Electric Family Car: Is That Possible?

Is there such a thing as an electric family car? And is it really a practical solution for a family, or would you be better off sticking with a gas or diesel car?
Most electric cars are available in standard models with 4 or 5 seats. Do you have a larger family? Then the search becomes a bit more challenging, but not impossible. There are also cars available that seat 7 people. Keep in mind, though, that electric family cars generally start at prices around €33,000. The ANWB has compiled a list by price range showing which electric cars are available and how many seats each model has.

Benefits of an Electric Family Car

Electric driving is a clean way to get from A to B. Unlike a traditional fuel-powered car, an electric car emits no pollutants. If you also use green energy to charge your car, you’re being completely sustainable. Another advantage of an electric family car is that it’s cheaper to charge the battery than to fill up with fuel. The downside, however, is that the purchase price of such a car is significantly higher than that of a gasoline-powered car. That said, more affordable models are increasingly coming onto the market, and the selection of used cars is also growing.

Is an electric family car even possible?

As a parent, if you have young children, you’ll often still need to drive them everywhere. Think of soccer games outside your hometown, day trips to an amusement park, or a family vacation at a campground in France.
A car is often indispensable in a family. Because of the many trips you take as a parent, many people wonder whether an electric family car is really practical. After all, you can ’t drive as far on a full battery as you can on a tank of gas. Charging also takes much longer than filling up the tank. This is especially challenging with young children who aren’t exactly thrilled about sitting still at a charging station for 45 minutes. Still, with the right preparations, your family can hit the road just fine in an electric family car.

What criteria must a family electric car meet?

Ideally, an electric family car should have a long range and enough legroom to provide a comfortable seat for everyone. A spacious trunk is also handy for storing all your sports gear and suitcases.
Before heading out with your family, you’re probably already busy at home making sure everyone is ready on time. So it’s no fun if you then have to charge your car first. That’s why having your own EV charger for home use is ideal. With zappi, you can easily ensure that your car is ready for you with a full battery the morning before you leave. Do you have solar panels? Then you can also make the most of them to charge your car.

Before You Set Out

Before hitting the road in your electric family car, it’s a good idea to plan your route in advance. Find out what the fastest route to your destination is and where charging stations are located.  If the battery runs out unexpectedly, it’s always helpful to know where you can charge it. Are you heading to an amusement park or zoo? Check the park’s website to see if it has designated parking spots for electric family cars. That way, while you’re visiting the park with your family, you can charge your car for the trip home.
Extra tip: Bring plenty of entertainment for the road. Especially for young children, waiting for an electric car to fully charge can feel like an eternity. So bring a puzzle book or a storybook, or let them watch their favorite movie on a tablet. Don’t forget their favorite stuffed animal, either—it can keep them company while they wait.