How to get from Kyiv to Lviv on an electric car

Driving from Kyiv to Lviv in an EV is no harder than in a petrol car. The key is picking the right highway and knowing where to charge along the way. This article covers two routes, a comparison of distance and time, and practical charging tips from our team.

Two routes from Kyiv to Lviv

There are two options. The first is shorter and faster. The second is more scenic, but longer and has noticeably sparser infrastructure along the way.

Highway M06 - the fastest option

The route runs along the Zhytomyr highway, then follows the E40 through Korostyshiv, Zhytomyr, Novohrad-Volynskyi, Rivne, and Brody. The distance is just over 540 km, and the drive can be done in 5-6 hours.

Highway M07 - longer, but scenic

This route is popular with drivers heading further into Poland. Smooth pavement and Polissya's landscapes make the drive pleasant. But EV charging stations, cafes, and hotels are noticeably scarcer along this stretch, and the route runs 632 km - up to 9 hours on the road.

For an EV trip, we recommend M06: the shorter route means less time on the road and less worry about finding a charge.

Where to charge along the way

The easiest way to plan is the TOKA charging station map - it shows real-time station status. Our network has over 1,700 ports across Ukraine, and M06 is covered well enough that you don't need to plan stops in advance.

For the M06 route itself, with stations marked along the way, you can also check this ready-made Google Maps route - handy if you want to see every stop on one map before you set off.

Before you leave, install the TOKA app for Android or iOS. It shows the station map, finds the nearest one, displays operating hours and current rates, and lets you activate a charging session contactlessly while tracking its progress in real time.

How much does charging cost on the way

The rate depends on the time of day and the station. Rather than relying on outdated figures, check the current charging rates before your trip - they can change. Payment is deducted from your app balance, which you can top up via a terminal, Monobank, or PrivatBank.

While your car charges, most stations have a cafe nearby, and larger towns also have tire shops close by.

Practical tips for long-distance EV trips

In our experience, most EVs on Ukrainian roads support Type 2 (Mennekes) for AC charging and CCS2 for DC - these two connector types cover the Kyiv-Lviv route best. 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.

In winter, build in extra time: range drops by 20-30% at -10°C due to cabin heating and reduced battery efficiency. That's not a reason to skip the trip - just plan for one more stop than you would in summer.

Frequently asked questions

What is the distance from Kyiv to Lviv by electric car?

Via highway M06, it's just over 540 km. Via M07, it's 632 km.

How long does the drive take?

M06: 5-6 hours. M07: up to 9 hours, given the rougher pavement and longer route.

Are there charging stations on the M07 highway?

Yes, but there are noticeably fewer than on M06. If you're planning a route through Polissya, check the TOKA charging map ahead of time and build in extra time to find a charger.

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.