Traveling overland around 38 countries in the aid of an electric vehicle (EV) is no easy task, particularly when some of them have poor electrical infrastructures. This was the issue that was faced by Dutch couple Renske Cox and Maarten van Pel when they took off for a 24,000-mile trip starting in to the Netherlands towards South Africa and back in their 2021 Skoda Enyaq electric vehicle. In order to tackle the issue of charging their electric vehicle in areas that are remote it was necessary to become innovative and with a well-prepared.
One of their main strategies was to pack a custom-made DC-to-DC charger. Contrary to the traditional DC chargers for higher-powered station, the charger can absorb energy generated by different solar panels, and deliver directly to the vehicle’s charging port, with minimal loss. It was equipped with 60 portable solar panels that were each with a power rating of 180 watts providing a potential total production that was 10.8 kW. This falls into level 2 charging however, it sufficed to allow them to continue their path.
The couple’s Skoda is more than an automobile; it was also their vehicle as well as a hotel, shower room as well as a kitchen to accommodate their all-year-round trip. They outfitted with the EV with all-terrain tires strong springs, a high-end roof tent and an air compressor. an electric generator that could be moved around and an induction cooker, and a specially-designed solar panel holder that was installed in the trunk. This complete set-up allowed they to make use of a stunning 54% solar power of the 5,500 kilowatt hours that they used in their travels.
The charger for DC to DC portable was invented in the company of Venema E-mobility, a company located in the Netherlands. Being able to charge without grid was vital, since it enabled them to carry on their journey without having to rely on the infrequent and unsafe public charging infrastructure located in remote locations. Though not as efficient than plugging into a power-packed charger, the innovative method ensured that they didn’t get stuck, even in remotest of areas.
Cox and van Pel’s experience can be a testimony to the potential of electric vehicle journeys, even in places where infrastructure is not as developed. Their journey highlights the significance of being prepared and innovative and demonstrates that, with proper equipment and the right mindset, the possibilities of EV travel are able to be dramatically increased. This tale serves as example for others EV enthusiasts, and demonstrates the power of planning and ingenuity it is possible to sustainably travel even the most difficult of routes.