Traveling by Electric Car Through Paraná: Routes, Charging Stations and Tips

Is Paraná ready for electric trips?

The short answer is: yes, for most routes. Paraná has 1,281 charging points distributed across the state, with a concentration on the main highways and cities. The best-served corridors are:

• BR-376 (Curitiba → Coast): charging stations in Morretes, Paranaguá and the beaches
• BR-376/PR-445 (Curitiba → Londrina): points in Ponta Grossa, Maringá and Londrina
• BR-277 (Curitiba → Foz do Iguaçu): coverage in Guarapuava, Cascavel and Foz
• BR-116 (Curitiba → São Paulo): a well-served route with charging stations every 100-150 km

There are still stretches with wider spacing between chargers, especially in the western interior. For those routes, planning is key — but perfectly feasible with the EVs available today. To start the trip with a high battery, see the Elektro Charge charging stations in the Curitiba region.

Route 1: Curitiba → Paraná coast (100 km)

The most common trip for Curitiba residents: heading down the Serra do Mar to Morretes, Paranaguá or the beaches of Matinhos and Guaratuba.

With any modern EV (range of 280+ km), this route is done without any charging stop. The only thing to watch is the return: the mountain climb uses more energy. Leave the coast with at least 50% battery and you'll arrive comfortably.

Local tip: before heading down the mountains, stop by Elektro Charge in Pinhais to ensure a 100% charge. Besides leaving with a full battery, you can have breakfast at the restaurants alongside before hitting the road.

Route 2: Curitiba → Ponta Grossa (180 km)

The capital of the Campos Gerais, Ponta Grossa is a frequent destination for business and tourism (Vila Velha, Buraco do Padre). The route via the BR-376 is fast and well served.

• Distance: 180 km via the BR-376
• Range needed: 220 km (safety margin)
• Charging stations: at least 3 DC points on the route and in Ponta Grossa
• Mandatory stop? No for EVs with 300+ km of range. Yes for the Dolphin (leave with 100%)

For those with a BYD Yuan Plus or Seal, the trip is done without a stop. For the Dolphin and ORA 03, leave with a full charge and you'll arrive with 30-40% to spare — enough for the day and to recharge in Ponta Grossa before heading back.

Route 3: Curitiba → Londrina (380 km)

This one is already a trip that requires planning. It's 380 km that no popular EV does on a single charge at highway speed.

The ideal strategy: leave Curitiba with 100%, stop in Ponta Grossa (~180 km) for a quick 20-30 minute charge (grab a coffee while you're at it), and continue to Londrina comfortably. The BYD Seal does this route with just one quick stop; the Dolphin and ORA 03 may need two shorter stops.

Route 4: Curitiba → Foz do Iguaçu (640 km)

The great Paraná adventure. It's 640 km via the BR-277, passing through Guarapuava and Cascavel. It's the longest route and the one that requires the most planning.

• Distance: 640 km via the BR-277
• Recommended stops: 2 to 3 stops (Guarapuava, Cascavel)
• Stop time: 60–90 minutes total
• Total travel time: ~8h30 to 9h (vs ~7h30 for combustion)
• Estimated savings: R$ 130–160 (electric) vs R$ 350+ (gasoline)

This route adds about 1 hour to the total travel time compared to a combustion car. In exchange, you save more than R$ 200 on fuel. The time difference shrinks if you consider that stops for food and rest are already part of any long trip.

The electric car trip isn't about arriving faster — it's about arriving spending less, polluting zero and turning mandatory stops into quality moments.

Route 5: Curitiba → São Paulo (410 km)

The interstate route most traveled by Paraná residents. The BR-116 (Régis Bittencourt) already has good charging-station coverage.

• Distance: 410 km via the BR-116
• Stops: 1 to 2 stops (Registro, Juquitiba)
• Stop time: 30–50 minutes total
• Total time: ~6h30 (vs ~5h45 for combustion)
• Coverage: excellent — charging stations every 80-120 km

This is the route with the best charging infrastructure on the Paraná/São Paulo stretch. With well-distributed charging stations, it's a relaxed trip even for EVs with 280 km of range.

Essential tips for electric road trips

Before leaving

• Plan the stops: use apps like Tupinambá or PlugShare to map charging stations on the route
• Leave with 100%: for trips, charge fully — including LFP batteries
• Check availability: some charging stations go offline. Always have a plan B
• Inflate your tires: the correct pressure can add 20-30 km of real range

During the trip

• Speed is the enemy of range: at 120 km/h, consumption is 25-35% higher than at 100 km/h
• Use aggressive regeneration: activate "strong" regenerative braking mode on the descents
• Air conditioning uses little: contrary to what people think, the A/C reduces range by only 5-8%
• Charge to 80% at stops: more efficient than waiting until 100%

Preconditioning

In the Paraná winter, when temperatures drop below 10°C, a cold battery accepts charging more slowly. Most modern EVs preheat the battery automatically when you set the GPS to a charging station. Use this function — it can reduce charging time by up to 30%.

Start in Pinhais

Before taking any route, make sure your EV has a full charge. Elektro Charge in Pinhais, on Av. Maringá, is the ideal starting point: 60 kW DC, CCS2, 24 hours. Arrive early, have breakfast at the restaurant alongside while the car charges, and leave with 100% for the road.

For those returning from a trip, Elektro Charge is also a strategic stop: recharge before getting home, especially if you don't have a wallbox and need a charge for the next day.