EV 101: How To Get The Most Out Of Your EV Road Trip

Gone are the days when electric vehicles (EVs) were confined to short city commutes. Thanks to advancements in EV battery technology and an ever-expanding charging network, the American road trip experience is now fully accessible to EV owners.

Whether you are cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway or exploring the back roads of New England, here is a breakdown of how to take your EV on a road trip that can bring you there with style, efficiency, and a lower carbon footprint.

Planning Your EV Adventure

The key to a successful EV road trip lies in thoughtful and thorough preparation. Start by selecting the right EV for your journey. Modern EVs such as the Tesla Model S or the Chevrolet Bolt EV provide ranges exceeding 250 miles on a single charge, making them ideal for long-distance travel. With this in mind, knowing your EV’s range will assist you in understanding the number of miles you can travel in your selected EV.

Read More: Four EVs Priced Below $40,000 with Over 250 Miles of Range

Moreover, consider factors such as cargo space and performance capabilities, especially if your route includes varied terrain or camping stops. For cargo space, the more weight that an EV carries will deplete its driving range. Since an EV’s battery already carries significant weight, the additional weight should be accounted for based on the amount of items you bring. As for performance capabilities, the higher the power of the EV, the more the driving range will deplete. As a result, take notice of how long your EV’s battery is capable of lasting before you embark on the road.

Read More: EV 101: What You Need To Know About EV Batteries 

Mapping Your Route

Once you have chosen your EV, it is time to plan your route. Utilize apps like PlugShare or ChargeHub to locate charging stations along your way. For Google Map users, the app has implemented new features that shows EV chargers near you and also road trip planning features as well. These tools allow you to visualize your journey, factoring in both your desired destinations and necessary charging stops. Remember to build in a 10% buffer for your EV’s range to account for unexpected detours or efficiency variations.

Maximizing Efficiency on the Road

To get the most out of your EV’s range, here are some tips to keep in mind to practice efficient driving techniques:

• Maintain a steady speed, ideally around 50 mph to 60 mph on highways
• Use regenerative braking to recapture energy
• Avoid aggressive acceleration and heavy use of climate control
• Keep your tires properly inflated and ensure you have EV tires on
• Travel light to reduce weight

Smart Charging Strategies

Plan your charging stops strategically. Many EVs can recharge up to 80% of their battery in under an hour at DC fast-charging stations. Look for charging locations near restaurants, shopping centers, or points of interest to make the most of your charging time. Furthermore, some hotels now offer overnight charging for guests, allowing you to start each day with a full battery. Interestingly, Airbnb has also implemented access to over 900,000 ChargePoint network chargers in the country, displaying that your overnight charging questions can be quickly answered.

One of the joys of EV road tripping is the opportunity to explore off the beaten path. While charging, take time to discover local attractions, sample regional cuisine, or simply enjoy a relaxing break. Some charging stations now are located in or near historical attractions such as the Rivian Yosemite Charging Outpost, which was transformed from a historic gas station into a state-of-the-art EV charging hub with a library, lounge area, and more, located in Groveland, California. As a result, the slight pause in your journey can become an integral part of the adventure itself.

Importantly, be aware that extreme temperatures can affect your EV’s range. In very cold or hot conditions, your EV may lose up to 30% of its usual range. Factor this into your planning, especially when traveling through areas with dramatic climate shifts.

Read More: How to Keep Your Electric Car Going Far, No Matter the Weather

Journeying On The Electric Road Ahead

As charging infrastructure continues to expand and EV technology advances, EV road trips will only become easier and more accessible. As of recently, the U.S. has passed over one third to its goal of 500,000 charging ports by 2030, with a total of charging ports to 190,500 across the country as of date. With the current network already supports cross-country travel, there will be more high-power charging stations promising even faster charging times in the near future.

Embarking on a road trip with your EV will certainly offer a unique blend of EV technology and classic American adventure. With proper planning and a spirit of exploration, you can enjoy all the freedom of the open road while reducing your environmental impact. As more drivers make the switch to electric, we are witnessing the dawn of a new era in road trip culture, one that is cleaner, quieter, and just as thrilling as ever.

Want to learn more about EV? Thinking of buying an EV? Head over to EV.com and discover more.