Exploring Pyrenees without limits: Enyaq and the tent

Exploring Pyrenees without limits: Enyaq and the tent

Join a duo of photographers and explorers as they embark on a road trip through the Pyrenees in a Škoda Enyaq. This expedition combined the beauty of nature with the innovation of electric mobility.

22. 10. 2024 Lifestyle

For cousins Valentin Manhart and Roman Flepp, photography and adventure have always gone hand in hand. Over the last decade, they’ve ventured into the mountains, capturing breathtaking images that inspire others to reconnect with nature. But when the Swiss duo – known as Twintheworld – decided to take their next road trip, they wanted something new. “The Pyrenees have always been on our list,” said Roman. “It’s one of Europe’s largest mountain chains, yet somehow, we never got around to exploring it.”

7_7dd6fe10Škoda Enyaq 85x - ideal for an expedition to the Alps.

In addition to the allure of the Pyrenees, the trip presented another premiere for the cousins – an all-electric journey in a Škoda Enyaq 85x. “Škoda has always been present for us, but we had never had the chance to experience it for ourselves,” Valentin explains. “When the opportunity arose to combine our love for nature with sustainable travel in an electric car, we knew this was the perfect adventure.”

The result? A 2,000-kilometre journey from Switzerland through the French Alps and down into the Pyrenees, all powered by the sleek and spacious Škoda Enyaq. Equipped with a roof tent for overnight stays, the vehicle became more than just a mode of transport – it was their home on the road.

18_5c474ba8Twintheworld - cousins Valentin Manhart and Roman Flepp

Embracing electromobility: sustainable travel at its best

For Twintheworld, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a lifestyle. “We’ve always tried to minimise our carbon footprint,” says Valentin. “In Switzerland, we often rely on public transport for our hikes, but when it comes to road trips, we make a point of choosing electric vehicles whenever possible.” Having already travelled with electric cars in the past, this trip in the Škoda Enyaq felt like a natural extension of their values.

Roman emphasises how well-prepared Europe has become for electric travel. “In the last few years, we’ve seen how many countries have improved their infrastructure for electromobility,” he says. Equipped with Škoda’s Powerpass service and quick-charging stations along the way, the cousins didn’t feel limited by range. “We charged around ten times in total during the trip, usually during meal breaks, so we never felt like we were wasting time,” Valentin adds.

10_c3969f48Škoda Enyaq 85x

The Enyaq’s capabilities really shone in the diverse conditions they encountered, from mountain roads to city streets. “The range was impressive, especially considering the heat and the terrain,” Roman notes. “We didn’t just see the car as transport – it became an essential part of the adventure.”

Comfort on the road: a mobile base camp

The Škoda Enyaq didn’t just impress the duo with its electric performance – it became their reliable companion throughout the trip, providing comfort and practicality. “The Enyaq was spacious but not too large. It was perfect for a road trip,” Roman remarks. With its thoughtfully designed interior, including the cosy Loft selection with fabric and leather seats, the Enyaq offered the explorers a comfortable space to relax between their photography sessions.

DSC_4408-Kopie_207a690aThe roof tent is certainly a lot easier to set up than a standard tent.

One of the highlights of the journey was the vehicle’s roof tent, which turned the Enyaq into a mobile base camp. “We’d never slept in a roof tent before, and it was a game-changer,” Valentin shares. “It’s definitely more comfortable than a regular tent, and quicker to set up, too.” The roof tent allowed the duo to spend nights in remote, scenic locations – like a peaceful evening at Lac d’Émosson and another near the Mas d’Azil cave.

„Choosing the right spot for the night makes all the difference,” Valentin explains. “If you find quiet, serene places, the experience is incredible. Even when the weather turned, the roof tent held up well, offering protection from the elements. “We didn’t have to worry about wind or rain. It felt solid, and after a day of exploring, it was the perfect retreat,” Roman adds.

3_97a9582aThe roof tent proved its worth in any weather.

Conquering the Pyrenees: power and performance

As the road trip continued, the Enyaq proved it wasn’t just built for comfort – it was engineered for performance. Travelling through the challenging terrain of the Pyrenees, Valentin and Roman were impressed by the car’s capabilities. “We were in the mountains a lot, and the all-wheel drive really made a difference,” says Roman. “The traction and stability were incredible, even on rough off-road paths.”

One of the most appreciated features was the recuperation system, which helped the duo manage energy efficiently. “On some of the shorter drives, especially downhill of course, we didn’t consume any energy at all,” Valentin explains. “We even gained back battery power, which meant we could skip some charging stops and keep our journey flexible.” This added freedom allowed them to spend more time capturing the dramatic landscapes they were so eager to photograph.

Their route took them from Switzerland to the Pyrenees, with stunning stops along the way. “We absolutely loved Carcassonne,” says Valentin with a big smile. “The medieval town was one of the most photogenic places we visited, with its castle walls and towers – it felt like stepping back in time.” Other highlights included the serene Lac d’Émosson and the majestic Tour d’Aiguille.

The road ahead: an electrifying future

By the end of their adventure, Valentin and Roman were convinced that electric road trips are the way forward. “After this experience, there’s no doubt that electric vehicles like the Enyaq are perfect for long trips,” Roman points out. “We were well-equipped against all kinds of weather, and the range was more than enough for what we needed.” Their journey not only demonstrated the viability of electromobility but also helped dispel myths about its limitations.

6_66f2acbfŠkoda Enyaq 85x

Reflecting on the trip, Valentin recalls: “The idea that an electric car is risky for road trips is completely outdated. We travelled over 2,000 kilometres and never once felt restricted by the car’s range or performance. Charging was quick, and the Powerpass made it even easier.”

As they drove back through the south of France and into Switzerland, the Enyaq continued to impress them. “Seeing the Jura hills and the Alps come into view as we made our way home – it was a perfect ending,” says Roman. “We’ve had amazing experiences on this trip, and the Enyaq played a huge part in that. It wasn’t just a road trip; it was a journey powered by innovation and a step toward a more sustainable future.”

With memories of the Pyrenees behind them and a newfound confidence in electromobility, Twintheworld are already planning their next adventure. “We’ll definitely be looking to Škoda again for our future trips,” Valentin smiles. “This was just the beginning.”

Feel like exploring? Škoda Enyaq will get you there

The fully electric Škoda Enyaq is the ideal companion for a road trip in the Pyrenees. The Škoda Enyaq 85x in Moon White was used. The “Loft” Design Selection, with seats in a black fabric and imitation leather combination with grey stitching and “Alu-Brushed” decorative inlays on the dashboard and doors, creates a particularly cosy atmosphere in the interior. The Enyaq’s all-wheel drive also provided the photographers with excellent traction and stability on off-road routes. A power output of 210 kW and a pure electric range of 533 kilometres according to WLTP were optimal conditions for the long stretches. To make the journey more flexible and adventurous, the Enyaq was equipped with a roof tent.

DSC_4497-Kopie_e67f2345

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