Planning a long trip with your Electric Vehicle? But don’t know how long will your battery perform? Do not worry, we are here to guide you for your long road trip with EV.
We understand that going on a long trip on an electric vehicle comes with certain challenges, especially, Charging. But fear not, with the right EV charging tools, and with some tips, you can plan your trip smoothly.
In this article, we’ll discuss:
- Understanding your EV’s range and charging needs
- Using EV charging apps for route planning
- Creating a charging schedule
- Preparing for emergencies and backup charging
- Finding destination and solar charging options
- Maximizing your breaks during charging stops
Let’s dive in!
Understanding Your EV’s Range and Charging Needs
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Before you hit the road, it’s essential to understand the range of your EV. Knowing how far your car can go on a full charge helps you plan your route and charging stops effectively. The range of an EV can vary depending on factors such as:
- The type of EV (make and model).
- Driving conditions (e.g., city vs. highway driving).
- External factors like weather conditions (extreme heat or cold).
- Your driving style (faster speeds and rapid acceleration drain the battery quicker).
Range Anxiety – What is it?
It is a common fear among EV owners that they will run out of battery during a long trip. This fear is termed as “Range Anxiety.” But the good thing is with advanced EV tools and developing infrastructure they can plan long trips reducing the chances of low power or dead battery.
Know Your Charging Options
There are mainly three types of EV chargers:
- Level 1 (Home Charging): Home charging is usually slow charging. You can do this by charging the battery overnight. But if you are in a hurry to leave somewhere this is not a good option.
- Level 2 (Public Charging Stations): This is a quick option to charge your EV batteries. This is mainly found at malls, and charging stations. This charging is good while you are on a trip and you can charge the battery while having a break.
- DC Fast Charging: This one is the quickest option to charge your EV batteries. DC fast charging is available at specific charging stations along highways. It can charge up to 80% of your battery in as little as 30 minutes. DC fast charging option is perfect for long-distance road trips.
Pre-Trip Planning with EV Charging Apps
Credits: Canva
Just like you wouldn’t head out on a road trip without checking the route, you shouldn’t plan an EV trip without utilising the right charging apps. EV charging apps can help you locate charging stations along your route, monitor station availability, and even check user reviews of charging points. Some of the popular apps for EV drivers are:
- PlugShare: Shows all available charging stations and provides real-time information like availability, charging speed, and reviews from other users.
- ChargePoint: One of the largest EV charging networks with easy-to-use filters for fast chargers.
- A Better Routeplanner (ABRP): Specially designed for road trips, this app calculates your route with optimal charging stops based on your EV’s range.
What to Look for in an EV Charging App
When choosing an EV charging app, keep an eye out for these features:
- Real-time charger status: Helps you know whether a charger is in use or available.
- Route optimisation: The app calculates the best routes for you, ensuring convenient stops for charging.
- Charging station details: Check if the station offers fast charging, what type of connectors are available, and the cost of charging.
Using these apps can make trip planning much easier, and they act as your guide throughout the journey.
Creating a Charging Schedule
Credits: Freepik
Planning a long trip isn’t just about knowing where the charging stations are. You’ll need to create a charging schedule to ensure that your EV doesn’t run out of juice at a critical point. Here’s how you can do that:
- Know your EV’s driving range: Calculate the range based on the distance between charging stations and plan accordingly.
- Set regular charging intervals: Ideally, plan to stop charging every 100-150 kilometres, depending on your EV’s range.
- Combine charging with meal breaks: Use your charging stops wisely. Plan to have lunch, grab a coffee, or stretch your legs while your EV charges. This will help you make the most of your time on the road.
Identifying Charging Stations Along Your Route
Once you’ve set a rough schedule, the next step is to identify reliable charging stations along your route. Many highways and major roads now have charging infrastructure in place, but it’s always good to have a backup plan.
Here are some tips for finding the best charging stations:
- Use apps to locate them: As mentioned earlier, apps like PlugShare and ChargePoint make it easy to find chargers along your route.
- Check reviews: Don’t just rely on the app’s map – read user reviews to ensure the station is functional and safe.
- Plan around known stations: Avoid heading into remote areas without checking if there’s a charging station available nearby. Stick to highways and popular routes whenever possible to ensure easy access to chargers.
Fast Chargers vs. Regular Chargers
If you are in a hurry, look for DC fast chargers (also known as rapid chargers). These can charge your car in less than an hour and are often found on highways or at major rest stops. Regular Level 2 chargers are more common but can take longer to fully charge your EV.
Preparing for Emergencies – Backup Charging Options
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Even the best plans can go in the wrong direction. To avoid this, you must have a backup plan. What if you reach a charging station and you won’t find a spot to charge your vehicle or the station does not have electricity to charge the vehicle? In such a situation, a backup plan will do wonders.
- Have a portable EV charger: Carrying a portable charger is always a good idea. Though it will charge a bit slow but can be a lifesaver in tough situations.
- Know your roadside assistance options: Big players in the EV industry provide roadside assistance for EV vehicles. Keep their service number in your contact list. You can reach them while having a battery failure or dead battery.
Monitoring Your EV’s Performance During the Trip
While on the road, it’s essential to keep an eye on your EV’s battery life. Monitor your range and adjust your driving style to conserve power when necessary. Here are some tips to make sure your EV stays efficient:
- Drive at a consistent speed: Rapid acceleration and high speeds drain your battery faster. Try to maintain a steady speed to optimise battery life.
- Minimise energy usage: Use climate control features like air conditioning and heated seats sparingly. These can quickly drain your battery.
- Check weather conditions: Cold weather can reduce battery performance, so plan for extra charging stops if travelling during winter.
Taking Advantage of Destination Charging
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One of the best ways to ensure your EV is always charged during a long trip is to make use of destination charging. Many hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions now offer EV charging points for their customers.
- Book EV-friendly accommodations: When planning your trip, look for hotels that provide charging stations. This allows you to charge your EV overnight, so you wake up with a full battery.
- Ask for charging services: Even if a hotel or restaurant doesn’t advertise EV charging, it’s worth asking if they have an outlet you can use.
Leveraging Solar Charging Options
For eco-conscious travellers, there is a provision of solar charging stations. While these stations are still in the developmental phase, soon they will be installed nationwide. The drawback with these stations is that they do not charge the battery as fast as other charging stations. But the best part about solar charging stations will be that they will utilise solar energy to produce electricity that will further help the environment.
Maximising Charging Time for Productive Breaks
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It is always a good thing to see the positive in everything. While taking EV trips, you can utilise the charging time to relax and explore the places. You can visit nearby attractions, go to eat in restaurants, or just sit back and take a nap or relax.
Here are a few ways to turn charging stops into a fun part of your trip:
- Explore local sights: If you’re charging in a town or near an attraction, take the time to do a little sightseeing.
- Plan meals around charging stops: Enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner while your EV charges, making the stop feel less like a waiting game.
- Stay active: Use the opportunity to go for a short walk or do some stretches to avoid fatigue from driving.
Conclusion
Taking a long road trip with an electric vehicle can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. With the right planning tools and a bit of preparation, you can have a smooth journey without worrying about running out of battery. From understanding your EV’s range to using charging apps and planning for emergencies, there are plenty of ways to ensure your trip goes off without a hitch.
So, start planning your next EV adventure today, and remember – charging breaks are just another part of the fun!
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