Get the Most Out of Your EV Road Trip
Maximize Your Range by Driving Efficiently
Although it may seem obvious, practicing efficient driving habits is the first step you should take when trying to stretch your mileage as far as possible. Avoid heavy use of the throttle including abrupt acceleration. Similarly, take advantage of your EV’s regenerative braking capabilities when slowing gradually to a stop. Another useful tip is to reduce the use of your vehicle’s heater or air conditioner whenever possible since these accessories are responsible for significant battery drain when in constant use.Finally, it’s important to consider the types of climate that you’ll be traveling in. Typically, an ideal EV battery temperature is around 72 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that you should try and keep your vehicle parked in the shade in hot climates and indoors in colder climates for optimized performance and battery life.
Plan Charging Stops Around Dining or Other Activities
With only a little bit of planning in advance, you can ensure that you’ll be able to enjoy activities along the way to your destination while keeping your EV charged up. Since many EVs now have the ability to restore up to 80% of a full battery charge in less than an hour, planning your next meal break or activity near a charging station is the perfect solution.Taking the time to map out potential stops for both food and recreational activities can be extremely helpful. It’s the perfect opportunity to check out a local museum, interesting restaurant, or explore a local nature preserve all while your EV charges up for the next leg of the adventure.
Take Advantage of Apps to Pre-Plan Your Route
Drivers have access to a wealth of trip-planning tools including dedicated apps like PlugShare. Once you’ve determined where you’re headed, use these apps to locate charging stations along your route. You can even compare multiple routes to determine the fastest, most efficient, or most interesting way to reach your destination. By spending a few extra minutes mapping your trip before hitting the road, you can avoid potential headaches and enjoy some of the local attractions along the way.Be Flexible and Have a Backup Plan
No matter if you’re only driving across the state or you’re headed across the country — it’s no secret that a road trip can sometimes have some unexpected surprises. Sometimes Mother Nature won’t cooperate with your plans. Other times, road construction or an accident can cause serious delays on the interstate.It’s important to always add a bit of flexibility to your plans in the event of a delay. Use one of your trip-planning apps to find another charging station if you’re running low on charge. Consider taking a longer route that has more options for charging. Stop early for dinner if it looks like severe weather could cause a delay. Not being confined to a rigid schedule can make a significant difference in your road trip experience.
Consider Your End Destination
While charging networks and infrastructure continue to expand each year, the simple truth is that electric vehicles are better suited to urban environments. That’s not to say that it’s impossible to reach more remote areas — it’s certainly possible with a bit of extra planning. Just take into consideration that sticking to more densely populated cities will always increase your chances of being able to find a public charging station.