum
Hands down my favorite activity in all of Hamburg, perhaps even the entire road trip. This immersive museum takes you into the world of the visually impaired.
The core of the exhibit is held in three pitch-black rooms displaying four seemingly mundane scenarios: Being at home, going to the park, navigating the city, and grabbing a drink in a rowdy bar. With the help of a cane and your guide – who is visually impaired – you get a grasp of how complex these everyday situations can actually be.


5. Rent a Bike and Head Under the Elbe River
Did you know there is a tunnel that runs right under the Elbe River, which cuts through Hamburg? The Alte Elbtunnel was built in 1911 and is a pedestrian tunnel connecting the two sides of the city together. We rented a set of bikes and rode off to explore to other side of the city.
As you get out of the tunnel, veer left immediately to Aussichtspunkt Steinwerder for a wonderful view over the Hamburg skyline. Next head out in the direction of the Energieberg, once a toxic landfill, now a source of renewable energy with a small park & museum. The museum itself is free to enter and explains the various ecological initiatives Hamburg has in the pipeline.
SAVE TIME | Short on time, book yourself a guided bike tour through Hamburg!
6. Additional Places to See in Hamburg
If you have more time in Hamburg, there are most certainly a plethora of things to do including Miniatur Wunderland, a visit to St. Michael’s Church and hanging around the very hip Neustadt
VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS IN HAMBURG
- Kkokki loves vegan: A vegan Korean restaurant located in a super bustling neighborhood. Only accepts cash payment!
- Gustav Grün: Great if you are looking for a quick, healthy meal. Make your own wrap or poké bowl. Located close to the Philharmonic.
- TA Veganhouse: Very cozy vegan restaurant serves delicious Vietnamese food.
WHERE TO STAY IN HAMBURG
SUSTAINABLE CHOICE: Superbude Hamburg Altona ($$)
We stayed here and loved it. A very hip hotel, with on-site electric charger and free bicycles available for their guests. Large on-site parking and super comfortable beds.
East Hotel Hamburg ($$$): This luxury hotel has a large rooftop spa and spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi. It lies in the heart of the St. Pauli district, alongside the world-famous Reeperbahn.
NH Hamburg Horner Rennbahn ($$): Sustainable hotel NH Hamburg has a spa with a sauna and a steam cabin as well as a large gym!

Road Trip Day 5: Hildesheim & Marienburg
Route: Hamburg – Hildesheim – Marienburg Castle – Hannover
Distance Covered: 222 km
On the fifth day of our Germany road trip, we drove from Hamburg to Hannover with a few select pitstops along the way: Hildesheim & Marienburg. After all, what is a road trip if you cannot stop to enjoy the scenery.
Hamburg to Hannover Recommended Stops Along the way
What to do in Hildesheim
With a little over 100,000 inhabitants, Hildesheim is considered a small-ish city by German standards. Nevertheless, this little enclave has been around since 815 AD and is absolutely bursting with charm.
We stopped in Hildesheim to charge the car and grab a spot of lunch.
The city suffered a lot of damage during WWII, a fact that is hard to tell as you wander around the historical center. The Main Square holds the magnificent Bakers’ Guild Hall, Butchers’ Guild Hall, the Weavers’ Guild Hall, the City Hall, and an old tavern. Make sure to pop into the 11th-century St. Michael’s Church – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


Visiting Marienburg Castle
Marienburg Castle is a splendid neo-Gothic masterpiece with a fascinating history. Construction began in 1858 under King George V of Hanover and was completed in 1867. It was intended as a summer residence for the royal family.
The castle’s architectural style is characterized by its intricate ornamentation, pointed arches, and soaring towers, exemplifying neo-Gothic design. Notable rooms to visit include the opulent Throne Room, the Royal Chapel adorned with stunning stained glass, the Knight’s Hall with its impressive chandeliers, and the Queen’s Salon featuring exquisite frescoes.
When we arrived, the castle was closed for a sprucing up. We did however get to visit the inner courtyard and catch a little glimpse of all its splendor. Definitely worth coming back to! Count at least two hours to visit the entire castle, more if you are a fan of photography.
WHERE TO STAY IN HANNOVER
SUSTAINABLE CHOICE: DoubleTree by Hilton Hannover ($$)
Located 400 meters from the central station with a large rooftop terrace. Comes with a sauna, gym and large on-site parking with EV chargers.
Hotel Wegner – Culinary Art Hotel ($): Located slightly outside of the historical center with easy access to the highway. Ample parking is available on-site.
Concorde Hotel am Leineschloss ($$$): The hotel in Hannover with the very best location, smack in the middle of the historical center.

Road Trip Day 6: Hannover
The city of Hannover is a great blend of historical buildings and modern architecture. There is ample activities to spend at least one full day. From the Royal Gardens of the Herrenhausen, the Hannover Museum and the Sprengel Museum to the bustling Markthalle food market.
Charging your EV in Hannover
We spent one full day in Hannover and had charged the car the previous day in Hildesheim, which was actually a blessing in disguise. Hannover has an extensive set of charging stations in the city center, however, 99% of them are operated by the local energy supplier.
If you are not a client of said supplier, it is impossible to charge the car. Keep that in mind and potentially book a hotel that has an on-site charging station.

Things to do in Hannover

1. Herrenhausen Gardens
Located on the outskirts of town lies the Herrenhausen Palace with its eponymous gardens. The palace and the gardens date back to the early 17th century. The palace, in a Baroque architectural style, was built in 1640. The gardens, designed by Sophia of Hanover, offer magnificent vistas and include the Great Garden with its grand fountain.
Visitors can explore the palace’s interior and enjoy cultural events in the gardens, during the summer months, the gardens are the scene of a beautiful light show.


2. New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus)
The New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) in Hannover, Germany, is a magnificent architectural marvel built in the style of historicism, mainly Neo-Renaissance, and completed in 1913. Its construction commenced in 1901, overseen by architect Hermann Eggert, and the inauguration took place in 1913.
The larger-than-life building is vaguely reminiscent of the red-domed Hungarian Parliament building in Budapest. A ticket buys you entrance to visit the opulent interior and, even better, a ride up to the top to capture views over the city.


3. Stroll Around the Old Town
The historical center of Hannover is but a handful of little streets, they are absolutely brimming with life, especially at night! The prettiest streets include Kramerstrasse and Ballhofplatz, known for their charming half-timbered houses.
Among the oldest buildings is the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) stands out, a stunning example of North German brick Gothic architecture. Its façade is adorned with beautiful intricate carvings.
VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS IN HANNOVER
- Hiller restaurant: The oldest vegetarian restaurant in Germany, dating back to 1955.
- Kouros restaurant: Located in the historical center, this little Greek restaurant is super romantic.
- Veats: A vegetarian restaurant offering fresh poké owls and wraps.


Road Trip Day 7: Wolfsburg
Route: Hannover – Wolfsburg – Hannover
Distance covered: 181 km
Where we charged the car: Autostadt Wolfsburg
On the last day of our 7-day road trip through Germany, we decided to take a day trip from Hannover to Wolfsburg. As our rental car was scheduled to be handed back in Hannover, it seemed like the easiest solution.
Our main reason for visiting Wolfsburg was to spend the day at Autostadt, the largest car museum in the world. Now before you skip right past this paragraph, there is more to Autostadt than just cars. Bear with me and read on!
Charging your EV in Wolfsburg
Autostadt has a variety of different charging points on all three of its main parking lots. The charging points on P1 accept all forms of payments (e.g. various credit cards), while for P2 and P3 you require a specific charging card.

Main Attractions in Wolfsburg



Autostadt
Autostadt covers an expansive area of approximately 25 hectares (about 62 acres). It encompasses a variety of attractions, including brand pavilions, lush gardens, interactive exhibitions, a lagoon, and a large distribution center for new cars.
It is run by the Volkswagen group, which encompasses various car brands (this was new to me too) all of which have their exhibition detailing the brands’ history, innovations, and future developments.
To be fair, if, like me, you are not a car enthusiast, these brand pavilions might not be the most interesting of exhibitions. What I really did like, however, was the detailed information about the Volkswagen electric car range on the second floor of the main building.
A very cool X-ray-like scanner displayed exactly what components were inside the car and how it works mechanically. This same building also holds an exhibition on sustainability in the larger sense e.g. broader than mere mobility. It is worth popping into if you have some spare time.
SAVE TIME | Get your skip-the-line tickets for Autostadt

Northern Germany Road Trip Practical Information
Necessary Documents and Permits for Driving in Germany
OWN CAR: Before heading out on a road trip in Germany, make sure to have a Germany, and ensure you have a valid driver’s license from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP) for non-European Union residents. The legal driving age in Germany is 18 years old. If you are not driving an electric vehicle, make sure to check which cities require you to purchase an emission sticker as they are designated low-emission zones.
RENTING A CAR: If you are planning on renting a car you will be asked for a valid driver’s license, passport, and a credit card for a security deposit. Some agencies have a minimum age requirement of 21 years old. It is equally noteworthy to mention that drivers under 25 years old might be asked to pay an expensive young driver surcharge. This is commonplace all over Europe when renting a car.


Renting or Preparing Your Electric Vehicle for Your Northern Germany Road Trip
Renting an electric car in Germany was not as easy as it seemed. First off, I had to go through a variety of rental companies to find one that rented an electric car, and moreover, that allowed me to pick it up in one location and drop it off in another. Aside from this initial little bump in the road, there are a few other practicalities that are worthwhile mentioning before you embark on your road trip through Germany.
AUTONOMOUS RANGE: When renting a car it is not uncommon for the rental agency to provide you with a slightly different model than you picked out online. The policy is that as long as they are in the same class of vehicle, there is no problem. Things come unhinged with electric cars as they are oftentimes clumped together in one class of vehicle e.g. the electric car. Be very mindful of the autonomous driving range in the car you receive. We had initially ordered an Opel Moka but received an electric BMW Mini, which has half the range.
CHARGING ADAPTERS: Check if your car rental comes with charging adapters for various charging speeds and if need be for simply plugging it into the wall (this can be a last resort if you do not find a charging station).
INSURANCE: Electric cars cannot be towed like a regular car. Make sure your insurance covers the additional expenses for towing your EV.

Practical Tips for EV Road Tripping in Germany
Understanding German Traffic Regulations
- Driving sense: Germans drive on the right-hand side of the road
- Speed limits: Autobahns do have speed limits, especially near cities.
- Mandatory items in vehicles: red reflective triangle, first aid kit, and two safety vests.
- Right-of-way rule: Vehicles from the right have priority unless the road you are traveling on is clearly marked as a priority road via a diamond-shaped sign.
- Busses: Do not pass a bus signaling a stop.
- Driving in Winter: Unlike Austria and Switzerland, winter tires and snow chains are not mandatory throughout winter. That is, unless there are icy conditions in which case you are required to have winter tires.
READ UP BEFORE YOU GO | Find more information on the traffic rules in Germany.


Practical Tips for First-Time EV Drivers
Charging Speed: Understand the charging speed of the vehicle and various charger types (e.g., Level 1, Level 2, DC fast charging). Faster chargers are more convenient but may cost more.
Charging Stations: We used Google Maps to find charging stations, but sometimes were sent to private homes that were wrongly indicated on the map. What helps is to read the reviews and browse the pictures of the charging station itself on Google Maps.
Payment of Charge: Bring a working credit card with you as a debit card is not accepted for charging. Some charging stations require you to download an app and make payments in the app with your credit card. A phone with working data is indispensable.
Charging Costs: Be aware of the charging costs, which may vary depending on the provider and location. Some hotels offer free charging for guests.
Charging Etiquette: Respect charging station etiquette. Move your car promptly after charging is complete to allow others to use the station.
Charging Time: Electric cars take longer to charge compared to refueling a gas vehicle. Plan for charging stops during meals or sightseeing to optimize your time.
Regenerative Braking: Utilize regenerative braking to recover energy when slowing down.
Climate Control: Heating or cooling the cabin can affect range. Precondition your EV while it’s still charging to conserve battery power on the road.
Check State of Charge: Always check the state of charge (SOC) before leaving a charging station to ensure it’s charging correctly.
Parking: Look for hotels that offer EV charging stations or parking facilities with charging options. These will usually not require you to download an app for payment and are thus much easier to use.
Emergency Assistance and Contacts for Your German Road Trip
Germany has two primary emergency numbers: 112 and 110. Dialing 112 connects you to the fire brigade and ambulance services, though not the police. For immediate police assistance in Germany, dial 110.

Final Thoughts on Northern Germany Road Trips
Returning Your Rental EV
Make sure to double-check with your rental provider if they require you to have a full battery when returning the car. Every time I have rented an electric car, there was a non-negotiable fee added to the final price ensuring we did not have to bring the car back with a full charge.
First-Time Travelers Exploring Northern Germany by EV
Taking an EV out for a road trip can seem slightly daunting at first. I know it did for me! However, with a bit of pre-reading, you can embark on this journey without any fear. There are two factors to take into account: The range autonomy of your car & the availability of charging points.
Northern Germany is very well-serviced when it comes to charging points, all of the hotels we stayed in (and that are recommended) had at least 2 charging stations on the premises exclusively for their clients. If you are renting a car, make sure to triple-check the range autonomy of the car you receive versus the one you ordered.
Disclaimer: This post was written as part of a collaboration with the German National Tourism Board. All opinions and recommendations expressed in the article are my own.

MORE TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR VISITING GERMANY
South-West Germany: Sustainable guide to Karlsruhe
Central Germany: Exploring the Harz Mountains

Road Trip in Germany: Pin it


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