So, you’re ready to hit the open road but there’s one twist—you’re driving an electric car.
Great choice!
Not only are you being eco-friendly, but EVs are also pretty darn fun to drive.
But I’ll be real with you: planning a road trip with an electric car does take a little more… strategy.
Fear not! I’ve got you covered with a guide that’ll make your road trip as smooth as a freshly paved highway.
Grab a coffee, we’re diving in!
1. Map Out Your Charging Stops
If you think you can just hit the road and “find a charger when you need one,” let me stop you right there.
Nope.
This isn’t like finding a gas station on every corner.
You’ll need to plan your charging stops in advance.
Apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, or even your car’s own navigation system can show you where the charging stations are along your route.
Pro tip: Over-plan. Even if you think you’ve got enough range to make it to the next stop, why risk it? Find a few backup charging stations just in case your first choice is out of order or (heaven forbid) occupied.
2. Get Familiar with Charging Speeds
Not all chargers are created equal.
Some are fast, others… not so much.
Level 1 chargers are the snails of the charging world (think: hours upon hours to charge), while Level 2 is faster but still not ideal for long road trips.
What you really want are DC Fast Chargers—the speed demons of the EV world. They’ll get you back on the road in about 30 minutes or less.
So, unless you’re planning on reading a novel at every stop, prioritize finding fast chargers. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when you’re not stuck at a slow charger wondering how the people in the gas cars just zip by.
3. Plan for Downtime
Here’s the thing: EV charging does take time, so why not make the most of it?
Look for charging stations near cool attractions, scenic spots, or restaurants.
Some chargers are even located at malls, parks, or tourist spots.
Use that charging time to stretch your legs, grab a bite, or explore a little. Think of it as an opportunity, not a delay.
If you’re stuck at a charger in the middle of nowhere, make it a fun experience!
Download some podcasts, bring a good book, or make friends with fellow EV travelers (they’re usually cool people, I promise).
4. Know Your EV’s Range (and Limitations)
Let’s be real: even the best EVs don’t have the range of gas cars.
That’s okay!
Just make sure you know your car’s capabilities before you set out.
A full charge doesn’t always mean you’re hitting the advertised range.
Things like weather, terrain, and even how much you’ve packed in your car can affect how far you can go.
When in doubt, err on the side of caution and charge up earlier than you think you need to.
No one wants to experience range anxiety, aka staring at your dashboard while praying you make it to the next charger. Not fun.
5. Use Regenerative Braking to Your Advantage
Here’s a nerdy but super helpful tip: use regenerative braking!
This feature in EVs captures energy when you slow down, feeding it back into your battery.
So, when you’re going downhill or cruising at a slower pace, your car is actually recharging a little.
While it won’t give you tons of extra miles, every little bit helps, especially on longer stretches where charging stations might be sparse.
Plus, once you get the hang of it, it feels kind of cool to be “recycling” your car’s energy.
6. Bring a Charging Adapter—You’ll Need It
EV charging stations aren’t always standard.
Some use different types of plugs, so be sure you’ve got the right adapter.
This little lifesaver could be the difference between charging bliss and being stuck at a charger you can’t even use.
Seriously, don’t forget the adapter. You’ll feel like a road trip hero when you whip it out at that crucial moment.
7. Monitor the Weather (It Matters!)
Yep, weather can affect your range—cold weather especially.
When it’s cold, your battery has to work harder, which drains your charge faster.
On the flip side, extreme heat can do a number on your range too. Keep an eye on the forecast and plan your charging stops accordingly.
Oh, and don’t forget about using climate control in the car. Blasting the AC or heater can zap your battery faster than you think.
If you can, use heated seats or a heated steering wheel instead—they’re a bit more efficient.
8. Pack Smart (And Light!)
Overloading your car with too much stuff?
Bad idea.
The more weight you’re carrying, the more energy your EV needs to move it.
So, pack what you need but leave the “just in case” extras at home. This is one of those times where less really is more.
That said, don’t skimp on the essentials.
Bring snacks, water, and, of course, a charging cable (and the aforementioned adapter!). But you can probably leave the kitchen sink behind.
9. Have a Backup Plan
Look, even with the best planning, things can go sideways.
Maybe a charging station is down, or your range is draining faster than expected.
Have a backup plan. Know where you can stop for an overnight charge if things don’t go as planned.
If you’re in an area without a lot of charging options, think about staying at a hotel with a charger. Waking up to a fully charged car? Now that’s the road trip dream.
10. Stay Flexible and Enjoy the Journey
The best part of any road trip?
The unexpected detours!
Yes, EV road trips require a bit more planning, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be fun and spontaneous.
Stay flexible, embrace the slower pace, and use your stops to explore places you might otherwise zoom right past.
Ultimately, road-tripping in an EV is about more than just getting from point A to point B. It’s an adventure in itself.
So, take your time, soak it all in, and enjoy the ride—because, honestly, that’s what road trips are all about!
Now go, you electric road warrior! Your epic EV journey awaits.