How far can you realistically drive on long road trips using an electric vehicle? Range concerns are among the most common things keeping American drivers from swapping EVs, but is this fear valid? As charging infrastructure and EV effectiveness increase, concerns about losing charge while on a road trip are increasingly becoming a thing of the past. If you are unsure how an EV can be a part of your road trip this year, we want to help you overcome those reservations.
Preparation for Road Trips
Just like a regular vehicle you intend to take on a road trip, preparation is key to a successful EV road trip. However, EVs do have a separate set of things to plan for:
- Vehicle Check: Ensure your EV is in top condition. Check the tire pressure and battery health and ensure all lights function.
- Charge Planning: Know your vehicle’s range and plan your stops. Charging to 80% is recommended for efficiency.
- Route Planning: Use apps or built-in functionality to your EV to find charging stations along your route and plan your stops accordingly. Consider the charger types compatible with your EV.
Selecting optimal charging stops can make or break your road trip experience. While charging stations tend to be slower than a quick gasoline fill, most of the concerns we hear about EVs still involve range anxiety instead of speed. No one wants to get stuck on the side of the road with the nearest charger 50 miles away.
Expert Recommendation: Aim for rapid charging stations to increase your battery life when planning your route and charging stations. The tail-ends of the charging spectrum – 0-20% and 80-100% – are the zones you want to avoid. Depending on the type of EV you have, you may have built-in apps on your car’s dashboard that help plan routes. If not, download one of the many reputable apps that help drivers plan their routes and see info about stations in real-time.
In some cases, the app might take care of all planning, finding the perfect route from point A to point B with minimal downtime. However, you should still have backup plans if the chargers are busy, closed, or not operational.
The At-Home Advantage
While road trips might be an important part of your family’s year, most of the use you will get out of your vehicle will involve daily commutes and outings. Stopping for lunch while you wait for a full charge on a road trip can be a fun family activity, but no one wants to sit at a charging station on their lunch break to refill their daily driver. Luckily, most EV owners never have to rely on public charging stations in their hometown if they take advantage of one particular technology – at-home electric vehicle chargers.
Modern electrical vehicle chargers in 2024 are more than capable of taking a completely out-of-charge car and getting it back in perfect driving conditions with just one overnight charging session. While you sleep soundly in bed, your EV charger will make sure you are ready to take on the next day. Considering the US Federal Highway Administration has found that the average American drives around 30 miles per day, an at-home EV charger can easily charge your vehicle with zero downtime required.
With proper planning, road trips are easily attainable with an electric vehicle. With minimal effort and a new at-home charger, range anxiety is nothing to worry about for your daily commute. Given these two truths, what are you waiting for? If you are ready to make the swap to an EV, contact Promise Electric today to learn how we can help install a charger at your home.
