Driving an electric car in Spain during the summer requires careful planning, especially for long journeys such as those connecting Madrid with Barcelona, Seville or León. Factors such as the vehicle’s range, the density of chargers, the impact of heat and the use of air conditioning all influence the feasibility of these trips. You may need to recharge more often in summer than at other times of the year. Recharging an electric car in Spain is generally cheaper than in other European countries. Below, we analyse how to tackle these routes efficiently.
The distance between Madrid and Barcelona is approximately 620 km. With an average range of 400-500 km in optimal conditions, completing this journey without recharging is not feasible for most electric vehicles. However, the route has a good density of chargers, especially in urban areas and motorway service stations such as the A-2. Apps such as Electromaps or Chargemap allow you to locate fast charging points (50-350 kW), which can charge up to 80% of the battery in 20-60 minutes. Planning stops in Zaragoza, for example, ensures a smooth journey.
The Madrid-Seville route, which is about 530 km long, also usually requires at least one charging stop. The A-4 has fast chargers in places such as Valdepeñas and Córdoba, which makes planning easier. Actual range may be reduced by 10-20% in summer due to the use of air conditioning and high temperatures, which affect battery efficiency. Pre-conditioning the passenger compartment while the car is connected to a charger helps minimise this impact, as the air conditioning does not consume battery power while driving.
The Madrid-León route, at around 330 km, is more accessible. Many electric vehicles with ranges of 400 km or more can cover this distance without recharging, especially if efficient driving is adopted, maintaining moderate speeds (80-100 km/h) and avoiding sudden acceleration. The A-6 has chargers in areas such as Tordesillas and Benavente, but the lower density compared to routes to Barcelona or Seville makes it even more crucial to plan ahead.
Summer heat can reduce range by accelerating battery degradation and increasing energy consumption from air conditioning. Parking in the shade and using efficient battery cooling systems, such as those found in models with heat pumps, helps mitigate this effect. In addition, advance planning is essential: knowing the location of chargers, checking their availability in real time and setting off with a 100% battery charge are recommended practices. In conclusion, travelling these routes by electric car is feasible with good organisation, taking advantage of the network of chargers and adapting your driving to summer conditions.