This time, I set out on a journey with not one but two electric vehicles. Why, you ask? To take on the challenge of managing and charging two EVs simultaneously—the Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoe. What could possibly go wrong?

First up was the Renault Zoe, which arrived at Tikupoiss before the Leaf. Since its maximum charging speed on a DC charger is below 50 kW, I connected it to the slower 50 kW DC charger via the Eleport app. The Leaf pulled up shortly after, and even though it didn’t urgently need a charge, I parked it at the 160 kW charger across the lot and started the session using an RFID card.

Playing Tester for Eleport’s System

With breakfast out of the way, I grabbed my coffee and took a closer look at the charging app. To my surprise, the Zoe’s charging session seemed unusually expensive. It turned out that the app was showing the Leaf’s ultra-fast charging rate, not the Zoe’s slower session. I finished my coffee and headed outside, only to realize I couldn’t view or control the session I’d started on the app. I decided to stop the Leaf’s session to troubleshoot, hoping my Zoe session would appear—it didn’t. The charger just showed as “occupied.”

I needed a way to end Zoe’s session, but I wasn’t familiar with its controls. Standard buttons and settings didn’t work, so I resorted to hitting the red button on the charger. That freed up the charger but left the plug stuck in the car. After a few attempts in the app, I managed to start a new session, then quickly canceled it to release the CCS plug. Crisis averted!

The Vonk EV Philosophy

At Vonk EV, we see ourselves more as software developers than hardware sellers. We provide charging stations out of necessity, mainly to test our software. The color of the chargers isn’t important to us; what matters is that our software seamlessly integrates and can turn any charger into a public, revenue-generating one. We prioritize creating a cohesive experience that aligns with the client’s brand, both in hardware and software. One of our core principles is flexibility—just as we don’t restrict ourselves, we don’t impose limits on our clients.

The process of charging an EV (and even initiating a session) should move towards a seamless, card-free, registration-free experience. I genuinely believe this is our future. Technology already allows for almost anything, but the question is what’s cost-effective. Charging protocols are constantly evolving, so instead of cluttering devices with new apps, I envision a world where you plug in, put your hands in your pockets, and enjoy a latte at a nearby café. And yes, I do enjoy my lattes too!

The Driving Experience: Practicality with Personality

Until now, I’d only experienced these cars from the passenger seat, including older-generation Leafs. Driving them gave me a fresh perspective, and I could see why they’re among Europe’s best-selling EVs. Both the Zoe and Leaf offer impressive range and functionality for daily use. But when it comes to aesthetics, the Leaf feels a bit lacking. The newer model is a big improvement, but it still doesn’t quite wow me. The Zoe, on the other hand, surprised me—it felt more enjoyable to drive than it looks from the outside. However, it lacks some features that I consider essential, like adaptive cruise control, which unfortunately can’t be added as an option. That might be a deal-breaker for me, especially when many other models include it as standard.

Between the two, if I had to choose, I’d go with the Zoe for its fresher design and lack of outdated elements that are still noticeable in the Leaf. It seems Nissan agrees, as they’re set to launch a brand-new electric model soon.

The Cost of This Trip and EV Advantages

I won’t dive into specific costs this time, but like past trips, this one stayed within the €10 to €16 range. Electric cars remain affordable to drive, not only because of lower energy costs but also due to reduced maintenance. EVs may cost more upfront compared to gasoline or diesel cars, but if you’ve ever walked through a quiet neighborhood, you’ll understand the appeal of EVs in urban areas—the silence is a breath of fresh air. Although I still appreciate the roar of a V8 as a petrolhead, I wouldn’t want to live with it every day. It’s the quiet ride and rapid acceleration that sparked my interest in EVs, and advancing technology has turned me into a true EV enthusiast.