Have you ever thought about taking a road trip across Europe in an electric car? Or perhaps even going beyond its borders, past the comfort zone of well-developed charging infrastructure? Our new colleague, Viktória Zigo Pikovská, decided to step out of her comfort zone with her husband. They set off from their home in the Netherlands, heading south to explore North African Morocco in an electric vehicle. Read about her experiences and impressions from this adventure.
For context, the roadtrip was conducted in a 2024 Tesla Model 3 with rear-wheel drive and a small 60 kWh battery. The official range of this version of the Model 3, equipped with smaller 18-inch wheels, is 513 km according to the WLTP standard. This specific version (Standard Range RWD) stands out, thanks to its lower weight and aerodynamics, for an outstanding efficiency—practically the lowest energy consumption on the EV market.
Read also: Tesla Model 3 “Highland” RWD: First impressions
Tesla Adventure From The Netherlands To Morocco
When we first got our brand-new Tesla Model 3 back in June, we couldn’t have imagined the kind of adventure it would take us on. For months, we enjoyed the smooth, quiet rides, the effortless acceleration, and, of course, the convenience of charging at home. But our true test—and greatest adventure—came when we decided to take our EV on a road trip like no other.
From Disappointment to Discovery
Last year, we had our hearts set on an adventurous vacation across South Africa. Unfortunately, due to visa issues, our plans were completely derailed. Frustration set in, and for days, we wrestled with disappointment. But instead of dwelling on what could have been, we took a step back, refocused, and made a bold decision: we would embark on an adventure in our new Tesla, letting the road—and charging stations—guide us.
The Journey Begins: Netherlands to Monaco
Our journey kicked off in the Netherlands, heading south through France. The well-established European EV charging infrastructure made this leg of the trip effortless. Superchargers were plentiful, allowing us to cruise along scenic highways without the usual range anxiety. After a few days enjoying the glamorous French Riviera and soaking in the breathtaking coastline of Monaco, we continued south, eager to push the limits of our Model 3’s capabilities (Read out Tesla Model 3 Standards Range RWD review here).
Exploring Southern Spain
The Spanish highways welcomed us with open arms, and we found charging to be relatively easy. The warm climate, beautiful landscapes, and EV-friendly routes made for a relaxing drive. As we neared Gibraltar, a spontaneous thought crossed our minds—why not take this adventure a step further? When we asked our friends, who were in Morocco before, they did not suggest we take on this challenge, however, we did!
The Bold Move: Crossing to Morocco
Taking an EV to Morocco was not something we initially planned, but after watching a few YouTube videos of others attempting similar trips, we felt a mix of excitement and determination. We knew it wouldn’t be the easiest destination for an electric vehicle due to its limited charging infrastructure, but that didn’t stop us.
To prepare, we downloaded several apps that helped us locate charging points and planned our routes carefully. Research was key—EV chargers were scarce, and we needed to be strategic about where and when we charged. With a full charge and a daring spirit, we boarded the ferry from Spain to Tangier, officially entering a whole new challenge. When we were checking the prices of ferries online, we were surprised by how expensive they were.
However, after some research, we found a good tip for a good old-school traditional agency, Viajes Normandie. We were not sure about it, but we decided to give it a try and we left the agency with much cheaper ferry tickets, even with an open return ticket, together with a bottle of wine, cake and covers for all our documents.
Atlas Mountains
Entering Morocco: A Showstopper Arrival
As we arrived in Tangier, we quickly realized our Tesla was quite the spectacle. Locals and fellow travelers alike were surprised—and sometimes shocked—to see an EV making the journey. Even the border control officers were taken aback, wishing us luck as we continued our trip. We certainly attracted a lot of looks along the way!
We spent our first night in Tangier, adapting to the more aggressive driving style and fewer traffic rules. The next day, after charging at a fast charger, we set off for Chefchaouen.
Chefchaouen: The Blue City and EV Excitement
Driving into Chefchaouen, our Tesla continued to steal the show. Many locals were fascinated by our car, stopping to take pictures, and giving us special treatment, ensuring the car was well taken care of. However, this hospitality often came with an expectation of generous tips!
Charging situation in Morocco
Fes: A British Riad Owner in Shock
Leaving Chefchaouen, we made our way to Fes, charging briefly at a slow charger along the route. When we arrived at our riad, the British owner was completely shocked that we had driven all the way from the Netherlands in an electric vehicle. It was another moment that highlighted how unusual—and exciting—our journey was to those we met along the way.
Editor’s note: A riad in Morocco is a traditional residential house or palace with an interior courtyard or garden. It is often located in the historic parts of cities, such as the medina. A riad is typically closed off from the outside and open inward, with a central courtyard or garden that offers privacy and shade.
Vineyards, Casablanca, and a Night in a Village
On the way to Casablanca, we took a detour to explore some vineyards, then spent the night in a small village. Arriving in Casablanca, we were relieved to find a slow (AC) charger, allowing us to top up before heading to Marrakech.
Marrakech: Luxury, Adventure, and a Full Charge
Marrakech was one of the highlights of our trip. We spent several days exploring the vibrant city and took full advantage of a Tesla Supercharger to get a full charge fast. One of the most unforgettable experiences was taking a hot air balloon ride, floating above the beautiful Moroccan landscape at sunrise.
Pushing Further: The Atlas Mountains and Ouarzazate
Feeling adventurous, we decided to push further into Morocco and drove through the breathtaking Atlas Mountains to reach Ouarzazate. This was the furthest we could go while still having some knowledge of available EV infrastructure. There was one slow charging station, so we had to be extra conscious of our energy usage. Surprisingly, we consumed much less energy than expected.
While we waited for our slow charge, we had an incredible time in Ouarzazate, exploring the nearby nature, historic sites, and the stunning landscapes of Telouet. The drive rewarded us with spectacular views of Moroccan nature, making every moment worthwhile.
The Journey Back: Rabat, Tangier, and Europe Again
After a few days of exploration, we made our way back, stopping for a night in Rabat where we found a charging spot. The next day, we reached Tangier, where we boarded the ferry back to Algeciras.
It was a real adventure—Morocco’s charging infrastructure had its limitations, but we managed well, and we were excited to hear that improvements were on the way. Despite the challenges, we had no regrets. At the same time, there was a definite sense of relief as we returned to Europe, where EV charging is more developed. We charged again at the Tesla Supercharger in Algeciras before continuing our European adventure.
The Reality of Driving an EV in Morocco
Once in Morocco, we quickly realized the stark contrast in EV infrastructure. Unlike the seamless Supercharging experience in Europe, finding places to charge required a bit of planning. Despite the fact that we tried to charge at the hotels or Airbnb’s from the socket, the owners were not prepared for this request and most of the time did not allow it due to the poor grid infrastructure.
Planning our drives became a game of strategy, ensuring we never ran too low before reaching a charging stop. We heavily utilised A Better Routeplanner platform, to measure distances and see charging points. We have charged at 3 different charging providers:
- 150 kW UFC Tesla Supercharger network – perfectly integrated with our Tesla mobile app for seamless charging (free of charge)
- 50 kW DC FastVolt network – app needed to initiate charging (around 10€ per charge)
- 11 kW AC Kilowatt.ma network – app needed (around 10€ per charge)
On the other hand, people were usually very nice to us. There were even a few occasions, when police stopped us just to look at the car and saying hi to us. While coming and leaving Morocco through the port, we were checked by the same police lady and security dog. She was very nice and was truly curious about our experience.
Despite the challenges, driving our Tesla through Morocco was an unforgettable experience. The sights, sounds, and people made every effort worthwhile. The journey tested our problem-solving skills and our willingness to take risks, but in the end, it proved that EV travel—even in less developed regions—is possible with the right mindset and preparation.
A couple of snapshots
Lessons Learned & Final Thoughts
Our spontaneous road trip from the Netherlands to Morocco in our Tesla Model 3 was a true adventure. It reinforced the importance of adaptability, the value of planning, and the excitement of exploring the unknown. While Europe offers a well-established EV infrastructure, venturing into regions with limited charging options is an experience that requires courage, preparation, and a sense of adventure. We were even able to find chargers, especially in bigger cities and shopping malls, which were not mentioned on any app, however they were there. And the best thing about charging in Morocco? Majority of the stations were completely free of charge!
For anyone considering taking their EV off the beaten path—do your research, plan your stops, and embrace the challenge. It might not always be easy, but the journey is always worth it!
Would we do it again? In a heartbeat.
“This journey taught us adaptability, planning, and the courage to explore the unknown. EV travel is possible even in less developed regions – with a bit of courage and good preparation. And the best bonus? Most charging stations in Morocco were completely free!
A COUPLE OF STATS
- Total distance traveled (Netherlands – Morocco and back): approx. 9,500 km
- Distance traveled within Morocco: 3,500 – 4,000 km
- Energy consumption while crossing the Atlas Mountains (with careful, slow driving and elevation gain): 90–100 Wh/km
- Fun fact: Autopilot in Morocco is much more relaxed and hardly ever asked for a steering wheel nag
- Fun fact #2: Upon entering Morocco, Tesla’s navigation and maps stopped working, since the car runs the EU software version
PHOTO GALLERY
