
Driving home for Christmas: avoid the queues at chargers
In the run-up to Christmas, many people drive the same way on the same days. At the big charging stations along the motorway there can be queues. With a little planning you can drive past them.
When is it busiest?
Traffic peaks on the last working days before Christmas Eve, the main celebration in Denmark, and again on 26 and 27 December, when many drive home. The afternoon is busiest. If you can drive in the morning, there are fewer people at the chargers.
Charge at home before you leave
Leave home with a full battery. Electricity at home at night costs around 1.28 DKK/kWh, and with a full battery you get further before you have to stop. You may even make it all the way.
Choose a stop away from the motorway
The big charging stations by the motorway are the first to fill up. A charger a few kilometres off the motorway is often free and can be cheaper. Rapid charging currently costs from 3.59 DKK/kWh with the nationwide providers. The Elmer app shows how many charge points are free, where the operator reports it.
Cold makes charging slower
A cold battery charges more slowly. Navigate to the charger with the car's own navigation, so the battery is warmed up on the way. Read more in the guide on winter and range.
Charge at the family's
If you are staying with family, ask whether you can charge. With a granny charger in a normal wall socket you get around 25 kWh overnight. For many, that is enough for the trip home. Offer to pay for the electricity.
When the EV charger is busy or broken
EV range and charging in winter
Long EV road trips in Denmark
Ferries and toll bridges with an EV in Denmark