Getting there

You cross the border at Padborg on the E45, or take the ferry from Rødby to Puttgarden or from Gedser to Rostock. Charge up in Denmark before you cross the border. Read about the crossing in ferries and bridges.

Charging networks

EnBW has Germany's largest rapid charging network. In Q2 2026, EnBW had 27% of sessions on rapid chargers of 100 kW and above. Tesla, EWE Go, Aral pulse and IONITY followed. Fastned and Allego also have chargers along the motorways. See more in EV charging networks in Europe.

Payment and price

New rapid chargers must accept payment cards. At older chargers you need the network's app or a charging card. Prices vary a lot between networks, even at the same service area. For example, Allego charged €0.59 per kWh pay-as-you-go for ultra-fast charging on 12 October 2026. Check the price before you charge.

No road toll

Cars do not pay to use the German motorways.

Environmental sticker in cities

Most larger German cities have a low-emission zone where the car must have a green environmental sticker (Umweltplakette) on the windscreen. This also applies to electric cars. If you only drive on the motorway, you do not need one. You can buy the sticker from FDM before you go.

Speed

The limit is 50 km/h in towns and 100 km/h on country roads. On the motorway, 130 km/h is recommended, but many stretches have a posted limit. Staying at 130 also saves electricity. Lower limits apply with a trailer. See trailers and caravans.

Winter

In wintry conditions, the car must have winter tyres or all-season tyres with the 3PMSF mark (a mountain with a snowflake). Tyres marked only M+S are not enough. Studded tyres are not allowed.

Further south

If you are going further, read about Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands and France. To skip part of the drive, see car trains from Hamburg.

Checklist