Andorra, the tiny country tucked between France and Spain, isn’t usually the first place that comes to mind for an EV road trip.
However, as I found out during my European EV road trip, charging in Andorra is more than adequate for electric vehicle drivers making an Andorra road trip very easy.
While my visit was brief, my experience finding and using an EV charger at my hotel was a bit of an adventure—one that EV travelers should take note of.
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My European EV Road Trip So Far
At this point in my journey, I was on the tail end of my figure-eight loop through Southern France, Northern Italy, and Spain. My adventure started in Toulouse, France, where I picked up my Europcar Tesla Model 3 rental.
From there, I had an unforgettable drive along the French Riviera, enjoying the stunning coastal views before heading north to Milan. I continued my Italian EV road trip through Lake Como and onto one of the most scenic routes in the world—the Swiss Alps.
After looping back to Toulouse for a quick visit to the Airbus Museum, I reunited with friends in San Sebastián, Spain, where we indulged in an incredible pintxo food tour, taking full advantage of the unseasonably warm weather.
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My northern Spain EV road trip continued with an incredible 24 hours in Bilbao. It was filled with great food and iconic architecture. After saying my goodbyes to my friends, I set off for Andorra, facing some charging difficulties along the way before finally arriving in the tiny country.
A Scenic Drive into Andorra
My journey into Andorra started with a stunning sunset drive through northern Spain.
While I would’ve loved to stop at one of the many wineries in the region, I was on a tight schedule to catch my flight out of Toulouse, France.
Instead, I soaked in the scenery before crossing the border into Andorra, where I was set to stay at the Hotel Roc Blanc & Spa, which offered free EV charging.
Where to Stay in Andorra
EV Charging Infrastructure in Andorra
Despite its small size, Andorra has made significant strides in supporting electric vehicle (EV) drivers.
As of December 2024, the country boasts 87 charging stations, ensuring that EV drivers have ample opportunities to recharge their vehicles. Electromaps provides an up-to-date list of these locations.
The distribution of these charging stations across Andorra is as follows:
- Andorra la Vella: 19 charging stations
- Encamp: 16 charging stations
- Ordino: 16 charging stations
- Canillo: 14 charging stations
- Escaldes-Engordany: 10 charging stations
- La Massana: 8 charging stations
- Sant Julià de Lòria: 4 charging stations
Notably, the Grandvalira ski resort has equipped its parking areas with 50 EV chargers, allowing visitors to recharge their vehicles while enjoying the slopes.
You can find more details about their charging facilities on the Grandvalira website. This extensive network of charging stations highlights Andorra’s commitment to promoting sustainable transportation and accommodating the needs of EV drivers.
The Hotel Charging Challenge
Excited to plug in and relax after a long day on the road, I pulled up to the hotel in a tight alleyway, only to find that accessing the underground parking where the chargers were located required checking in first.
Unfortunately, there were no spots to park nearby, so I had to awkwardly maneuver my way out, only to accidentally end up in a pedestrian-only square. Exhausted, I decided to leave my car temporarily while I sorted things out.
Once I checked in, I was met with another hurdle: the valet had gone home, and the staff advised against driving into the garage due to the tight ramp. This was frustrating since I had rolled into Andorra with very little charge left.
After some convincing, I was allowed to inspect the garage myself. It was tight, but manageable. Carefully, I navigated the narrow ramp, avoiding any mishaps.
When I finally reached the Tesla chargers at the bottom, I ran into yet another issue—they wouldn’t work.
After several failed attempts, I resorted to using my standard Schuko European plug which still provides 16A but would require me to leave a little later in the morning to trickle charge.
Just as I was settling for this slower option, the hotel owner came down to check on me. He insisted the chargers always worked, and, as if on cue, the charger magically started functioning.
Whether he flipped a switch behind the scenes or it was just my bad luck, I was just relieved to have my EV charging.
Thankfully, there was a bar nearby with a leg of ibérico ham to decompress at.
Exploring Andorra on a Full Charge
With my car fully charged overnight, I started the next morning with a jog around Andorra la Vella. The city, nestled in a valley along the river, is a mix of modern architecture and stunning natural scenery.
what to do in Andorra
If you have a day or two and are looking for what to do in Andorra la Vella, check out these great tour options to make the most of your visit.
Andorra la Vella Viewpoint
After a quick breakfast, I hit the road, slowly maneuvering my way out of the tight parking garage and up to a viewpoint overlooking the city. The view alone made the stop in Andorra worthwhile.
For details on how to get to this great viewpoint and many more, check out Andorra’s official tourism website.
A Quick Visit to the Andorra Car Museum
Before leaving, I made a stop at the Andorra Car Museum. For a small country, the collection here is impressive, with classic cars from various eras.
However, if you’re an EV enthusiast, don’t get your hopes up—there are no electric vehicles on display (yet). Still, it’s a great stop for any car lover.
One Last Scenic Stop: Roc del Quer Viewpoint
On my way out of Andorra, I couldn’t resist stopping at the Roc del Quer Viewpoint, which turned out to be a highlight of my visit.
The drive up was incredibly scenic, with winding mountain roads offering breathtaking views at every turn. This breathtaking spot offers a panoramic view over the Pyrenees, with a striking sculpture of a seated man gazing out over the valley.
Suspended on a platform that juts out into the open air, this viewpoint provides an unforgettable perspective of Andorra’s stunning landscapes. If you’re in the area, it’s absolutely worth the stop. You can read more about Roc del Quer Viewpoint here.
Exiting Andorra
With my battery still nearly full, I crossed into France. While charging in Andorra was easy once I got past the hotel hurdles, I decided to top up at a streetside charger in Foix, France, a charming town with a majestic medieval castle perched on a hill.
The Château de Foix dates back to the 10th century and offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history. Here, I enjoyed a quick cortado while taking in the medieval scenery before continuing to Toulouse, where I would return my rental EV and conclude my European road trip.
Andorra Road Trip – Easy in an EV
Despite my initial charging frustrations, Andorra turned out to be an EV-friendly country. I spotted several hotels and public chargers, making it clear that driving an EV here is completely manageable.
If you’re planning an Andorra EV road trip, just make sure to double-check your hotel’s charging policies and be prepared for some tight parking situations.
For those continuing their road trip, check out my experiences with charging issues in Spain or my time through Milan and Lake Como in Northern Italy. If you’re looking for breathtaking drives, don’t miss the beautiful drive through the Swiss Alps.
Planning to rent an EV for your own European EV road trip? Read my tips on renting an EV in Europe to ensure a smooth trip.
READ MORE: All You Need to Know About the Model Y Launch Series
FAQs About Charging in Andorra
1. Are there enough EV chargers in Andorra?
Yes! While Andorra is a small country, there are numerous charging stations, including at many hotels and public locations.
2. Do hotels in Andorra offer EV charging?
Several do, including the Hotel Roc Blanc & Spa, but it’s always best to check with your accommodation before arrival.
3. Are Tesla chargers available in Andorra?
Yes, Tesla chargers are available, but as I found out, they may require some troubleshooting.
4. Is it difficult to drive an EV in Andorra?
Not at all. The country is small, and even with its mountainous terrain, modern EVs handle the roads well.
5. Can I charge my EV on the way to Andorra?
Yes! There are plenty of chargers in northern Spain and southern France, making it easy to enter Andorra with a full battery.
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