EV Road Trip in Portugal: A Complete Guide
Michal Grupa
Campervan Whisperer
Planning an EV Road Trip in Portugal has never been more exciting. With a rapidly expanding charging network, short driving distances, and a growing focus on sustainable travel, Portugal is one of the best countries in Europe to explore by electric vehicle.
Whether you’re traveling in your own EV or considering renting an all-electric campervan from Siesta Campers, this guide is designed to be the go‑to resource for planning, charging, and enjoying an unforgettable electric road trip across Portugal.
We’ll cover the state of the EV industry in Portugal, charging infrastructure, costs, apps, camping with an EV, and practical planning tips — everything an EV road trip planner needs in one place.
The State of the EV Industry in Portugal
Portugal has quietly become one of Europe’s EV success stories. Over the past few years, electric vehicle adoption has accelerated thanks to supportive government policies, growing consumer awareness, and investment in public charging infrastructure. EVs are now a common sight in cities like Lisbon and Porto, as well as along major highways and popular tourist routes.
A key part of this growth is MOBI.E, Portugal’s nationwide public charging network. Rather than a single operator, MOBI.E acts as a centralized platform connecting multiple charging providers. This allows EV drivers to access thousands of Portugal EV charging stations across the country using a single app or charging card, while benefiting from transparent pricing and standardized access.
Frequent industry updates highlight new fast‑charging hubs, highway expansions, and initiatives aimed at supporting electric tourism. Tesla recently announced a major investment and expansion of EV infrastructure in Portugal.
For travelers, this means that driving electric in Portugal is no longer experimental — it’s practical, reliable, and increasingly mainstream.
Why an EV Road Trip in Portugal is a Great Idea
Portugal is uniquely suited to electric road trips, even for drivers new to EV travel.
First, the country’s compact size makes range anxiety far less of an issue. Distances between major destinations are short: Lisbon to Porto is around 315 km, Lisbon to the Algarve roughly 280 km, and many scenic day routes are well under 200 km.
Second, Portugal offers an incredible variety of landscapes within easy reach — Atlantic coastlines, rolling vineyards, national parks, historic towns, and dramatic cliffs — all ideal for slow, scenic travel that pairs perfectly with EV driving.
Third, electric travel aligns well with Portugal’s growing eco‑tourism culture. Many accommodations, campsites, and attractions now prioritize sustainability, making an EV road trip feel like a natural extension of responsible travel.
Finally, when paired with a campervan — especially an electric option like the Siesta Buzz — an EV road trip in Portugal combines freedom, comfort, and low environmental impact in a way few destinations can match. Charging overnight at a campsite is ideal for campervan travel, allowing you to start each day with a full battery while enjoying nature.
EV Infrastructure in Portugal
Portugal’s EV infrastructure is one of the most developed in Southern Europe. Public charging stations are widely available in:
- Cities and towns
- Highway service areas
- Shopping centers and supermarkets
- Public car parks
- Hotels and tourist accommodations
Major highways such as the A1 (Lisbon–Porto), A2 (Lisbon–Algarve), and A22 (Algarve) are well covered with fast and ultra‑fast chargers, making long‑distance travel straightforward. In urban areas, slower AC chargers are common and ideal for overnight or extended parking.
While rural and mountainous areas may have fewer chargers, planning ahead ensures smooth travel even in less populated regions.
Types of EV Chargers You’ll Find in Portugal
Understanding charger types is essential for efficient trip planning.
AC Chargers (Slow / Standard Charging)
- Power: Up to 22 kW
- Best for: Overnight charging, long stops, campsites, hotels
- Typical locations: Urban parking, hotels, campsites
AC charging is perfect when you’re not in a rush — for example, while sleeping at a campsite or enjoying a long dinner in town.
DC Fast Chargers
- Power: Around 50 kW
- Best for: Mid‑journey top‑ups
- Typical locations: Highway rest areas, fuel stations
These chargers allow you to add significant range during a short break.
Ultra‑Fast Chargers
- Power: 100 kW and above
- Best for: Long driving days
- Typical locations: Major highways and charging hubs
Ultra‑fast charging is ideal for covering long distances efficiently, especially in modern EVs and electric campervans designed for fast charging.
How to Find Chargers: Apps and Tools
A reliable EV road trip planner depends on the right apps. In Portugal, several tools are especially useful:
- MOBI.E – Official map of all public chargers in Portugal
- Miio (iOS, Android)– Real‑time availability, pricing, and session control
- PlugShare (iOS, Android) – Community reviews and global charger coverage
- Chargemap (iOS, Android)– Strong European coverage with route planning features
Using at least two apps is recommended, giving you backup options for availability and pricing checks.
Portugal Public EV Charging Cost per kWh
Charging costs in Portugal vary depending on charger type, provider, and location. Typical ranges include:
- AC charging: approximately €0.15–€0.30 per kWh
- DC fast charging: approximately €0.30–€0.50 per kWh
- Ultra‑fast charging: approximately €0.50–€0.70 per kWh
Some stations may also include small session fees or idle charges if a vehicle remains plugged in after charging completes. Overall, EV charging costs in Portugal are competitive and often cheaper than fuel, particularly when charging overnight or at accommodations.
Camping on an EV Road Trip in Portugal
Camping is one of the best ways to experience Portugal by electric vehicle. The country has a wide variety of campsites, from large coastal parks to small rural and eco‑focused sites — many of which are increasingly EV‑friendly.
EV Charging at Campsites
While not every campsite has dedicated EV chargers, availability is growing quickly. You’ll find:
- Dedicated AC EV chargers at modern or eco‑focused campsites
- Standard electrical hookups that may allow slow charging with permission
- Nearby public chargers in towns close to campsites
When planning to charge at a campsite, it’s always best to:
- Check the campsite website or contact them directly
- Confirm power availability and charging rules
- Avoid using adapters without explicit approval
Charging overnight at a campsite is ideal for campervan travel, allowing you to start each day with a full battery while enjoying nature.
Electric Campervans and the Siesta Buzz
Electric campervans are an exciting new option for sustainable road trips. Siesta Campers offers an all-electric campervan for hire in Portugal, based on the VW ID. Buzz.
With smart interior design, comfortable sleeping space, and compatibility with Portugal’s charging infrastructure, the Siesta Buzz makes it possible to combine camping freedom with electric efficiency — a perfect match for Portugal’s campsites and coastal routes.
Practical EV Road Trip Planning Tips
To ensure a smooth experience, keep these tips in mind:
- 1.
- Plan charging stops ahead, especially on long driving days 2.
- Charge overnight whenever possible, particularly at campsites or hotels 3.
- Avoid running the battery too low in rural areas 4.
- Monitor charging speeds, as not all chargers deliver maximum power 5.
- Build flexibility into your itinerary, allowing time to explore while charging
Portugal rewards slower travel, and EV road trips naturally encourage a more relaxed pace.
Final Thoughts
A Portugal EV Road Trip is no longer a niche idea — it’s one of the most rewarding ways to explore the country. With a strong national charging network, competitive charging costs, EV‑friendly campsites, and growing electric travel options like our own Siesta Buzz, Portugal is setting the standard for sustainable road trips in Southern Europe.
Whether you’re planning a coastal adventure, a countryside escape, or a full campervan journey, traveling electric in Portugal offers freedom, comfort, and a lighter environmental footprint — all without sacrificing adventure.
Want to know more? Read about our sustainability efforts, or check out more great articles below!