Day Trip: Exploring Østfold in an electric car
The Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association has created tailored routes with carefully calculated distances between charging stations and attractions.
“For those living in Eastern Norway, there’s plenty to see and experience within a relatively short distance. From places like Oslo, Bærum, Drammen, Hønefoss, Gjøvik, and Hamar, the Østfold region is easily accessible for a day trip,” says Petter Haugneland, deputy head of the Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association.
“We believe Østfold has a lot to offer for adults, youth, and children alike. When creating this route, we looked at attractions, history, activities, and culinary experiences. Haldenvassdraget stands out with family-friendly offerings such as steam boat rides or canoe rentals. Plus, the journey from Halden to Ørje is a beautiful drive through stunning nature,” he adds.
A tailored driving route for EV tourists
The association’s custom route begins in Halden, where you can visit Fredriksten Fortress or Rød Manor. From there, follow County Road 21, passing Femsjøen to Brekke Locks, home to Northern Europe’s tallest lock staircase.
The journey continues along the Halden Canal to Ørje, where you’ll find the Canal Museum and Sluseporten Boat Café. Moving along Rødenessjøen, you’ll reach Havnås, home to Havnås Old School, which features a café, interior design shop, and clothing boutique.
From there, head to Mysen to visit Høytorp Fortress, the country’s largest inland fort, before continuing to Rakkestad, where Rudskogen Motorsenter offers activities like go-karting. The route loops back to Halden for those who wish to return.
This is just one of several EV-friendly driving routes developed by the association.
Making EV day trips easier
The Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association notes that it wasn’t long ago that taking a day trip in an electric car in Norway posed significant challenges.
“The rollout of charging stations began in 2010 but didn’t gain real momentum until 2014, and information on charging points was not always easy to find,” explains Haugneland.
Tips for a stress-free EV trip
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Plan for Charging: For EV drivers, access to charging stations along the route is crucial. Combining charging stops with attractions, activities, or meals adds extra value.
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Charge Smart: Charge whenever possible, not just when necessary, and avoid charging the battery beyond 80% to reduce waiting times.
- Use the Elbil App: This app provides a comprehensive overview of charging stations, allowing you to plan your trip and schedule charging stops easily.
- Elbil Charging Key: The association’s charging key grants access to stations nationwide. Register it before your trip for a smoother charging experience.
By planning your trip with these tips in mind, you can enjoy a relaxing and problem-free journey. Whether it’s cruising the Halden Canal or exploring Fredriksten Fortress, Østfold offers plenty of exciting experiences for EV travellers.
