10 tips how to avoid EV charging queues

How to avoid EV charging queues this Easter?

Easter is one of the busiest times of the year on the roads. Many head to their cottages or to ski resorts, and the journeys on the road can be long, requiring charging stops with your EV. Below, you will find useful tips how to avoid EV charging queues, even on the peak traffic days, such as during the Easter season.

1. Plan ahead

You possibly saw news on charging queues in Sweden, in January. Exceptional charging queues took place when holiday return traffic began at the Sälen ski resort, after simultaneous holiday cottage handovers. 150 EV’s queued for a charging spot in the area of ​​only 20 charging points, in chilly weather. However, with a little preparation, most drivers would have avoided the queues. Planning ahead is always a good idea when you are going on a longer trip with your EV, especially during holiday peak season. Below, you’ll find tips to ensure a hassle free EV trip, without wasting time in charging queues.

2. Avoid peak hours and days

If possible, plan your trip so that you charge your EV outside the worst traffic peaks. In short: charge your EV when most other travelers do not. For example, think if you could hit the road the day before the busiest day or the day after? Also, the timing within a day matters as well. Charging stations are usually busiest in the afternoon and in the early evening. Often, an especially busy slot is on Fridays and Sundays between 3 and 6 p.m. However, if you charge your EV early in the morning or late in the evening, you are most likely to avoid queues. For Easter, the busiest traffic days are expected to be in Norway Wednesday April 16th and Easter Monday (April 21st). In Sweden and in Finland the busiest days on the roads are Maundy Thursday (April 17th) and Easter Monday (April 21st): so slight local differences in Easter travels.

3. Choose accommodation with EV charging

When planning your EV trip, it's a good idea to consider choosing an accommodation that offers EV charging facilities - or at least that there is a charging option nearby. This will ensure that you can start your return journey with a full battery and don’t need to stop charging your EV first thing when beginning the journey back home.

4. Have a plan B via our Route Planner

Not all charging stations and roads are equally busy, even on the busiest days. Therefore, check out alternative routes and charging stations along your journey. The Fortum Charge & Drive app and our app's Route Planner is a useful tool for planning route options. Also, you’ll save time and reduce hassle on the day of travel if you download our app well in advance of your trip.

Read more on Route Planner here.

5. Pack wisely

The weight of your car affects the energy consumption and the range of your EV. The heavier the load, the shorter the range and the more charging stops. Therefore, it is worth packing sensibly and avoiding unnecessary cargo.

6. Drive smoothly

Your driving style affects your EV’s consumption and range. If you accelerate and brake a lot, you will consume more than if you drive steadily. By driving calmly, you reduce the need for charging stops. Many EVs have an EcoMode, which helps keep the drive steady. Also, check the tire pressure before setting off on a longer journey. Low tire pressure increases the rolling resistance and consumption of your EV, thus also reducing the range.

7. Charge up to 80%

When you stop to charge, charge your EV’s battery to 80%, rather than 100%, to save both time and reduce battery wear. Most EVs charge significantly slower after 80%, and charging from 80% to 100% can take longer than from 0% to 80%. Also, make sure your EV’s battery is in good condition before a longer trip. A well-maintained battery will charge faster.

8. Prefer high-speed chargers

The Fortum Charge & Drive app shows the charging speed at different charging stations and helps you choose the fastest chargers along your route. Choose high-speed chargers if your EV allows fast charging. Although charging with high-speed chargers can be more expensive, you will save time, especially on longer journeys. Also, check the charging station’s status in real-time before arriving at the charger, i.e. check whether there are chargers available. If all chargers are occupied, consider an alternative route.

9. Use our handy charging key or charging card

If you already have a Fortum Charge & Drive charging card or a charging key (RFID), use it when charging your EV. The charging key or card makes charging your EV faster and more convenient. Many find charging with a charging card to be the easiest: you just need to swipe the charging card against the charger's RFID tag. If you don't yet have a Fortum Charge & Drive charging card or key yet, you can order one through our app.

10. Charge before hitting the road back home

If possible, fully charge your EV’s battery before you set off on your journey back home. If you are staying overnight in a place that does not have a fast charger, remember to bring the necessary charging cables so that you can fully charge your car battery during the night, for example (high speed chargers come with cables). It is nicest to start your return journey with a full battery.


Smooth EV travels and Happy Easter,

Fortum Charge & Drive team 🐣🐰