How to Plan and Charge Electric Vehicles on Road Trips

Photo by Juice from Unsplash

Imagine gliding down an open highway, your electric vehicle humming quietly beneath you. There are no gas stations in sight, just pure electric freedom. Taking an EV on a road trip may seem crazy, but it’s also gratifying and perfectly aligns with sustainable living.

This guide will help you become a road trip expert in planning where and when to charge your electric vehicle. It covers everything from identifying charging stations to optimizing your route for maximized battery efficiency. Get ready for an electrifying journey!

Getting Ready For An EV Road Trip

Assess Your EV’s Range and Capabilities

Before you set off, you should know how far your electric car can drive and what it does. Knowing how far a single charge can take can help you plan your stops. Detailed specifications are available from the vehicle manual or manufacturer websites. Driving speed, terrain, and weather conditions all impact your range, so leave some extra room.

Plan Your Route

The App Store might have tools like PlugShare or A Better Routeplanner to plot your trip. Using these tools, you can find charging stations anywhere on your route. This will avoid the stressful hunt for a charger with almost empty battery levels. 

Plan scenic routes with charging stations to maximize your journey. You can also filter for charging stations with amenities like restaurants or shops, making a charge break fun.

Have the Essentials

Bringing the right gear with you is essential to a successful EV road trip. Ensure you have all the cables or chargers to accommodate various connectors at charging stations. Don’t forget essentials like the perfect Tesla windshield wiper blades for clear visibility during unpredictable weather.

Pack a bag with a medical kit and any other emergency supplies you might need. Books or games can also be good entertainment options for keeping you company while waiting.

After completing these steps, you will be ready to start driving an electric vehicle without hesitation and explore new areas as if you’ve been doing it for ages.

Locating & Using Charging Stations

Types of Charging Stations

Knowing the different charging station types is essential for planning an electric car road trip.

• Level 1 chargers are the slowest and plug into a standard household outlet. A complete recharge may take as long as 20 hours. These are perfect for charging overnight at your destination.
• Level 2 chargers are the most accessible and can replenish an electric vehicle battery with at least adequate power. These are 240-volt outlets similar to those used for dryers.
• DC Fast Chargers are the quickest and the most effective, charging the vehicle to 80% within half an hour.

Using Charging Networks

Electric vehicle owners are also becoming more likely to join owner-paid charging networks, each with separate apps based on region and different subscription models. Tesla Supercharger and ChargePoint are two of the most prominent examples. Membership network plans allow users to reap discounted rates and access more stations. There are also pay-as-you-go alternatives for individuals who prefer to avoid committing.

Navigating Charging Stations

Having a detailed plan is crucial. Understanding the locations and types of various networks/chargers to seek out will help make your road trip smoother and more enjoyable. Find charging stations using apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, and A Better Routeplanner. These apps will tell you the stations’ locations and offer current status, user reviews, and photos. 

Simply plug in your vehicle and follow the instructions via the app or on the station to begin charging. Note that some stations will only have membership cards or app access, so ensure you have multiple apps downloaded and accounts set up before embarking on your journey.

Optimizing Your Route for Battery Efficiency 

Driving Habits

Your driving style significantly impacts how far you can go with an EV. Smooth acceleration and deceleration have a comparable, though potentially more noticeable, impact on battery consumption. Using regenerative braking is highly effective because it captures energy during braking and stores it back in the battery. Staying at a consistent speed, preferably using cruise control on highways, can help your vehicle operate more efficiently.

Utilizing EV Features

Pre-conditioning your car—warming or cooling the cabin while it’s still plugged in—can save battery power for when you’re on the road. Keeping the temperature setting moderate and using seat warmers instead of heating the entire cabin can also help increase your range. Also, check your tire pressure because underinflated tires can decrease efficiency.

Choosing the Best Routes

Pick out routes that are not congested or have moderate traffic but be mindful of how different driving conditions impact your battery. Unlike gas-powered cars, EVs perform better in stop-and-go traffic due to their regenerative braking systems, which recover energy during coasting and braking. 

Consider the terrain as well. Flatter routes are typically more efficient for battery usage than hillier ones. The weather can also take a toll on battery life. Extreme cold or heat can reduce your EV’s range. Plan your trip during milder weather conditions if possible. 

Overcoming Potential Challenges

Managing Range Anxiety

Electric vehicle owners often worry about running out of battery before finding a charging station, a concern known as range anxiety. Preparing in advance can counteract this.

When mapping out the route you intend to take, plan at least one charging station checkpoint halfway along your desired course. Don’t let your battery drop below 20%, even if your car can keep running longer. Always make sure to check on your battery. You should allocate extra time for unexpected events as your schedule may go differently than planned.

Handling Unexpected Delays

Some charging stations could be in use or not functioning. If you have a fallback, check your charging apps for other nearby stations. It also helps to know the locations of dealerships for your EV brand since they usually have chargers for emergency use. If you have to wait too long, utilize that time to explore the region, have a meal, or take a walk.

Staying Safe

Safety should always be a priority, especially when charging at night or in unfamiliar areas. If possible, choose a public location, such as the center of a well-lit parking lot. Lock your car and keep valuables out of sight when charging. If you feel uneasy about a particular charging station or if something occurs that affects your comfort level, trust your instincts and find another location. Learn the emergency procedures for your vehicle, including how to disconnect a charging cable manually.

Photo by Priscilla DuPreez from Unsplash

An electric vehicle road trip has advantages: quieter drives, reduced environmental impact, and the chance to explore new places while charging. With this guide, you can confidently embrace the adventure of an EV road trip and enjoy the freedom and excitement of eco-friendly travel. Start planning your next electric adventure today and discover the happiness of sustainable road-tripping.