A road trip across our favorite Swiss Alpine passes to Italy – this time with an electric car and mini-caravan instead of our Sprinti.
This combination alone raises eyebrows for some. After all, electromobility remains a polarizing topic. But we simply wanted to try it out. So we rented the small Kuckoo Max caravan and drove our VW ID.4 Pro across the Alps to Italy.
Our setup
We drive our VW ID.4 Pro with a 77 kWh battery. In everyday use, we consume around 18.3 kWh per 100 km – we were curious to see how that would change with a caravan and roof box.
The Kuckoo Max weighs only about 500 kg, is slightly taller than the car and therefore more exposed to the wind. Our Thule roof box provides additional storage space.
Fully packed with two adults, two children and a dog, as well as a car, roof box and trailer, we are well loaded.
We use our IONITY Power for charging. Contract that allows us to fast charge across Europe for €0.39/kWh .
Road trip start to adventure
We'll set off at the end of October during the Bavarian autumn holidays. We'll start from Kaufbeuren in the beautiful Allgäu region, heading towards Füssen and then on to Austria.
With the Zugspitze in view, we wind our way up the Fernpass . In Nassereith, we make our first IONITY charging stop .
The small caravan tows easily behind us; you only notice the extra luggage when braking and accelerating, and the power consumption has barely increased. Since we planned the route in advance with the IONITY route planner , we're briefly topping up here – even though the battery is still half full – who knows what the mountain passes will demand of the caravan.
And there it is, the first little challenge: the charging stations are just regular parking spaces. So we simply unhitch the lightweight Max and push it aside – it's super easy. While the car charges, we quickly make ourselves a coffee. We've barely finished it when the battery is already fully charged again.
First (mountain) test on the Flüela Pass
We love this route towards the Engadine. A phenomenal landscape amidst autumnally colorful forests clinging to the steep mountain slopes.
We will soon cross the border into Switzerland. The road climbs steadily until we turn off at Susch onto the spectacular Flüela Pass .
The higher we climb, the faster the range decreases – and yes, I get a little nervous for a moment. Once we reach the top, I take a deep breath and forget all about it. The sun bathes the mountaintops in golden light, and the scenery is magical. Luckily, it's downhill all the way to Davos , and thanks to regenerative braking, the range increases again. Phew, the first pass is conquered.
Camping with panoramic views
Our destination for the day is a Nomadi campsite on a farm above Davos. It's already dark when we arrive. Using headlamps, we set up camp, cook ourselves something delicious, and enjoy the starry sky before snuggling into our sleeping bags.
The next morning, the sun wakes us with a magnificent mountain view. We have breakfast outside, make coffee, and greet the animals on the farm. Afterwards, we take our Labrador, Lotta, for a long morning walk – up to a small cabin above the farm.
The Julier Pass is calling
From Davos, the road descends to Albula , then climbs up to the Julier Pass . The larches glow golden, and Lai da Marmorera glitters emerald green beside us.
The range drops rapidly again at the pass, but this time we remain relaxed – the descent will recharge it. We climb the mountain, switchback after switchback, until we reach the summit at 2,284 meters.
In Silvaplana, the nearest IONITY charging station is right next to the campsite by the lake – perfect for caravans and motorhomes. The view from up here lets our thoughts wander. While the ID.4 charges, we stroll through the mountain village and pick up fresh bread and Swiss delicacies for dinner.
Afterwards we will continue to Camping Morteratsch , a beautiful spot in the middle of the mountain forest from which we have planned a hike to the glacier tongue tomorrow.
Camping with mountain views
We set up our accommodations, and by the second evening we've got the hang of it. We cook dinner and enjoy the peace and quiet. It gets cold quickly, so we slip into our warm jackets and make Swiss cheese fondue – probably the best in the world!
The Kuckoo Max has a roof tent, but when it's -2°C at night, we all prefer to sleep downstairs in the insulated interior. It's cozy for the four of us plus the dog, but super warm nonetheless.
The next day we hike to the Morteratsch glacier tongue . The trail is child-friendly and leads along the glacial stream through breathtaking scenery. Thanks to stamp stations and picnic breaks, it's a relaxed hike that takes us about 3 hours.
Over the Bernina Pass to Tirano - Ciao Italia!
From the campsite it's just a stone's throw to the Bernina Pass , which winds its way up the mountain alongside the imposing glacier before descending in numerous switchbacks towards Italy. The temperature steadily decreases – shortly before Tirano we cross the border into Italy.
We find a parking spot for our caravan, explore the city, and enjoy our first aperitivo and delicious Italian food. The next morning, we have coffee and cornetti – just as it should be.
Sleeping among grapevines at Lake Iseo
We continue through a picturesque valley along a river to Lake Iseo , which is unjustly overshadowed by Lake Garda. Many campsites are already closed at the end of October, so we drive on to a small winery that we find through AgriCamper .
We get to spend the night right among the golden vines and sample the estate's own organic wine. The next morning, the winemaker picks saffron between the vines – a true outdoorsman.
Dolce Vita on Lake Garda
As the deep blue waters of Lake Garda come into view, it feels a bit like coming home. In Sirmione, we visit my mother – the children are overjoyed to see her again.
We'll stay for a few days, enjoy the Bella Vita , and soak up the sun, espresso, and Italian lifestyle.
Saying goodbye - it's time to go home
Almost a tradition by now: a stop at the Affi shopping center, which conveniently also has a new IONITY charging park . We easily covered the 273 km from Silvaplana over the Bernina Pass to here; now we're fully charging before heading back.
While the car is charging, we replenish our supplies with plenty of pasta, biscotti and coffee, drink another espresso – and then head back over the Brenner Pass to the Allgäu region.
Conclusion
But what was it like cruising across the Alps after 1,199 km with an electric car and mini-caravan ? Totally relaxed and not much different than with our big camper. Sure, you have to plan a bit more, but modern route guides make that easy. Here are our quick facts.
Average consumption: 24.9 kWh/100 km
Total cost for charging with IONITY Power : approx. €110 (+ €11.99 monthly fee)
> Easy route planning with the IONITY route planner
The Kuckoo Max caravan is super light and really cool.
Our initial concerns about the range were unfounded – you consume more energy going uphill, but downhill the energy is recuperated effectively. Sustainable, quiet, and with plenty of freedom: that's how we love to travel!
Keep on rolling!
Advertisement: Many thanks to IONITY for supporting us with their charging infrastructure and affordable charging rates.
