A gentle whisper of tyres on tarmac is the sole companion on this journey. It's not a glimpse into tomorrow, but today's reality for electric vehicle drivers. As charging infrastructure proliferates and eco-consciousness grows, European cities are leading the way in sustainable transport. A 700+ kilometre road trip from Amsterdam to Copenhagen, via Hamburg, offers a chance to discover some of the continent's greenest urban hubs, designed to welcome thousands of electric vehicle drivers.
Before setting off
While electric cars can go farther and farther every day, planning your charging is still key to a smooth journey. In this sense, Europe is at the forefront with a widespread infrastructure connecting major cities.
- Charging stations. Planning an electric road trip? Your first step is to map out the charging stations along your route. Make the most of your journey with Apps that pinpoint charging stations right where you need them.
- Subscriptions. Navigating various charging networks means you'll need different cards and subscription plans.
- Speed. Sustainable travel and speed aren't mutually exclusive. In fact, they can go hand-in-hand. With a range exceeding 400 kilometres, today's electric vehicles offer impressive performance. How? By optimising weight, harnessing regenerative braking, and reducing the strain on the battery with features like air conditioning.
First stop: Amsterdam
It is one of the greenest capitals in Europe. Amsterdam's commitment to sustainability goes beyond its famous bike lanes. With nearly 4,270 electric vehicle charging points, the city offers a tangible and accessible experience of sustainable living. Amsterdam is on a mission to achieve zero emissions by 2030. Electric vehicle adventurers should definitely add De Ceuvel to their itinerary. This once-industrial shipyard has been reborn as a sustainable haven, complete with floating homes and urban vegetable gardens fed by reclaimed waste water. The Van Gogh Museum, completely revamped to be an energy-efficient marvel, is another highlight of any trip to the Netherlands.
Second stop: Hamburg
Bidding farewell to the Netherlands after a 470-kilometre drive, we set our sights on Hamburg, the bustling city in northern Germany. As an example of a sustainable city, the goal is to become a true green metropolis like Berlin, reducing carbon emissions by 95% by 2050. As a hub for sustainable transport, Hamburg boasts over 1,000 charging stations and numerous pilot projects for greener mobility. Here you can switch modes of transportation by renting a sailboat to explore the green area around Lake Alster. Much like Amsterdam, Hamburg boasts a large district reborn from an old port and industrial zone, showcasing the possibilities of urban regeneration, Hafen City. As a hub for sustainability and inclusivity, this laboratory offers co-working spaces in the repurposed American exhibition hall from the Milan Expo, fostering a new way of working and living.
Third stop: Copenhagen
Just a short 470 kilometres away lies Copenhagen, the Danish capital, which shares Hamburg's ambition of becoming carbon-neutral by 2025. This sustainable city is celebrated for its well-integrated network of rental bikes and electric vehicles, supported by tax breaks and ample charging stations. For sustainability enthusiasts, two stand-out locations are Copenhill, a ground-breaking power plant that turns waste into energy by burning an impressive 700 tonnes per hour and transforming 440,000 tonnes annually into clean power. Then there's Nordhavn, a pioneering neighbourhood showcasing sustainable urban development, where wind and solar energy meet the needs of the entire community.
