Dreaming of combining an electric car with camping? So were we – and in the summer of 2024, we turned that dream into reality. Our family of four packed up and hit the road from Horsens, Denmark, to Bodø in northern Norway. We drove over 2000 km each way in a KIA EV6, towing a HeroCamper behind us.
It was our first time taking a long road trip in an electric vehicle while towing a camper, and it turned out to be an unforgettable adventure filled with scenic stops and valuable lessons.
Electric car and camping – is it possible?
Yes, absolutely! But it takes a bit of planning. While we've been driving an EV for years, we had never done a full-on camping road trip that involved both charging the car and finding great places to stay with a camper.
We chose a HeroCamper because it's lightweight, compact, and ideal for electric car camping. It's built for off-road adventures, making it perfect for wild camping in Norway, where the “Right to Roam” allows overnight stays in nature. You can also rent a HeroCamper, which is a great option if you want to try electric car camping without buying your own trailer.
How we planned our electric car camping trip
Planning was key to making our electric car camping trip smooth and enjoyable. We carefully mapped out our route and prepared for EV charging along the way. We downloaded apps for Norwegian charging networks and created user accounts in advance. That made charging quick and hassle-free, often using AutoCharge for a seamless plug-and-go experience.
For finding camping spots, we used the Park4Night app – a free resource filled with tips on scenic and quiet places to camp. We wanted flexibility rather than fixed campsites, and that worked perfectly with our EV and HeroCamper setup.
Electric car range while towing a camper
How does towing affect an electric car’s range? In the summer, our KIA EV6 typically gets around 400–450 km per charge. With the HeroCamper in tow, the range dropped to about 250–300 km. That meant two charging stops per day on our way north – which actually suited us just fine.
With kids in the backseat, a break every three hours was natural – and when those breaks come with views of fjords and mountains, charging becomes part of the adventure.
Best charging stations for electric car camping
We quickly learned which charging stations worked best for EVs towing a camper. Providers like Ionity, Uno-X, and Circle K often had fast chargers with plenty of space. At some stops, we had to detach the camper to reverse into the charger – but thanks to the HeroCamper’s compact size, it was easy to manage.
Top tip: Choose charging stations with multiple chargers and check ahead if there’s room for trailers. It saves both time and prevents stress.
Electric car camping is an amazing way to travel
Traveling with an electric car and a camper takes a bit of extra prep, but it offers incredible freedom. We learned that electric car camping is absolutely doable – especially if you go with a lightweight trailer and plan your trip well.
If you love nature, flexibility, and don’t mind frequent breaks, this way of traveling is both relaxing and full of adventure. With the right trailer, the right EV, and the right apps, you can go far – even all the way to the Arctic Circle.
Article by Kristoffer Hamborg
Article summary by Camilla Lenkerstorff Rasmussen
