Electric Driving in the Ardennes: The Complete Guide for EV Drivers

The Ardennes is one of the most beautiful driving regions in Europe. Winding roads through dense forests, spectacular elevation changes, and hardly any traffic. And for EV drivers, there's another reason to go: the charging infrastructure in the region has improved enormously in recent years.

In this guide, we've compiled everything you need to know for a successful EV trip through the Ardennes.

Why the Ardennes are perfect for EV drivers

Most EV drivers, when thinking of a day trip through the Ardennes, immediately think of range anxiety. Incorrectly. With a little preparation, you can drive through the Ardennes smoothly in one day, and along the way, you can enjoy exactly those things that make electric driving special.

The Ardennes are less than two hours' drive from most major cities in the Netherlands and Belgium. The roads are excellently maintained. And the elevation, up to 694 meters at Baraque Michel, gives your car the chance to show what regenerative braking really does for your range.

How much range do you need?

A typical day trip through the Ardennes, from the border with the Netherlands deep into the Belgian hills and back, covers between 200 and 300 kilometers. Depending on your route and driving speed.

Our rule of thumb:

• 200+ km WLTP range, you'll drive comfortably all day with one charging stop
• 300+ km WLTP range, you'll drive all day without worries, even without intermediate charging
• Under 200 km WLTP, plan two charging stops and always leave fully charged

The best charging stops in the Ardennes

The charging infrastructure in the Ardennes has grown significantly in recent years. These are the most reliable options:

Verviers, Van der Valk Hotel Verviers has fast chargers on site. Ideal as a lunch stop: while you eat, your car charges.

Liège/Luik, multiple fast charging locations from Tesla, Fastned, and Ionity in and around the city. Easily accessible from the Ardennes.

Malmedy, compact locations but strategically located in the heart of the Ardennes. Handy as a stopover.

Spa, known for its circuit but also useful for EV drivers. Multiple charging options in the center.

Our tips for charging on the go:

• Always depart with at least 90% charge level
• Use ABRP (A Better Route Planner) for realistic charging planning on mountain roads
• Always bring your Type 2 cable as a backup
• Plan your charging stop with lunch or a coffee break, then charging won't cost you extra time

The most beautiful roads

Not all roads in the Ardennes are equal. These are the routes that keep bringing EV drivers back again and again:

N62 towards Baraque Michel, the road to the highest point of the Ardennes is a succession of bends, slopes, and views. At 694 meters altitude, you'll notice what the combination of regenerative braking and direct drive does for an EV.

Vallée de l'Amblève, the road along the Amblève river between Liège and Stavelot is technically challenging and surrounded by dense forest. One of the most beautiful stretches of asphalt in the Benelux.

Around Coo, the village of Coo is located in a loop of the Amblève and the roads around it offer a combination of technical bends and open landscape that few roads can match.

Route Valkenburg —> Ardennes —> Maastricht

This is our favorite day trip, and the route we drive during Tour Electric.

Starting point: Valkenburg aan de Geul. Ample parking, fast chargers less than 10 minutes away, and a perfect location near the Belgian border.

From there, we drive through the High Fens to Baraque Michel, through the Vallée de l'Amblève, past Coo, with a lunch stop at Van der Valk Verviers, and then back towards Maastricht for an after-work drink.

Total: approx. 220-250 kilometers. One charging stop. A full day.

Practical tips for your first EV trip through the Ardennes

Weather and season, the Ardennes can surprise with unpredictable weather, especially on the plateaus. Bring an extra layer even in summer. Cold temperatures temporarily reduce your range, keep that in mind during winter.

Navigation, set your navigation to scenic routes or avoid highways. The most beautiful roads are not the fastest but they are the most memorable.

Pace, on mountain roads you use more power when ascending but regain it when descending. Drive relaxed and let regenerative braking do its work.

Time, leaving early pays off. The Ardennes are quieter in the morning, the charging stations are free and the light on the mountain roads is at its best.

Join Tour Electric?

Do you want to explore the Ardennes not alone but with a group of like-minded EV drivers? At Tour Electric, we fully plan the route for you, including lunch, charging stops, after-drinks and GPX file directly on your navigation.

The Ardennes Attack All-Electric Edition will take place on Saturday, August 1, 2026. All electric brands are welcome. There are still a limited number of spots available.