Road Trip Ready: How to Plan Your Journey with an EV

With adequate preparation, your journey can be remarkably hassle-free.

Preparing for an extended family road trip typically involves tasks like packing suitcases, stocking up on snacks, adding some pillows for comfort, and refueling the gas tank. However, if you’re driving an electric vehicle, you can skip the refueling step and ensure the battery is sufficiently charged for the journey. Surprising as it may sound, EVs are now viable for road trips, thanks to advancements in batteries and other features. Nonetheless, there are a few key considerations to be aware of before embarking on your electric-powered adventure, distinct from the traditional gasoline-powered road trip.

Planning the Range for Your Road Trip

Embarking on a long-distance journey in an electric vehicle (EV) offers numerous advantages, such as saving on fuel costs and contributing to environmental conservation by avoiding the use of fossil fuels. In certain states, drivers may enjoy perks like access to high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, and EVs typically provide storage space that is at least twice as much as that of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

Moreover, contrary to common perception, road trips with EVs can cover substantial distances. Many modern EV models boast impressive ranges, alleviating concerns about limitations on travel. Whether your electric vehicle has a range of 100 or 300 miles, being well-prepared for unique situations is possible with a bit of research before hitting the road.

When planning your road trip, consider the following:

1. Familiarize yourself with the location of charging stations along your route, and opt for rapid chargers when possible.
2. Pack lightly to maximize your vehicle’s range.
3. Choose hotels that offer on-site charging stations.
4. Embrace and enjoy the journey.

Mapping Out Your Itinerary: Navigating the Charging Challenge

Imagine you’re embarking on a road trip from Buffalo to Boston for a delightful long weekend, eager to savor New England-style clam chowder. The journey spans just under 500 miles each way, and your recently acquired electric vehicle (EV) boasts a range of 250 miles on a full charge. Anticipating the need for at least one charging stop along the route, strategic planning in advance can ensure the success of your road trip.

Establish Your Charging Itinerary

While you have the flexibility to plan your route as you wish, always factor in how you will manage your EV’s range before starting your journey. This involves mapping out charging stations along the route, considering both planned and unplanned stops. Utilizing an EV app is an effective way to monitor battery usage and locate charging stops equipped with compatible chargers.

It’s crucial to identify the type of charger and plug that align with your specific vehicle. If uncertain, consulting your car’s manual or the manufacturer’s website before hitting the road is advisable.

Certain manufacturers, such as Tesla and GM, offer dedicated charging networks for their drivers. Tesla has even opened its network to all EV drivers, while GM, in a late 2021 announcement, revealed plans to expand its infrastructure by installing up to 40,000 EV charging stations across the U.S. and Canada.

Opt for an Electric Vehicle Travel Planning App

There are various EV travel apps, some integrated into electric vehicles, while others are accessible on laptops or smartphones. These apps aid in route planning, station location, provide pricing details, and even notify you about potential wait times for charging. Here are some recommended favorites:

1. EVHotels: Assists in finding hotels with charging stations, indicating free public chargers, and those exclusively for hotel guests. (Available on iOS only)
2. Google Maps: Offers a special built-in version for certain EVs, allowing you to estimate your car’s battery charge upon arrival and helps in selecting charging stations along your route.
3. PlugShare: Enables searching for free and paid charging stations based on location, network, and charging connection type. The app allows for payment and trip planning.
4. ChargeHub: Utilizes a community of EV owners to locate the nearest public charging station, irrespective of the network.
5. Electrify America: Provides access to fast chargers nationwide, with select support for Level 2 chargers. The app offers members-only pricing and special features.
6. Open Charge: A crowdsourced map of charging stations claiming to be the largest in the world.
7. Chargeway: Works with multiple charging networks, displaying stations compatible with your specific EV and assisting in planning road trips by estimating charging times. It also provides information about nearby shops and restaurants.
8. EVgo: A charging network with an app that helps drivers locate available charging stations in real-time and facilitates payment through the app.

Stay Adjustable

1. If you’re concerned that the stations you mapped out for your route might not be compatible with your EV cable, use your app to modify your route or locate new stations as needed.
2. When planning your journeys, prioritize locating Level 3 stations with DC fast chargers, preferably in malls or near restaurants, allowing you to dine or shop while waiting. These chargers can typically bring your vehicle’s battery to 80 percent or more in less than an hour.
3. Less efficient Level 2 chargers may take up to eight hours for a full charge and are better suited for overnight stays.
4. Level 1 chargers may not significantly expedite your journey unless you plan on staying in one location for several days.