Taycan to Lofoten Islands, Norway (Follow Our Trip Report)

[EGGY41]

Great stuff, puts my Essex to Genoa X 7 to shame One Day I want to do North to South, Kirkenes to say Marbella

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[tigerbalm]

How long batteries holds dron in the air?
Is this DJI mini pro 4?

DJI Mavik 3 Classic. Around 40 minutes flight time - though that was reduced to about 25 minutes in the windy conditions at the arctic circle centre. We've got three batteries with us for extended flight times.

We use it more as a flying static camera to take interesting photos than a video thing.

 

[tigerbalm]

Photography Day



Right, time to clear the overnight snow and get out there!

 

[JerryLNK]

Day 6: Mo i Rana (Norway) –> Narvik (Norway)

After breakfast we walk out to our snow covered car.



And spend a few minutes clearing it from all the body panels. The curvy nature of the Taycan offers a lot of opportunities for snow to accumulate.



Driving through Mo I Rana with snow pilled heavily on the sides of the streets.

With such low temperatures even after the sun is up – the road remain icy.

We reach the barrier to the Saltfjellet and are happy that it is open after spending many a day monitoring this very crossing over the past few weeks – as the road authorities alternatively closed or introduced column driving here.

And starting our climb up to the approximately 630 meter summit.

Until we reach the arctic circle.



Where it is a cold -10C outside – with our HV heater keeping our cabin a comfortable and cosy +22C with ease.

With such high snow levels and drifts here – we launch a drone from our car to explore closer.



Capturing footage and images of the closed centre.



Before starting to head back down the other side.

We stop off at various parking spots along the way – trying to use the drone again – but it has a thin layer of ice built up on it – and is not happy. Time to thaw it out.



We pull in at Storjord and take on a little energy at the Tesla superchargers here – as we don’t have enough to reach our next planned IONITY stop – mostly due to the additional energy heating our cabin takes in these conditions.

Thankfully the station is almost un-used and we nab "the perfect" place to plug the short cable into the "wrong" passenger side of our Irish spec Taycan.

With the increased number of IONITY stations this far north compared to last year – this is currently our only planned use of Tesla on this trip.

We grab some lunch while we wait for the short thirteen minute charge to complete.



Moving our car mid-meal when it reaches our target temperature. As EV’s built up little to no heat on its bodywork – if snow isn’t pushed out of the way by airflow – or manually cleared – it will stay put on the body and not melt.



After eating we continue north – leaving the arctic circle well behind us.

Today see plenty of Elk on the roads – but it is still too bright for them to trigger our night-vision camera warning system.

Stopping off for a quick top-up at a new IONITY station at Ulvsvåg.



We arrive at the E6 ferry terminal.



Where the public road traffic cameras pick us up queuing behind the only other car here.

After about twenty minutes we board – with only a total of four cars on this crossing. As these ferries are considered part of the E6 road – payment is handled the same way as the rest of the tolls – by registering our license plate with the authorities.

The calm crossing takes 25 minutes.



After disembarking the ferry – It is about an hour and a half to Narvik – where we plug in for a free 22 kW AC destination charge under our hotel.

The days charging stats

Location	Start SOC %	End SOC %	kWh added	Cost	Duration	Ambient Temp	Battery Temp	Charger Type	Network
Tesla Storjord	54%	81%	34	€15.72	13 mins	-6C	40	DC 150 kW	Tesla
IONITY Ulvsvaag	39%	71%	27.61	€4.73	7 mins	-2C	36	DC 350 kW	IONITY
Scandic Narvik	19%	100%	67.8	€0.00	3 hours 31 mins	-7C	24	AC 22 kW	Hotel

Today we did 417 km over 8:03 hours, with an average speed of 50 km/h, consuming 27.3 kWh/100km.

@tigerbalm How do you use A Better Route Planner App in relation to the Porsche Intelligent Range Manager? Is ABRP for general routing purposes and PIRM for battery pre-conditioning? Thanks, and absolutely love the travelogue with pics!

 

[tigerbalm]

@tigerbalm How do you use A Better Route Planner App in relation to the Porsche Intelligent Range Manager? Is ABRP for general routing purposes and PIRM for battery pre-conditioning?

We use ABRP for all our pre-trip planning. We have connected our MyPorsche account to ABRP – so it has our live consumption and state-of-charge stats. With this it provides very accurate route planning – w.r.t. charging stops.

We don't really use Porsche Intelligent Range Manager at all – it's switched off in our PCM at the moment. Instead, we manually transfer the destination and the ABRP recommended charging stops to the car via the iPhone MyPorsche app. Making sure to use the "charging" filter in the app – so the car will know these are the charging stops we want to make (and not just stopovers) and it will then do battery pre-conditioning for those stops.

The iOS app has been getting better and at this stage it is a 3 minute chore before we head out to our car each morning,

 

[tigerbalm]

Day 9: Exploring Lofoten

Today our plan is to visit some of the more popular locations close to where we're staying on the southern end of Lofoten islands.

As we spend much of the day on side-roads – many are not plowed – giving us a chance to experience fully snow covered roads – which our NF0 winter tyres provide plenty of grip on.

Many of the spots are busy with other tourists.

But it is still easy to enjoy the environment peacefully.



We pull in where we can to take in the scenery.



Sometimes resulting in snow up to the top of our tyres.



We notice that the quality of other drivers is not as high as we are used to seeing in northern Norway. At first, we thought perhaps it is a "Sunday" driving thing – but after a while we realise that about half of the Norwegian registered car's are rentals! And the tourists driving them are not good at keeping in to the verge of the road when passing.

In fact, at one stage we make a mistake when passing a car – and pull in a little too much off the side of the road. Perhaps only by an additional 10 centimetres. But it is enough to strand the car in a massive snow drift. I get out the drivers door (right hand side on our car) – and immediately I am standing in a snow drift up to my waist. Oh, oh! We are badly stuck here.

Thankfully – almost immediately a Norwegian passes with a Mercedes G-Wagon and offers a tow. This is where having our towing eye; 4000 kg towing rope and a snow shovel at the ready really helped. Within about ten minutes we were pulled out of the snow drift with zero damage to our carbon fibre front lip (whew!).

We've been carrying this equipment for three years now – in case something like this happened. And a massive thank you to the friendly local who didn't hesitate to stop and help.

Unfortunately, with all the pressure on getting out the the snow – we didn't get to snap a picture.

We continue on our route and send up our drone.



To give us a better perspective on the landscape we're in.



And enjoying a rare straight bit of road in this twisty route.



We attach our GoPro to capture some driving footage.



And arriving at our planned charging stop – probably one of the most scenic we've ever been to.



Eventually reaching Å in the afternoon – just before sunset.



Where a combination of it being Sunday and late meant most places were closed.





We managed to capture lines of photographers on our GoPro – always a good sign that there is something interesting or pretty worth stopping for.



And there was!



We're not sure if we'll try for the Northern lights tonight – the forecast is not good and there is a lot of cloud in the sky. But if there is even a small chance to see them again – we'll take it!

The days charging stats

Location	Start SOC %	End SOC %	kWh added	Cost	Duration	Ambient Temp	Battery Temp	Charger Type	Network
Eviny Reine	13%	95%	75.56	€29.26	39 mins	0.5C	35	DC 200 kW	Porsche Charging Service

Today we did 174 km over 6:08 hours, with an average speed of 29 km/h, consuming 27.5 kWh/100km.

 

[WasserGKuehlt]

@tigerbalm I’ve gotten these for the same eventuality https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KZQ64L5/ref=dp_iou_view_item?ie=UTF8&psc=1. Haven’t had a chance to test them out, it’s been a fairly dry winter. (My son has the full length boards, and used them extensively getting his off-roader out of muddy pits. ) The pack fits in the frunk, it’s just the perfect length.

 

[GreenHornet]

@tigerbalm mind if I ask why you took the ferry and drove to Narvik instead of taking the ferry to Lødingen and driving straight to Lofoten?

You can get winter tires in 21" but man do they kill the range...hehe

 

[tigerbalm]

@tigerbalm mind if I ask why you took the ferry and drove to Narvik instead of taking the ferry to Lødingen and driving straight to Lofoten?

Mostly timing. We wanted to spend the day in good light driving the length of Lofoten and as we were coming from Mo i Rana that day – stopping in Narvik allowed for it.

We're in Bodø last night and we came via that ferry – cutting out Narvik.



The Moskenes to Bodø ferry would have been ideal – but we'd have to be up at 05:00 to make it – and that didn't sound very holiday friendly! The summer schedule looks to be more friendly.

You can get winter tires in 21" but man do they kill the range...hehe

They were gone in the morning – so didn't get a chance to see what specific one's they chose. But the thread pattern they left in the snow did have that "Nordic" look!

 

[tigerbalm]

Day 10: Lofoten (Norway) –> Bødo (Norway)

Despite many attempts we failed to get the destination chargers started throughout the weekend. We did see the other Taycan owner use them – so they do work. We suspect perhaps they needed a Norwegian issued payment card.

Instead, we grabbed a charge at a nearby 150 kW Mer station the night before.



Packing up the car in a now familiar process.



Driving north up the islands on now familiar roads.

Stopping off to admire the scenery.



Until we reach the ferry at Lødingen with less than ten minutes to spare.



Unlike the other "road" ferries this crossing lasts a full hour and has a covered vehicle deck.



It is very cold out on deck.

But offers stunning views.

(A reminder that you can get the full resolution images if you click on them)



Stopping off for a charge soon after disembarking direct onto the E6.



Continuing southbound in the -10c cold.

Grabbing some supplies at a fuel station - realising that it has been years since we've used a petrol pump!



As we near Bodø – we cross the 30,000 km service milestone after 14 months with this car.

As we won't get a destination charge tonight - we grab some energy at a Recharge station that is only two kilometers from our hotel. There are a lot more charging options at Bodø compared to when we were here only two years ago. IONITY are also building a station here – but it is not yet ready to use.

The days charging stats

Location	Start SOC %	End SOC %	kWh added	Cost	Duration	Ambient Temp	Battery Temp	Charger Type	Network
IONITY Ulvsvaag	25%	84%	47.36	€7.72	25 mins	0.5C	35	DC 250 kW	IONITY
Recharge	13%	83%	57.72	€32.24	23 mins	-1c	35c	DC 225 kW	Recharge

Today we did 398 km over 8:00 hours, with an average speed of 51 km/h, consuming 24.8 kWh/100km.

 

[tigerbalm]

Day 11: Bødo (Norway) –> Mosjøen (Norway)

Though there was only a light snowfall overnight – we have to complete our now usual snow clearing ceremony. Any snow that we don't remove and isn't in the airflow will stay on the car – because EV's don't emit much heat and unlike ICE vehicles – it won't melt off.




Our winter tyres continue to perform brilliantly – together with the amazing all-wheel-drive and traction control of the Taycan – our wheels will not slip one bit – pulling away out of the parking spot.

Driving through a quiet Bodø.

And past the ferry port.

Driving south along the now familiar E6.

With plenty scenery to keep us interested.

Which we occasionally stop off to admire.



Until we start to climb up the Saltfjellet.



Following a train across the arctic circle.

Reaching the centre shortly afterwards. Where we struck up a random conversation with two Norwegian's on fish farm technology. It was much warmer today at -2c then the -10c last week.



After a few snaps, we head back down.

Stopping off outside Mo i Rana for a energy top-up at the always brilliant Kempower charging pedestals. This was a 400v station – so we were limited to a 150 kW ingestion rate.



Darkness falls – always early in this region – though the days are getting noticeably longer as we head further south.

Our hotel tonight – Fru Haugans – has a sneaky free destination charger at the rear – but unfortunately it is occupied with an ID.3. There is a Tesla supercharging station 10 meters away but there is no free pedestal that wouldn't result in us blocking two stalls with the location of our DC charging port.

Therefore we drive the 2 km to our fall back chargers at Mosjøen Camping – which delivers us energy at the stated 180 kW.



Before parking up for the night across from our hotel.

Where our room has its own stairs down to the pub.



Where we enjoy a few beers – being cosy – looking out on the snow outside.



The days charging stats

Location	Start SOC %	End SOC %	kWh added	Cost	Duration	Ambient Temp	Battery Temp	Charger Type	Network
Recharge Mo i Rana	30%	72%	28.593	€15.99	13 mins	-3C	35	DC 150 kW	Recharge
Mosjøen Camping	13%	54%	33.22	€20.80	13 mins	-4C	37	DC 200 kW	Fontum Charge & Drive

Today we did 318 km over 5:38 hours, with an average speed of 58 km/h, consuming 25.2 kWh/100km.

 

[tigerbalm]

Day 12: Mosjøen (Norway) –> Trondheim (Norway)

We wake up with a view of some traditional buildings outside our hotel room.





This is a genuinely historic hotel and is full of little rooms like these.

After breakfast we leave Mosjøen – grateful we charged up last night and don't have to start the day waiting around for a refuel.

The more we head south – the more signs of thawing snow we see – compared to a week ago when we were heading in the opposite direction.

Though, in lightly plowed sections – there is still plenty.

Passing under the sign that marks the end of the Norwegian arctic region (Nordland).

Where – hilariously – the snow is higher.

Stopping off at our only planned charger today at IONITY Namsskogan – one of the really well positioned new charging stations opened recently.





With our car showing signs of all the use it has gotten in the artic. Our car valet has their work cut out for them next week!



After taking on enough energy to get us to our hotel – we continue south.

Passing a massive paper mill that mostly produces newsprint for the UK market.

While there is still lots of snow in places – the general theme today remains of thawing roads.

Until we reach our hotel – The Britannia in Trondheim. Unlike the last time we were here – they remembered the mess they made of the charging – and took our car for an immediate top up.



The days charging stats

Location	Start SOC %	End SOC %	kWh added	Cost	Duration	Ambient Temp	Battery Temp	Charger Type	Network
IONITY Namsskogan	8%	95%	72.49	€11.79	33 mins	-2C	35	DC 350 kW	IONITY
Britannia Hotel	19%	100%	67.8	€0.00	4 hours	3C	21c	AC 22 kW	Hotel

Today we did 388 km over 6:12 hours, with an average speed of 64 km/h, consuming 24.2 kWh/100km.

 

[tigerbalm]

Day 13: Trondheim (Norway) –> Oslo (Norway)

The hotel drops our fully charged car back to us – and we drive through a bright Trondheim morning.

Passing somewhere called "Work Work" – reminding us both what is facing us next week!

Overtaking the longest bendy bus we've ever seen.

Before picking up our first signs for Oslo as we pass Porsche Centre Trondheim.

Instead of driving back to Oslo along the now familiar E6 – today we're taking a little detour via Route 30.

Bringing us to the town of Røros – one of the oldest towns of wooden buildings in Europe. It is busy here and we struggle to find a parking place.

After walking around the town soaking up the atmosphere – we head back to our car and continue on Route 30 towards Oslo.

Stopping off at our only charging station today among the slush. Starting the day off with a 100% battery – really helps cut down on planned stops. And this generation of Taycan – despite being the high performance Turbo S variant – still has legs on twisty roads that allow for plenty of regen opportunities.

We decide to grab some Circle K pizza here and charge past 80% while eating it. The station has plenty of spare pedestal's so we're not hogging anything and by combining eating with charging – we can cut out a planned further stop – allowing us to arrive a bit earlier into Oslo.



Filling up our window washer fluid tank with the excellent Circle K winter fluid available everywhere in Norway.



Continuing on the Route 30 as light begins to fade.

Spotting the only Elk we see today – despite the endless warning signs.

Before eventually re-joining up with the E6.

Where the rain really opens up and there is lots of standing water on the motorway – making driving challenging.

Especially as the spray from the trucks eventually block all our assistance systems sensors – including the camera! Meaning matrix lights are the last system to "give up" and we're left driving a slightly dummer car.

We arrive at our hotel – The Thief – in Oslo and plug in for the very reliable destination chargers here provided by Mer.

And head out to explore the surrounding area – which unlike last week – is now completely free of snow.

Stumbling upon an Astronaut – by the Irish sounding but American artist Brendan Murphy.



And a somewhat strange coffee shop/marketing suite called Porsche Studio.





Before heading to a nearby Indian restaurant – for some tasty food and beers. Finishing the evening with cocktails at our hotel.

It is nice to be back in "civilisation" – especially after such a long circuit of arctic Norway.

The days charging stats

Location	Start SOC %	End SOC %	kWh added	Cost	Duration	Ambient Temp	Battery Temp	Charger Type	Network
IONITY Alvdal	19%	95%	63.88	€10.39	33 mins	1C	35	DC 350 kW	IONITY
The Thief	20%	100%	69.1	€28.87	4 hours 5 mins	4C	21c	AC 22 kW	Hotel

Today we did 541 km over 8:27 hours, with an average speed of 65 km/h, consuming 22.4 kWh/100km.

 

[tigerbalm]

Bye Norway & Thank you!

We're boarding our ferry back to Germany.

Norway delivered some lovely real winter driving experiences this year – but never so serious that it impacted our plans.

Perfect timing!

 

[tigerbalm]

Norwegian arctic winter grime

Car on-board proudly wearing its Norwegian winter coat of grime!

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