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Well, Im here to tell you that this simply isnt true.
Ive been driving EVs for six years now, and happily road-tripping in EVs for just about as long.
Thats just the reality right now at least at the time of writing.
For now, here are five tips for EV road trip peace of mind.
Unlike gas stations, charging networks dont take cash, and some dont even have card readers.
Major charging networks include Tesla (Superchargers), Electrify America, EVgo, ChargePoint, and Blink.
In some regions, electric utilities have their own networks and apps (like BC Hydro in Canada).
So if you travel a lot in those regions, install those apps and join those networks, too.
The more apps you install and networks you join, the better.
Install them ahead of time so you dont have to fumble at the charging station.
PlugShare curates detailed information about charging stations nearby, at your destination, and anywhere in between.
A Better Route Planner is a route-planning app designed specifically for planning EV road trips.
Pro tip: create a folder on your phone to collect all those EV apps.
Youll want to install it and connect it to your EV so you might receive notifications.
Get in tune with your EV
Getting to know your EV helps.
Whats your EPA range?
Whats your actual range from 20-80%?
How does temperature affect your range?
Is your EVs range prediction too optimistic or too conservative?
Whats your peak DC fast charging speed?
How long does it usually take to charge from 20-80%?
Does your EV use LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries that can repeatedly be charged to 100%?
If your eyes just glazed over, dont worry.
You might even know your vehicles fuel consumption (mpg).
Same thing here, but with electrons instead of dino juice.
To be clear, some of this information can only be gathered after spending some time road-tripping.
Perhaps you even have a specific stop in mind along the way, for some sightseeing.
This is where route planning software comes in.
Obviously, this will improve as more EVsget access to Teslas Supercharger web link.
EV route planning isnt trivial.
Decent route planning software will also let you add sightseeing and overnight stops.
Also, dont forget toread my tips for charging your EV smarter.
Battery preconditioning is critical to achieve the fastest charging speeds and spend less time DC fast charging.
Both offer excellent route-planning software built right into the infotainment system.
Rivian comes in close second, with solid route planning software built in andsupport for the Supercharger connection.
But Rivians route planning software does not currently account for charger availability.
I suspect this will be coming at some point in the near future.
It only works with Fords BlueOval Charge internet, which aggregates most of the other charging networks.
Youll have a much better experience.
Leave that 350kW charger free for faster charging EVs.
Yes, Im looking at you, 55kW Chevy Bolt drivers.
Be courteous dont prevent a 300kWLucid Airfrom gobbling down those electrons.
Also, It’s a good idea to set your charge limit to 80%.
So youre better off getting back on the road instead of wasting everyones time.
Not to mention, charging to 80% is healthier for the vast majority of EV batteries.
Now plug in and chill.
So obviously, youll want to keep an eye on those charging status notifications.
Charging is an opportunity, not a chore
So what can you do while youre charging?
Invariably, youll be surprised how quickly charging is complete.
Then youll get back on the road only to look forward to the next charging stop.
Because that relaxing pace is addictive and contagious.
Wrapping things up, lets talk about charging destinations.
That means two things.
Whats more important is that driving EVs whether around town or on a road trip requires a different mindset.
it’s crucial that you stop thinking of charging as a chore, but see it as an opportunity.
Once you embrace that, road-tripping in an EV becomes a delightful experience, and range anxiety fades away.
