Best European Road Trip Ideas for EV Drivers

Autumn Adventures: The Best Undiscovered European Driving Routes

There are a whole host of benefits to enjoy when opting for an autumn adventure. You can avoid the intense summer heat, escape the busiest travel periods, and explore stunning locations that aren’t overrun by tourists.

And what better way to travel and explore new locations than in your electric car ? Road trips let you get to the heart of a destination, offering the freedom to venture off the main routes and discover hidden treasures. With the flexibility to create your own itinerary, you can tick off multiple experiences along the way and truly immerse yourself in the local culture and landscapes.

Our research: Uncovering Europe's hidden gems

To help autumn adventurers discover lesser-known routes, we conducted a study of potential driving destinations across Europe. Our goal was to identify 'undiscovered locations' by looking at:

• Locations with lower visitor numbers compared to their surrounding areas or more popular nearby attractions

• A trend of increasing visitor numbers

This approach allowed us to pinpoint destinations that are less crowded than major tourist hotspots, but still have an existing and growing appeal for travellers. These destinations offer a balance of established tourism infrastructure and the charm of being relatively unexplored by the masses.

We then evaluated potential driving routes in these destinations based on several key metrics:

• Average distance per hour (distance/time, including considerations for tolls and ferries)

• Scenic beauty (including UNESCO sites, national parks, and notable landscapes)

• Fuel costs for the trip

• Available amenities (hotels, restaurants, and attractions)

• EV infrastructure

• Average autumn temperatures (November)

By combining these factors, we've identified and ranked 10 unexpected destinations that offer unparalleled driving experiences in lesser-visited locations, perfect for Autumn.

1. North Yorkshire Moors Route, United Kingdom

• Route: Harrogate – York – Goathland – Whitby (70.84 miles)

• Driving time: 2 hours 4 minutes

• Average distance per hour: 34.21 miles

• Scenic views: 3

• Fuel cost: £11.80

• Amenities: 394+ (5.56 per mile, highest density)

• EV chargers in country (UK): 50,126 (most EV-friendly)

• Average November temperature: 5.5°C

This route topped our list due to its unbeatable combination of average driving distance per hour, amenity density, and the UK’s excellent electric vehicle infrastructure. The journey takes you through the historic city of York and the charming village of Goathland (famous as a filming location for Harry Potter and Heartbeat) before ending in the picturesque coastal town of Whitby.

2. Tatra Mountains Road Trip, Slovakia

• Route: Poprad – Štrbské Pleso – Tatranská Lomnica – Belianska Cave (37.84 miles)

• Driving time: 1 hour 11 minutes

• Average distance per hour: 32.07 miles

• Scenic views: 2

• Fuel cost: £5.71 (lowest in study)

• Amenities: 205 (5.42 per mile)

• EV chargers in country: 362

• Average November temperature: 7°C

This compact route ranked highly due to its excellent average driving distance per hour alongside having the lowest fuel costs among the top five contenders. It offers stunning alpine scenery and great value for money, perfect for budget-conscious travellers looking for a route off the beaten track. The journey includes stops at the beautiful Štrbské Pleso Lake, the ski resort town of Tatranská Lomnica, and the impressive Belianska Cave.

3. Dolomites and Alpine Culture Circuit, Italy

• Route: Trento – Madonna di Campiglio – Bolzano – Val Gardena – Cortina d'Ampezzo (186.41 miles)

• Driving time: 4 hours 15 minutes

• Average distance per hour: 43.86 miles

• Scenic views: 4 (highest in study)

• Fuel cost: £31.80

• Amenities: 400+ (2.15 per mile)

• EV chargers in country: 21,004

• Average November temperature: 8°C

This Italian journey secured its position with the highest scenic score in the study. It takes you through the heart of the Dolomites, including the chic ski resort of Madonna di Campiglio, the bilingual city of Bolzano, the beautiful Val Gardena Valley, and the glamorous town of Cortina d'Ampezzo.

4. Maramureș Wooden Churches Route, Romania

• Route: Baia Mare – Sighetu Marmației – Săpânța (50.83 miles)

• Driving time: 1 hour 37 minutes

• Average distance per hour: 31.37 miles

• Scenic views: 2

• Fuel cost: £6.75

• Amenities: 205 (4.03 per mile)

• EV chargers in country: 941

• Average November temperature: 6°C

This cultural odyssey through Northern Romania ranked highly due to its efficient route and unique cultural offerings. The journey starts in Baia Mare, passes through Sighetu Marmației, and ends in Săpânța, famous for its Merry Cemetery with colourfully painted crosses.

5. Atlantic Coast and Celtic Heritage Route, Spain

• Route: Costa da Morte – Finisterre – Santiago de Compostela – Ribeira Sacra – Lugo (160.31 miles)

• Driving time: 3 hours 44 minutes

• Average distance per hour: 42.98 miles

• Scenic views: 3

• Fuel cost: £35.20

• Amenities: 350+ (2.18 per mile)

• EV chargers in country: 47,069 (2nd most EV-friendly)

• Average November temperature: 12°C (warmest in study)

This Spanish route offers the warmest autumn temperatures analysed, along with a high scenic score. The journey takes you along the dramatic Coast of Death to the symbolic “end of the world” at Finisterre. You’ll pass through the pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela, into the stunning wine region of Ribeira Sacra, and finally to the Roman-walled city of Lugo.

6. The Cambrian Way, Wales, United Kingdom

• Route: Cardiff – Brecon Beacons – Elan Valley – Snowdonia – Conwy (182.06 miles)

• Driving time: 4 hours 52 minutes

• Average distance per hour: 37.37 miles

• Scenic views: 4

• Fuel cost: £30.33

• Amenities: 330+ (1.81 per mile)

• EV chargers in country (UK): 50,126

• Average November temperature: 6.5°C

This route traverses the heart of Wales, showcasing its dramatic natural landscapes and rich Celtic culture. Highlights include the mountains of Snowdonia, the scenic Brecon Beacons, charming Welsh villages, and opportunities for spotting local wildlife.

7. Julian Alps Loop, Slovenia

• Route: Bled – Bohinj – Triglav National Park – Kranjska Gora (51.82 miles)

• Travel time: 1 hour 29 minutes

• Average distance per hour: 35.01 miles

• Scenic views: 3

• Fuel cost: £7.12

• Amenities: 257 (4.96 per mile)

• EV chargers in country: 310

• Average November temperature: 5°C

This loop through the Julian Alps features dramatic mountain scenery, pristine alpine lakes, and quaint villages. It's a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

8. Slovak Paradise National Park, Slovakia

• Route: Spišská Nová Ves – Dobšinská Ice Cave – Suchá Belá Gorge (46.11 miles)

• Driving time: 1 hour 37 minutes

• Average distance per hour: 28.46 miles

• Scenic views: 2

• Fuel cost: £6.96

• Amenities: 119 (2.58 per mile)

• EV chargers in country: 362

• Average November temperature: 7°C

This route takes you through narrow canyons and past stunning waterfalls, culminating in a visit to one of Europe's largest ice caves. It's an adventure-packed journey through some of Slovakia's most impressive natural wonders.

9. Gauja National Park Route, Latvia

• Route: Sigulda – Cēsis – Valmiera (43.81 miles)

• Driving time: 1 hour 5 minutes

• Average distance per hour: 40.56 miles

• Scenic views: 2

• Fuel cost: £7.05

• Amenities: 191 (4.36 per mile)

• EV chargers in country: 170

• Average November temperature: 2°C

Explore Latvia's premier national park, featuring medieval castles, dense forests, and picturesque river valleys. This European driving route offers a perfect blend of history and nature.

10. Lake Ohrid and National Parks Tour, North Macedonia

• Route: Skopje – Bitola – Lake Ohrid – Mavrovo National Park (221.21 miles)

• Driving time: 5 hours 31 minutes

• Average distance per hour: 40.07 miles

• Scenic views: 4

• Fuel cost: £28.15

• Amenities: 490+ (2.22 per mile)

• EV chargers in country: 19

• Average November temperature: 7.5°C

This journey showcases North Macedonia's natural and cultural treasures, from the ancient lake town of Ohrid to the rugged beauty of Mavrovo National Park. It's a diverse route that encapsulates the country's rich heritage and stunning landscapes.

Additional findings: EV readiness across Europe

Our research also revealed significant contrasts in EV infrastructures across Europe. The UK emerged as the clear frontrunner with 50,126 electric car charging point , surpassing other countries in our study. Spain is also a particularly EV-friendly country with 47,069 chargers, while Italy offers less than half of that with 21,004 charging points.

Other countries fall behind in EV readiness. North Macedonia, for instance, has only 19 charging points, potentially creating challenges for EV drivers. This disparity underscores the importance of planning ahead when embarking on an electric road trip across Europe.

How to make the most out of your autumn travel experience

As we look to the future of driving, it's clear that sustainability and unique experiences are becoming increasingly important to travellers. Here are some tips to make the most of your autumn road trip adventure:

1. Embrace off-peak travel

Travelling off-peak is a great way to get even more from your experience. Travel tends to be more affordable, and fewer crowds means you can truly immerse yourself in a location and explore like a local. Autumn offers a perfect balance of pleasant weather, lower levels of tourism, and stunning scenery.

2. Consider an electric vehicle

With EV infrastructure improving across Europe, particularly in countries like the UK and Spain, now is a great time to consider an eco-friendly road trip. Our range of electric and hybrid vehicles , including the new EV6 and EV9 is perfectly suited for these diverse European journeys.

3. Plan ahead

If you're travelling in an electric car, research charging points along your route, especially in countries with less-developed infrastructure.

4. Be flexible

Some of the best travel experiences come from unexpected detours and discoveries, so leave room in your itinerary for spontaneity.

By choosing less-travelled routes and embracing new experiences, you can create unforgettable autumn adventures while contributing to more sustainable and responsible tourism.

Whether you're navigating the winding roads of the Yorkshire Dales or exploring the alpine scenery of Slovakia, these routes showcase the diverse beauty of Europe and all the freedom that comes with driving.

Results: Europe's top undiscovered autumn driving routes

Here’s the full ranking of the 10 best European driving routes and how they scored according to our various metrics.

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