Italy, a country known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and iconic car brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini, is slowly but surely embracing the electric vehicle (EV) revolution.
However, as I discovered during my recent European EV road trip, the EV charging Italy infrastructure has its highs and lows.
Here are my tips and takeaways from a short Italian EV road trip from Monaco to Milan and on to Lake Como and the Italian Alps.
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What’s the Italian EV Charging Infrastructure Like?
If you’re planning to rent an Italian electric vehicle and explore this beautiful country, here’s what you need to know about the charging landscape, tips for navigating it, and how to make the most of your Italian road trip.
Italy is making strides in its EV charging network, but it’s still playing catch-up compared to some of its European neighbors like Norway, Germany, and France.
According to Mobility Portal, as of 2023, Italy has over 35,000 public charging points. This includes a mix of fast chargers, Tesla Superchargers, and slower AC chargers.
That said, the distribution is uneven, with more chargers concentrated in northern regions like Lombardy and Veneto, while southern Italy lags behind.
One of the standout features of Italy’s EV charging infrastructure is its integration with scenic routes.
For instance, charging stations are often located near picturesque towns, making it easy to combine charging stops with sightseeing.
However, challenges like limited availability, occasional maintenance issues, and confusing access codes can make the experience frustrating at times.
READ MORE: How I Proved CBC News Wrong on a Minnesota to Manitoba EV Road Trip
My Ev charging Italy Experience
Driving a Standard Range Model 3 in Italy
For this trip, I was continuing on from my fantastic French Riviera leg driving a standard range Tesla Model 3. This was quite the adjustment since I’m used to the long-range Model Y back home.
The difference in range meant I had to be more mindful of my charging stops.
That said, much like the rest of Europe, Italy’s cities and charging stations are never too far apart, making range anxiety a non-issue with proper planning.
Scenic Drives and Charging Stops
As I crossed the border from Monaco into Italy, I was greeted by breathtaking valleys, charming towns, and winding roads.
I had never explored this part of Italy by car and was somehting else. Each towering bridge would cross a picturesque sea side town below then lead into a tunel where the same scenery would play out on the otherside.
The drive was nothing short of magical, but I soon realized that finding a reliable EV charging station in Italy would require some planning.
My first stop was at a Tesla Supercharger located in the small town of Imperia.
The charger was tucked behind a gate, which initially worried me.
However, a sign indicated that a code would be provided on the screen, and sure enough, it worked seamlessly.
While my car charged, I explored the town square, enjoyed a delicious Italian sandwich, and sipped on a rich espresso over looking a beautiful town square—proof that EV charging stops can double as cultural experiences.
Challenges with Hotel Charging
Later, I arrived at the Royal Garden Hotel on the outskirts of Milan that advertised free Tesla charging.
Unfortunately, the charger was roped off and unavailable.
When I asked the staff about it, they simply shrugged, leaving me disappointed.
While the hotel was luxurious and offered free parking, the lack of charging facilities was a letdown as I specifically booked this hotel for the charger. There was no indication it was offline on their website and as of posting it, they still show it as an amenity.
On the bright side, the room was very nice and the hotel’s proximity to a metro station allowed me to easily explore Milan’s city center with out having to brave its chaotic traffic.
I will never not be impressed by the fact that you can step out from an underground subway station in Europe and be instally transported back in time.
I visited the iconic Duomo di Milano, marveled at its Gothic architecture, and stumbled upon a BYD store nestled among high-end brands like Prada and Gucci.
This was a reminder of how quickly the Italian EV market is growing, even in a country with such a strong automotive heritage.
After taking in the sights I had an incredible Italian meal and made my way back to the hotel to rest up.
Charging on the Way to Lake Como
The next morning, I had a quick but great breakfast at the hotel and then set off toward the iconic Lake Como.
Knowing that my hotel’s promised charging facility was out of commission, I made a quick stop at a Tesla Supercharger in Como to top up.
This particular Supercharger was a pleasant surprise—nestled in a serene location with grass-covered parking stalls, it felt more like a park than a charging station.
The peaceful surroundings made the 30-minute charging stop enjoyable, and I took the opportunity to stretch my legs and enjoy the crisp autumn air.
On my way out of the Supercharger I noticed an EV charger at a nearby McDonald’s, so I stopped in to check it out. I added another 10% while I used the washroom and grabbed a surprisingly great cortado (because Italy).
This speaks volumes to the efficiency you can find on an EV road trip.
Continuing my journey along the scenic Lake Como route, I took advantage of a couple of chargers located right by the lake.
These stops were doubly beneficial: not only did I get to charge my car, but I also capitalized on easy parking in a region where parking can be notoriously difficult and expensive.
That said, my visit was during the fall, when tourist crowds were thinner.
Many of these lakeside chargers only have two stalls so I can imagine that during peak tourism season (spring and summer), these chargers would be in high demand, making them less reliable for travelers.
If you’re planning a summer Italian road trip to Lake Como, I wouldn’t recommend relying solely on these chargers—instead, plan your charging stops in advance and consider using fast chargers along major routes with top up and easy parking should they be free.
Why This Matters for Your Italian EV Road Trip
My experience highlights both the potential and the limitations of Italy’s EV charging infrastructure.
While you’ll find reliable options in northern regions and along major highways, rural areas and the south may require extra planning.
Despite the challenges, EV travel in Italy is more than doable.
If you’re visiting Italy in the off-season (fall or winter), you’ll likely have an easier time finding available chargers.
However, if you’re traveling during the summer, it’s best to prioritize fast chargers along highways and confirm hotel charging options in advance.
Key Tips for Charging an EV in Italy
- Plan Ahead: Use apps like PlugShare, ChargeMap, or Tesla’s navigation system to locate charging stations along your route. Plan this in advance and prepare for surprises.
- Check Hotel Charging Policies and Availability: If you’re relying on hotel charging, confirm availability in advance to avoid surprises.
- Embrace Slow Charging: While fast chargers are convenient, slower AC chargers are more common. Use these stops to explore nearby towns or enjoy a meal.
- Learn Basic Italian Phrases: Knowing phrases like “Dove sono le stazioni di ricarica?” (Where are the charging stations?) can be helpful in rural areas.
- Be Prepared for Variability: Charging infrastructure can vary widely between regions. Northern Italy tends to have more options, while southern Italy may require more planning.
The Future of Italian EV Infrastructure
While Italy’s EV infrastructure is improving, it still has a long way to go compared to its neighbouring countries.
Still, with growing interest in EVs and models like the new Tesla Model Y Juniper, Italy’s charging network is expanding.
Government initiatives are also aiming to install 110,000 public charging points by 2030, which could make road trips even easier in the near future.
Conclusion: Is Italy Ready for Your EV Road Trip?
Italy offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, cultural richness, and culinary delights, making it an ideal destination for an Italian EV road trip.
While you’ll find reliable options in northern regions and along major highways, rural areas and the south may require extra planning.
Despite the challenges, my experience charging an Italian electric vehicle was largely positive.
If you’re considering renting an EV for your Italian road trip, I highly recommend it—just be prepared to embrace the journey, quirks and all.
For more EV road trip tips, check out my other posts:
- Driving an EV in Switzerland: What to Expect
- My First EV Charging Experience in Europe Went Comically Bad
With a bit of planning and a sense of adventure, Italy is a fantastic destination for electric vehicle travel. Buon viaggio!
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