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A Spontaneous Start to the Adventure
Life on the open road has always been a source of inspiration, freedom, and a great way to unwind. When an opportunity came up to combine some unfinished geocaching business with a work trip to Oslo, it didn't take long to add a few extra days, rent a car, and head south towards Rødby.
The choice of car wasn't clear until I landed at Gardermoen Airport and checked my phone. I had previously driven the Nissan Ariya and knew it to be a comfortable and capable electric car, but never over such a long distance. With a planned route of over 1500 kilometers, this trip was a perfect opportunity to truly test the Ariya’s long-distance capabilities.
With spring in the air, an open road ahead, and plenty of geocaches to discover, everything was set for a spontaneous electric adventure.
Rødby – Gateway to the Continent
Rødby is more than just a waypoint – it's the gateway to continental Europe. I’ve crossed through Rødby several times before, both for work and on vacation, and every time I feel that same excitement as Denmark gives way to Germany and the rest of Europe.
Exciting developments are also underway, with the massive Fehmarn Belt Tunnel currently under construction, set to connect Denmark and Germany more closely than ever. Seeing this engineering marvel take shape adds a futuristic edge to any visit.
This time, however, Rødby itself was my destination. With a full battery, spring sunshine, and the continent so close, the journey felt even more special.
Last-Minute Planning – Ionity Membership Secured
When you don't know exactly which car you'll be driving, detailed trip planning becomes tricky. Still, I had a rough plan for my stops, and the Ariya’s excellent range more than covered my needs.
Before starting the trip, I subscribed to Ionity’s membership plan. Having reliable fast chargers along the route brings peace of mind, and with a price of around 3 NOK per kWh in Norway (about 2.50 DKK in Denmark and 3.50 SEK in Sweden), it was hard to beat. Ionity became the clear choice for large parts of the journey.
The goal was to reach Gothenburg on the first day, which went smoothly. On the way, I planned a stop at Spekerød for both myself and the car. Normally, the drive takes around three hours, but with geocaching stops, it stretched closer to six. By then, a break was well needed – both for charging and for a good meal.
Driving an EV with good range and excellent comfort means that your stops are dictated more by your needs than the car’s state of charge, making the trip far more relaxing.
Heading Further South – Testing the Ariya's Strengths
After a hearty breakfast at Quality Hotel Winn in Gothenburg, it was time to continue south. According to the charging receipt, I had added 37.27 kWh overnight – not quite a full charge, but enough to get moving. The hotel charger could have been faster, but thanks to some extra charging at Spekerød the day before, I was able to start the day with 85% battery.
This gave a wonderful sense of freedom: no need to rush for a charger, just follow the natural rhythm of the road and my caching plan. The goal was to get as far south as possible while picking up some selected caches along the way. Thanks to the Ariya’s comfort, quiet cabin, and advanced driver assistance systems, the kilometers simply flew by.
Charging on the Way South – Ionity Greve Delivers
Originally, I planned to charge in Helsingborg. However, when I arrived, the battery still had plenty of capacity, so there was no need to stop. The Ariya proved to be more efficient than expected.
Instead, I decided to push it further and ran the battery down to 6% before stopping at Ionity Greve (Mosede) just south of Copenhagen. By then, I had been on the road for over seven hours, geocaching and driving with only short breaks. Both the car and I needed a well-earned rest, and Ionity delivered once again with fast, stable, and well-located charging.
Knowing that the Ariya could handle long distances and detours without stress made a huge difference. Trusting both the vehicle and the charging network gives a unique sense of freedom on a road trip.
Arriving in Rødby – A New Experience
I’ve arrived in Rødby many times before. Normally, you follow the main road straight to the ferry terminal, pay your fee, and roll onto the ferry bound for Germany. I had never actually stopped in the town itself – until now.
This time, Rødby was my destination. With time on my side, I carefully followed the signs, took the right turn, and ventured into the town. It was the best decision I could have made.
The visit to Rødby turned out to be so enjoyable that I decided it deserves its own blog post – full of surprising discoveries and small-town charm.
What's Next?
The experience in Rødby was so special that it deserves its own dedicated article. In addition, I will post a full summary of the return trip, including insights on the Nissan Ariya’s performance as a long-distance travel companion.
Stay tuned – more electric adventures coming soon! 🚗🌍
