How to Plan a Road Trip with Electric Vehicles

Planning a road trip is exciting, but if you're considering an electric vehicle (EV) as your mode of transportation, you might have some questions and concerns. Can you make it to your destination without running out of power? Where can you recharge your EV? Is it worth the extra time and effort? Don't let these worries hold you back from hitting the road in an eco-friendly and sustainable way. 

In this blog, we'll guide you through everything you need to know to plan a successful road trip with your electric vehicle. 

Here are some tips and tricks for planning a successful road trip with electric vehicles:

 

1. Choose the Right Electric Vehicle for Your Trip

Some EVs have a longer driving range than others, which might be useful for long road trips. Consider the distance you'll be traveling and the charging infrastructure available on your route. Also, consider the charging time and the type of charging ports available on your EV.

 

2. Know Your Vehicle’s Range

Remember that EVs work differently than gas-powered vehicles. Your vehicle’s estimated range will be affected by your driving style, the climate you’re driving in, and your use of air conditioning or heat. So, take this into consideration when planning your route and daily mileage.

 

3. Check Your Vehicle Before You Leave

Before leaving for your road trip, make sure to check your electric vehicle's battery level, tire pressure, and brakes. These factors can affect your EV's range and performance. It's also a good idea to bring along a portable charger, just in case.

Before you leave on your road trip with your Electric Vehicle, read our comprehensive guide: Summer Car Maintenance Tips

 

4. Plan Your Route Ahead of Time

Public EV charging stations are not as common as gas stations. So, you won’t be able to gas up and leave after 5 minutes. Map out charging stations along your route using online apps. Plan your charging stops based on the distance you can travel on a single charge and the charging speed of the station.

 

5. Look for Accommodation with EV Charging Stations

If you’re planning to spend several days on the road, find accommodation that has free EV charging stations. You can use booking websites like Airbnb and Booking.com, which have a filter for on-site chargers.

 

6. Have a Backup Plan

If and when a charging station is occupied, broken, or malfunctioning, you’ll need to have a backup plan. This means you need to know where an alternate EV station is, or if waiting your turn at the charger is going to affect your overall schedule.

 

7. Plan Charging Stops Around Activities or Meal Breaks

Seek out fast charging stations, which only take around 30-45 minutes to charge your vehicle; this will give you plenty of time to explore the local area. Take a break from driving and enjoy a leisurely stroll around town, visit a nearby attraction, or indulge in a meal or coffee. And while you're at it, don't forget to take a quick bathroom break and freshen up before hitting the road again. 

 

8. Pack Appropriately for Your Electric Vehicle

Pack according to the size of your electric vehicle and the distance you'll be traveling. Avoid overloading your vehicle as it can affect your EV's range. Also, pack a first-aid kit, water, and snacks in case of an emergency.

 

9. Drive Efficiently 

You might not realize it, but every time you use the heater or air conditioner in your electric vehicle, you're using up precious battery life. If you want to make the most of your road trip, try to minimize your use of these creature comforts.

Driving efficiently can help you maximize your electric vehicle's range. Avoid harsh acceleration and heavy braking, as it can drain your battery faster. Use cruise control and regenerative braking to save energy. Also, turn off unnecessary electronics and use eco mode to increase your EV's efficiency. 

Read: Tips to Maintain Your Car's Air Conditioning System

 

Types of Chargers

Before you hit the road, you might want to know about what kind of charger to use at the charging station. Here’s a quick breakdown of EV charging:  

Electric vehicles (EVs) can be charged by three different levels of chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (DC Fast Charger).

• Level 1 charging is the slowest and involves plugging the EV's cord into a standard 120V household or workplace wall outlet, with approximately 8 kilometers of driving range gained per hour of charging.

• Level 2 charging is the more commonly used method, with a more powerful 208V - 240V outlet. It provides approximately 30 kilometers of driving range per hour of charging, and some Level 2 chargers are free to use.

• Level 3 (DC Fast Charger) is the fastest way to charge an EV. This high-voltage (400-900V) direct current (DC) charger can get your battery level to about 80% in under an hour, providing approximately 250+ kilometers of driving range per hour of charging.

Different EV manufacturers use different connectors or plugs, so it's important to check what type of plug your EV has to ensure compatibility with the charging station.

Planning a road trip with electric vehicles can be a unique experience. By choosing the right EV, planning your route, packing appropriately, and driving efficiently, you can enjoy a hassle-free and sustainable road trip.