From Kyiv to Kharkiv on an electric car: how to get there and where to charge
Driving from Kyiv to Kharkiv in an EV takes around 7 hours. The distance between the cities is 468 km - you won't cover it without at least one charging stop. So you don't end up hunting for a station mid-drive, here's where to charge along the route and what it costs.
The Kyiv-Kharkiv route for an EV
You can reach Kharkiv from the capital via the M-03 international highway, part of the European E40 route. The road is well maintained, and charging stations appear regularly - you don't need to plan every stop in advance.
You can view a ready-made route with markers on Google Maps - handy if you want to see the whole drive on one map before you set off.
Where to charge along the way
The M-03 highway has several TOKA stations, plus stations from other operators. Since these points open, close, and change addresses over time, the most reliable option is the TOKA charging station map - it shows real-time status rather than an outdated list.
Kharkiv itself also has TOKA stations - check the Kharkiv station map to find the one closest to your destination.
How much charging costs and how to pay
The rate depends on the station and time of day, so check the current charging rates rather than relying on figures from older articles - they change. Your TOKA app balance can be topped up via a terminal, Monobank, or PrivatBank. Stations run 24/7.
Comfortable stops along the way
Most TOKA stations sit at busy transport hubs, near supermarkets, or close to cafes and gas stations. While your car charges, you can grab a coffee or a bite to eat - and come back to a car that's nearly ready to go.
Practical tips for the trip
Our network has over 1,700 ports across Ukraine, and most EVs on Ukrainian roads support Type 2 for AC charging and CCS2 or CHAdeMO for fast DC charging - these types cover the M-03 route best. Before you leave, install the TOKA app for Android or iOS: it shows the station map and operating hours, and lets you start a charging session contactlessly.
Some of the drivers we work with plan stops by charge level rather than mileage - leaving at 100% and stopping at 15-20% is more efficient than frequent short top-ups.
Frequently asked questions
What is the distance from Kyiv to Kharkiv by electric car?
468 km via the M-03 highway (E40).
How long does the drive take?
About 7 hours, including one or more charging stops.
Can you make the trip without charging?
No - 468 km exceeds the range of most EVs on the market, so at least one charging stop is necessary.
How much does charging cost on the way?
The rate depends on the station and time of day. Check the current rates before you leave.
