Things To Consider When Planning A Road Trip In Your Electric Car
Spring is finally here, and you’re ready to hit the road. Chances are you’re excited about the time off and the opportunity to engage in things you enjoy. Although you’re not new to planning road trips, you’re a bit apprehensive because it’s your first time taking an electric vehicle (EV). Perhaps you’ve heard horror stories from other EV owners that you don’t want to repeat. While no plan is foolproof, there are ways to ensure that your time on the road is a positive experience. Continue reading for advice.
Reduce Advertised Driving Range
Most EVs have an advertised driving range of about 200 – 300 miles. Be that as it may, other factors can alter this range. For instance, speeding, cold temperatures, using the heat/ac and charging external devices. Therefore, EV drivers are encouraged to reduce their mileage expectancy so they don’t run into problems. So, if your car is supposed to get 250 miles per charge, reduce it to 150 to be on the safe side.
Fully Charge Your EV Before You Depart
Although you might be driving a route that has multiple public charging stations, it’s always best to ensure you have a full charge before leaving home. Plug your EV into your level 1 or level 2 charger the night before (or at least a few hours before). That way, if you can’t access a public charger right away, you’re not anxious about getting stranded.
Know Charger Requirements For Your EV
Not all charging stations are created equal. While one unit may work wonders for one EV, it may not be best for yours. You’ll want to consider the specifications of the year, make, and model of your vehicle. You should also think about things like charging time and wi-fi capabilities. Level 1 chargers tend to take much longer and don’t have many additional features. However, a level 2 charger will give you a quick energy boost and have features like wireless access to keep track of your charging process from your smartphone.
Map Out Your Route In Advance
Some people like to be carefree and just wing it when taking a road trip. However, this isn’t ideal for someone that’s driving an electric car. You must ensure that your chosen route has access to public charging stations. There are smartphone apps available that allow you to map your route based on your car’s specifications. You enter the type of EV you have, and it will tell you the best route to take, where charging stations are, and even how much charge you need to get to your final destination.
Plan To Entertain Yourself While Charging
Going to the gas station and filling up your tank takes a few minutes. However, when charging your EV battery, you’re looking at an hour or more of downtime. As a result, it’s ideal to pencil in something entertaining. You could grab a bite to eat, go for a walk, shop, play with your kids, or just relax in your vehicle listening to music.
Consider EV-Friendly Hotels
Last but not least, when taking a trip with an EV, look for hotels that have charging stations for their guests. Ultimately, it enables you to get a free charge when you’re in your room. That way, when you decide to go out exploring, you’re not driving on a low battery. You can use a mobile app to identify EV-friendly hotels or inquire before making your reservation.
There’s nothing like an old-fashioned road trip to jump-start the world’s busiest travel season. The temperatures are just right, there’s less traffic on the road, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy. However, if this is your first time going on a road trip in an electric vehicle, you must plan with precaution. The last thing you want is to end up stranded when you should be having a good time. Fortunately, you can avoid many mishaps you hear EV drivers complaining about by using the tips and advice provided above.