The idea of completing a 16-day, nine-country rally around the Baltic Sea in an all-electric car may seem like madness to some. However, that’s exactly what one couple did, participating in the 2024 Baltic Sea Circle Rally in a European-spec Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro EV. Organized by the Superlative Adventure Club (SAC), the Baltic Sea Circle Rally combines fun and competition by touring through backroads with no GPS, only paper maps, and with a massive sense of adventure as teams camp along the way.
### The Baltic Sea Circle Rally Adventure
Participants in the Baltic Sea Circle Rally are required to raise funds for charity, with the couple choosing to support The Jessi Combs Foundation. They raised over $3,200 for the organization. Unlike some competitions in North America, the Baltic Sea Circle Rally is an adventure rally with unique daily challenges and missions. With 140 teams from around the world, the couple traveled from Oregon to compete, being the only team using an all-electric vehicle in the rally.
### The Baltic Sea Rally Route
The rally route took the couple through eight of the nine countries bordering the Baltic Sea, as well as Norway. They embarked on a clockwise journey through Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. Achieving a personal goal, they drove to the northernmost point in Europe, Nordkapp, Norway, located at 71°10′21″N 25°47′04″E.
### The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro
The couple’s all-electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro was equipped with a Ququq BusBox-4 camping system, which allowed for sleeping, cooking, and storing gear on the go. The vehicle featured a 82-kilowatt battery and a single rear motor generating 201 HP and 229 pound-feet of torque. Charging the car was a challenge, with limited infrastructure and diversity of charging systems across the nine countries.
### Impressions of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Despite concerns about range and charging infrastructure, the couple found the ID. Buzz Pro to be capable of meeting their needs on the rally. The vehicle offered great visibility and versatility for sleeping, storing gear, and cooking. Although having an EV in Europe presented some unknowns, the experience left the couple more confident about traveling longer distances with an electric vehicle.
### Charging Challenges and Wins
Navigating charging infrastructure across countries introduced various challenges, from incompatible apps to payment methods. With the help of a German family member, the couple managed to overcome these challenges and adapt to charging in different regions. The use of Tesla Superchargers and learning to navigate different charging systems allowed them to continue on their journey.
### Crossing the Finish Line
After successfully completing the 16-day, 4,771-mile rally through nine countries, the couple became the first team from outside the European Union or its adjacent countries to finish an SAC rally with an EV. Their journey proved that long-distance EV travel is possible with careful planning, patience, and flexibility. While the charging infrastructure still needs improvements, the experience showcased the potential for electric vehicles in long-distance travel.