EV tourist guide to Denmark
By Hans Steffensen, J
Denmark is a great destination if you are planning to travel by electric vehicle (EV). Here are a few tips and tricks you should know before setting off on your Danish EV adventure. This guide has been written to help you drive your electric vehicle throughout Denmark and it will help you on your way in your Danish EV adventure!
Public parking and charging
The main rule is that EVs must pay the same parking fee as ICE cars. In Denmark you will find more than 1,300 public charging points with AC charging 11 – 22 kW. A number of the charging points have reserved parking for EV and PHEV with this sign. If there is no additional text you may park without charging, but this is not recommended, as you will block the charger. At some places you will find additional text saying parking for charging only, and in some cases a time limitation.
Charging network operators
In Denmark, most chargers are operated by either CLEVER or E.ON, and each charging company requires their own RFID card/chip or app to activate the chargers. It is possible to have charging activated by either phone or SMS. CLEVER offers an SMS service and E.ON offers single charge at a fixed price if you call their 24/7 customer support. These services are more expensive and complicated. It is recommended to contact CLEVER and/or EON for more information, temporary subscriptions and charging maps.
In addition to CLEVER and E.ON, Tesla has over 50 destination chargers around the country. Mainly located at hotels and other tourist facilities. Some of them are restricted to Tesla vehicles only. You have to ask the staff at the specific location, if the charger is open for everyone.
Fast charging
Along the Danish highways and at some bigger malls, fast chargers can be found (more than 100 in total). Typical 50 kW DC (Chademo and CCS) and up to 43 kW AC. For Tesla fast charging (Tesla vehicles only), there are now 10 supercharger stations in Denmark (and even more are planned). All the fast chargers in Denmark, makes it possible to drive across the country, in your electric car, without long inconvenient pauses.
Charging from standard electrical outlets
At all campsites and at many marinas (which Denmark has a lot of), you will find standard CEE power outlets, both 1 (the blue one) and 3 phases (the red one).
For very slow charging it is also possible to use a standard 230 volt power outlet. In that case the following is VERY IMPORTANT: For EV charging over several hours (from a standard 230 volt outlet) do not charge with more than 8 amps. High and continuous charging will result in overheating and possible damage to the electrical fittings.
To use a Schuko based charging unit, you need an adapter, which can be bought for a relatively low price in many hardware stores. Be aware of correct phase / neutral connection.
If you have any questions or additional information, that should be added to this guide, then please contact us on our FaceBook page! We wish you all a pleasant trip to Denmark, we look forward to seeing you.
