Do you often travel with your vehicle, whether internal combustion or electric, and want to make sure you are prepared for all situations during your future journeys? Are you about to buy an electric car and wondering what accessories are essential for such a vehicle? Whether you're an experienced driver or you've just got your driving licence, you're right to want to be prepared for the unexpected.
To help you achieve this, we've compiled a list of essential accessories and equipment for your vehicle. And if you're travelling with children or pets, we also offer solutions to make your journeys safer and more enjoyable.
Essential vehicle equipment
The regular use of your vehicle requires it to be prepared for all possible situations. From the smallest needs to the most urgent emergencies, a journey can sometimes throw up surprises. This is one of the reasons why it is essential that you have the necessary equipment in your car or motorbike, whether you have an electric vehicle or not.
Here's a list of the essentials you should have in any car:
Compulsory equipment for electric and combustion vehicles
Helmets for bicycles, electric scooters, mopeds, motorbikes and quads.
This protective element helps to prevent injuries to both the driver and passengers (if they are allowed).
For cyclists, helmets are compulsory in some European countries for children under 16 or 18 years of age, depending on the country. From that age, it is compulsory on interurban roads (with some exceptions). The rule applies to both electric and conventional bicycles.
Electric scooter users must always wear a helmet in Spain and Greece. In some other countries, this is compulsory for minors. Worth checking the rules about electric scooters before travelling.
Drivers of mopeds and motorbikes and their passengers must wear an approved helmet. This also applies in general to quads in most European countries. However, vehicles with 2, 3 or 4 wheels with handlebars and an external self-protection structure may exempt their occupants from wearing helmets, provided that these vehicles are fitted with seat belts.
Reflective vests or jackets
This high-visibility vest is mandatory in many countries in Europe and should be kept in the main compartment of the vehicle, so that it is handy to carry in case of an emergency or breakdown. The amount required depends on the country itself, and may only affect the driver, or all occupants of the vehicle. So it is strongly recommended to carry the necessary units for regular users of the vehicle.
Wheel chains
In case of snow, wheel chains are mandatory in some European countries and must be carried with the vehicle.
Warning triangle or a V16 signal
From 1 July 2022, the V-16 warning light can replace the triangle in the event of a breakdown or accident. On 1 January 2026, the V-16 signal will definitely replace the triangles, but in a new version that includes geolocation (not available yet). These warning signals are compulsory in most of the countries in Europe. Worth keeping the warning triangle or the V16 near the driver seat.
Spare tyre or puncture repair kit
Carrying a spare tyre is not mandatory per se, but you should have the tools with you to fix a puncture or blowout. So, the alternatives are a temporary spare tyre or a puncture repair kit.
Fire extinguisher
A homologated car fire extinguisher is required in most Eastern European and Nordic countries as a general rule. But it’s also compulsory in some circumstances and types of vehicles in other countries. So our advice is to carry on one at any time.
Recommended equipment in electric and combustion vehicles
Sunshades for your car
There are many models, both for when the car is parked and for when you are travelling and want to protect your family and friends from the sun's rays.
Microfibre cloth
The microfibre cloth is perfect for cleaning the inside or outside of your car, or for demisting the windows.
Mobile phone or tablet charger
So that your smartphone never runs out of battery and you can use it in an emergency.
Pen
A traditional pen is always useful for any notes and also for filling in documentation in case of an accident.
Face masks
It is advisable to always carry a pack of face masks in your car, as some countries still require them since the COVID pandemic. Also in your day-to-day life, in case you need to enter a pharmacy, health centre or hospital.
Small toolbox
This should include the essentials for the vehicle, such as a Phillips or flat-blade screwdriver, pliers or a spanner.
Small hammer
For breaking vehicle windows in an emergency.
Window scraper
Particularly useful when you leave early in the morning and the car has slept outside. It is not uncommon to find the windows full of ice and not everything is good enough to try to clear them. Use a windscreen wiper to avoid damaging your windscreen. Here are some more tips on how to drive an electric car in snow or ice.
Torch
We're all too used to using our smartphones for light when we need it, but a torch is always good to have in the car.
Water bottle
Not only for drinking, but also for washing the windows or washing up.
Umbrella
When travelling you can always be surprised by the weather at your destination.
First aid kit
You are never safe from injury, it can happen at any time during your trip.
Breathalyser
Make sure you don't get behind the wheel with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit. And if you drive around France, it is compulsory carrying with you.
Electric jack
Who hasn't had a flat tyre at some point? It's best to be prepared. Changing a tyre can be a nightmare without a jack.
Bags
It's always a good idea to carry a few bags in the car. They're great for carrying groceries, organising things you have in the boot, and even keeping your rubbish in the bin until you can find a bin.
Most of these items can easily be stored in the boot, glove compartment or even in the door compartments of the car. If necessary, you can also install a net on the roof to create an additional storage area.
While these accessories and equipment may seem basic at first glance, they can be very useful on many occasions. Also, don't hesitate to carry emergency telephone numbers with you, especially if you are driving in other European countries.
Essential equipment for travelling in an electric vehicle
If you are already an electric mobility user, you probably know that charging is a crucial issue for your journeys. In addition to the essential equipment for all vehicles, such as the list above, there are some specific accessories and tools that can help you solve the problems associated with your electric car. These are especially important if you regularly travel long distances with your EV.
Here are some of the essentials you should have when you hit the road.
Extra charging cable
Having an extra charging cable is very useful for charging your electric vehicle faster or when you can't find a charging point. Here are some cables for charging your electric car.
Charging adapters
If you are in an area where electric charging points are not compatible with your vehicle, charging adapters can be a great help.
Electromaps app and your Electropass key, card or token
If you don't have the Electromaps app on your mobile yet, don't waste any more time and install it now. You will be able to access the most complete map of public charging points and activate your charges all over Europe. The RFID keytag or card Electropass will allow you to activate your chargings in areas with poor mobile signal or in places where you don't want to use your smartphone's data.
Charging booster
Do you often travel in areas where there is little charging infrastructure? A charging booster will allow you to charge your electric car easily and anywhere.
EV charger port cover
A good start to preserve your EV for as long as possible, you should take care of the charger port and its connector cable. So don't hesitate to buy a charging port cover to prevent dust and dirt from entering the charger while charging outdoors.
Travelling by car with children: essential accessories
One of the first items of equipment needed in a car is, of course, a child seat. Especially since it is mandatory for children up to 135 cm.
Child car seat
Children need a child restraint system specifically for them, according to their age and weight, in order to be better protected in the event of an accident or sudden braking. This safety system is compulsory for children up to 135 cm in height. The R129 or i-size regulation requires babies up to the age of 15 months to travel in a rear-facing car seat, although some organisations recommend it be used until at least four years of age. Choosing the right child restraint system, even for driving around the city, make have a huge impact. Prices of child seats vary greatly, depending on the type of seat or booster seat.
Seat organiser
You can also opt for a rear seat organiser, which will allow you to store toys, books or your tablet, a good ally on long journeys.
Car seat cover
Fine motor skills are a matter of training and young children may have more difficulty in making certain types of movements, especially when the car is in motion. Spilling liquids or drawing an abstract picture can be a very common event. There are many types of seat covers that will help you keep your car clean on a trip with children. They can also be a good option for travelling with pets.
Travel blanket
A travel blanket is a very suitable accessory for long journeys, helping to rest comfortably.
Keeping your pets safe in the car
Safety belt for dogs
This is a kind of short leash that attaches to the dog's harness and to the car's seat belt restraint system.
Dog safety harness for travelling in the car
To begin with, it is important to protect your pet during car journeys. So remember to use a safety harness to limit the risk of injury in the event of an accident. Dogs can also travel in a carrier cage.
Pet carrier
For small animals, such as cats, always use a pet carrier when travelling. Be sure to tie it securely so that it does not move and to prevent it from flying out and injuring other occupants of the vehicle, in the event of sudden braking or an accident.
Rubber car mats
Car mats can also be used to protect the seats from claws and hair.
Food and water containers
Finally, don't forget to bring water bottles and containers so your four-legged friend can be fed and hydrated during the journey.
