Few countries offer such a rich and diverse car trip experience as Brazil, with its beaches, mountains, and historic cities. As sustainable mobility gains ground, a question arises among road lovers: Does an electric SUV have enough range, comfort, and power to tackle the long distances and challenges of Brazilian terrain on a car trip?

The first challenge of an electric car trip: charging infrastructure

Unlike combustion models, which can be refueled at virtually any corner of the country, electric cars still depend on a network of charging stations that is growing rapidly but still has significant gaps, especially outside major centers.

Overview of the distribution of charging stations in Brazil in 2025

Brazil is currently expanding its network of charging stations, although it still faces major structural challenges:

• In July 2025, the country already had around 2,608 public stations spread across major cities and highways
• The Brazilian Electric Vehicle Association (ABVE) and its partners expect there to be 10,000 public and semi-public stations by the end of 2025, with projections of between 6,800 and 10,000 already in operation in 2024
• The network grew 179% in 2024, from ~4,300 stations in December 2023 to over 10,600 in August 2024

Even so, the expansion is not uniform:

More than 70% of stations are concentrated in the South and Southeast regions, especially São Paulo (532 stations, 20% of the total), Minas Gerais, Santa Catarina, and Paraná

Plan your trip with your electric SUV

Still, for those who intend to leave the South-Southeast axis or explore more remote regions, such as the interior of Goiás or the northeastern hinterland, planning becomes essential. It is necessary to research in advance where the charging points are, which ones are compatible with your electric SUV model, and even consider hotels or restaurants that offer chargers during stops.

• Here are some tips to better plan your electric car trip:
• Use specialized apps, such as PlugShare or ABVE, to map charging stations along your route.
• Calculate realistic range, taking into account terrain, car weight, average speed, and air conditioning use.
• Choose routes with confirmed infrastructure, even if they are a little longer, to avoid unforeseen circumstances.

With good planning, the current infrastructure already allows for several possibilities for a car trip with an electric SUV — and best of all: with zero emissions and much more silence on the road.

The second challenge of the electric car trip: terrain and road conditions in Brazil

A road trip across Brazil is also a journey through diverse terrain. Imagine driving through the cobblestone streets of Ouro Preto or Paraty, with steep climbs and tight curves amid colonial houses. Or venture onto the red dirt roads of the Pantanal, where the earth turns to mud in the rainy season. For the more daring, trails that cross the Chapada Diamantina, with stretches that mix hills, loose rocks, and narrow roads, are a real test for any SUV.

But is an electric SUV ready to take on this kind of car trip? The answer may surprise you: yes — and with advantages.

Modern electric SUVs have a number of features that make them very well suited to Brazil's adverse conditions. Here's why:

1. Instant torque to tackle slopes

Thanks to the electric motor, torque is delivered immediately — no need to "rev up" like in combustion cars. This makes all the difference when driving up a dirt road or tackling steep, slippery slopes in the mountains.

2. Lower center of gravity = more stability

With batteries installed at the base of the chassis, electric SUVs have a lower center of gravity. The result? More stability when cornering and less side-to-side sway on uneven terrain — a huge advantage in mountain ranges such as Mantiqueira or on roads with uneven asphalt and low shoulders.

3. Regenerative braking: more safety on descents

Energy regeneration technology helps control speed on descents, such as on the winding roads of Serra do Rio do Rastro or Estrada Real. When you ease off the accelerator, the system converts braking energy into battery charge, reducing brake wear and increasing safety.

The third challenge of the electric car trip: cost and economic feasibility

When planning a long car trip, the cost of fuel always weighs heavily on the pocketbook—especially when the journey exceeds 1,000 kilometers. Therefore, one of the main questions for those considering switching from a combustion engine car to an electric SUV is: is it really worth it financially?

The answer depends on several factors, but in general, the costs of driving an electric SUV tend to be much lower than those of a gasoline model, especially if you can charge the vehicle at home.

Recharging cost vs. fuel costs

SUV type	Average consumption	Average energy/fuel price	Total cost (1,000 km)	Cost per km
Electric SUV (residential)	0.20 kWh/km	R$ 0.6 per kWh	R$ 200	R$ 0.2
Electric SUV (public)	0.20 kWh/km	R$ 1.2 per kWh	R$ 240	R$ 0.24
Gasoline SUV	10 km/l	R$ 6.22 per liter	R$ 622	R$ 0.62

In other words: when charging at home, an electric car costs about 68% of the energy costs of a gasoline-powered SUV. And even when using a public charging station, you pay only about 61% less than at the gas station to travel 1,000 km.

Incentives and savings over time

In addition to lower running costs, electric SUVs receive tax benefits that ease the strain on your pocket:

• Reduced or exempted IPVA (vehicle tax) in several states — such as São Paulo (total exemption), Minas Gerais, and others
• Lower interest financing via specific BNDES (Finame) lines for EVs and infrastructure installed in residences

Is it worth traveling by electric car in Brazil?

As we have seen throughout this article, the idea of taking a road trip across Brazil in an electric SUV no longer seems so unlikely — on the contrary, it is becoming increasingly feasible.

Yes, there are still challenges, mainly in relation to charging infrastructure in more remote areas and the need for more detailed planning. But charging stations are spreading rapidly, technologies are advancing, and the government has announced tax incentives. Brazilians are more likely to drive electric SUVs to start road trips, exploring the country in a cleaner and more economical way.

And if you are looking for the ideal model to start this new phase of mobility, the GAC AION V is an option that stands out.

This electric SUV combines extended range, premium comfort, and advanced safety technology, all designed for those who value freedom on the road and peace of mind behind the wheel.

• Range of up to 650 km on a single charge, ideal for traveling long distances without constant interruptions;
• Front seats with 8-point massage function, offering unparalleled comfort even on the longest journeys;
• One-touch bed mode in the front seats, transforming a break on the road into a real moment of rest;
• Seven airbags distributed throughout the cabin and proactive safety systems, providing maximum protection for all occupants;
• Driving assistance, stability, and energy regeneration technologies that adapt well to the diverse conditions of Brazilian roads.

Want to experience all this for yourself?

Send us an email about the GAC AION V and discover what it's like to take a car trip with more autonomy, more comfort, and zero emissions.

Because the future of mobility isn't just urban—it's ready to hit the road with you.