Beatrice Lang
Driving across the country in an electric vehicle (EV) is possible but requires careful planning. While EVs are praised for their environmental and economic benefits, they are often questioned for their ability to make lengthy drives. This concern, known as range anxiety, is a major hurdle for potential EV buyers. However, with the growing popularity of EVs, the number of charging stations has also increased, making cross-country trips more feasible. Planning the route in advance and locating charging stations along the way can help ensure a successful journey.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Range | 250-275 miles per charge |
| Charging time | Relatively fast up to 80% |
| Charging stations | Available at campgrounds, stations, and national parks |
| Charging apps | Electrify America, Plugshare |
| Charging challenges | Rural areas, inclement weather, charger availability |
| Route planning | Required, especially for charging stops |
| Charging costs | Free in California and at some national parks |
| Charging convenience | Easier than gas stations, no debit card required |
| Charging network | Tesla's Superchargers, Electrify America |
| Charging speed | May be slower than expected |
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What You'll Learn
Planning your route
Firstly, determine your starting point and destination. This will allow you to calculate the approximate distance of your trip and plan the number of charging stops required. It is important to be mindful that the range of your EV may vary depending on factors such as terrain, weather conditions, and driving speed. For instance, driving through mountainous regions or encountering inclement weather can decrease your range more quickly. Therefore, it is advisable to overestimate the number of charging stops to ensure you don't run out of power.
Next, research and identify reliable charging stations along your route. This step is crucial, as it can make the difference between a smooth journey and being stranded without power. Utilize EV charging station apps and websites, such as Plugshare, Electrify America, and A Better Route Planner, to locate charging stations specific to your EV brand or universal options. Take into account the reviews and ratings of these stations to anticipate potential issues and plan accordingly. For example, some stations may have multiple chargers, but only one or two might be functional or fast enough for your needs.
Additionally, consider joining forces with other EV drivers heading in the same direction. This strategy can provide company and peace of mind, especially if you encounter charging stations with limited functionality or experience delays due to inclement weather. By travelling with a group, you can also share insights on reliable charging stations and best practices for optimizing your EV's performance.
Finally, be prepared for unexpected delays and adjustments. Despite careful planning, unforeseen circumstances such as heavy traffic, road closures, or extreme weather can impact your journey. Remain flexible and be willing to adapt your route or make additional stops as needed. It is also beneficial to familiarize yourself with alternative charging options, such as plugging into standard electrical outlets or utilizing campgrounds with charging facilities.
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Charging times and locations
When it comes to charging your electric vehicle (EV) during a cross-country trip, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to plan your route in advance to ensure you know where the charging stations are located. There are several apps available, such as Electrify America and Plugshare, that can help you find charging stations along your route. These apps provide valuable information, such as reviews from other EV drivers, which can help you make informed decisions about where to charge your vehicle.
In terms of charging times, it's worth noting that EVs charge relatively quickly up to 80%. Once the car reaches 80%, the charging slows down to protect the battery. Therefore, it might be more efficient to do a quick charge to 80% and stop more frequently to charge rather than waiting for a full charge. The charging time can also vary depending on the weather. For example, cold temperatures can slow down the charging process, so using features like Winter Mode can help improve charging performance.
The number of charging stops you'll need to make depends on your vehicle's range and your route. For example, a trip from Seattle, WA, to Miami, FL, in a Tesla Model 3 would require approximately 16 charging stops, while a similar trip in a Ford Mach-e would require 24 stops. It's important to keep in mind that rural areas may have fewer charging options, so planning your route accordingly is essential.
When it comes to specific locations for charging, there are several options available. In addition to dedicated charging stations, you can also find chargers in campgrounds, national parks, and even Walmart parking lots. Some states, like California, offer free charging stations, making it more convenient and cost-effective to charge your EV. It's always a good idea to have a backup plan in case your preferred charging station is unavailable or busy when you arrive.
Overall, while cross-country travel in an EV requires some planning and adjustments, it is definitely possible and can even be pleasurable. With the increasing popularity of EVs, the infrastructure and support for long-distance EV travel are also improving, making it more accessible and convenient for EV owners to explore the country.
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Cost of charging
The cost of charging an electric vehicle varies depending on the location and provider of the charging station. Some charging stations are free to use, such as those found in California and some National Parks. However, on average, it costs around $15 per charge, with prices ranging from $5 to $24. For a 6,000-mile trip, one might expect to pay around $675 in total charging costs. However, with discounts, this could be reduced significantly, with one source claiming their 6,000-mile trip cost only $300.
When planning a cross-country trip, it is important to consider the potential costs of charging your electric vehicle. While electric vehicles are generally cheaper to run than gas-powered cars, the upfront cost of charging can be higher than that of a single tank of gas. Therefore, it is essential to plan your route carefully and take advantage of free or discounted charging stations where possible.
There are several apps available that can help you locate charging stations and plan your route. PlugShare, for example, provides information on all EV charging stations, regardless of brand, and offers up-to-date reviews from other EV drivers. Electrify America is another useful app, offering reliable and easy-to-connect charging stops. It is also worth noting that some states, such as California, are more accommodating to electric vehicles, with a higher number of free charging stations.
When budgeting for a cross-country trip in an electric vehicle, it is a good idea to overestimate the cost of charging to ensure you have enough funds to cover any unexpected expenses. Additionally, be mindful of the potential for credit card issues when travelling outside of your home state or country, as some charging stations may not accept your usual method of payment.
Overall, while the cost of charging an electric vehicle for a cross-country trip can vary, with careful planning and the use of helpful apps, it is possible to keep expenses relatively low and certainly comparable to, if not cheaper than, a similar trip in a gas-powered car.
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Weather conditions
When travelling through different climates, remember to adjust your climate control settings accordingly. This simple adjustment will help conserve battery life and maximise your range. Additionally, be mindful of your speed limit, as higher speeds can significantly reduce your range and battery life. If possible, opt for slower highway speeds to preserve your battery and extend your vehicle's range.
To ensure a smooth journey, it is crucial to research your route and identify potential challenges posed by weather and terrain. This includes being aware of any road closures or changes in traffic due to inclement weather. By planning ahead, you can avoid unexpected delays and have a more enjoyable trip. Remember that weather conditions can impact charging stations as well. For example, during a heat wave, you may encounter longer queues at charging stations as more people are likely to be on the road.
Overall, when driving cross-country in an electric vehicle, staying informed about weather conditions and adapting your driving and charging strategies accordingly can make a significant difference in your trip's ease and efficiency.
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Choosing an EV with sufficient range
When choosing an EV for a cross-country trip, it is essential to consider its range to ensure that you can reach charging stations without running out of power. Different EV models have different ranges, and some can go further on a single charge than others. For example, the Volkswagen ID.4 has a range of 250 miles, while another EV is said to average 275 miles per charge.
The terrain you will be driving through is also a factor to consider when choosing an EV with sufficient range. Driving through mountainous areas or regions with steep inclines can quickly drain your battery. In such cases, it is advisable to opt for an EV with a higher range or one that supports fast charging to quickly top up your battery when needed.
In addition to the vehicle's range, the availability and compatibility of charging stations along your route are crucial considerations. It is important to research the locations of charging stations and ensure that they are compatible with your EV's charging system. Using apps like Plugshare can help you locate charging stations, including free ones in national parks, and provide up-to-date information and reviews from other EV drivers.
When planning a cross-country trip in an EV, it is recommended to have a charging strategy in place. This may include taking advantage of regenerative braking in cities, which can extend your range. Additionally, some drivers find that charging their EV to 80% and stopping more frequently to top up can be more efficient than waiting for a full charge.
By carefully considering the range of the EV, the terrain of your trip, the availability of charging stations, and developing a charging strategy, you can make an informed decision when choosing an EV with sufficient range for your cross-country journey.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to drive cross-country in an electric vehicle. However, it requires careful planning and mapping out the route to ensure access to charging stations.
There are several apps available that can help locate charging stations, such as Electrify America, Plugshare, and A Better Route Planner. These apps provide up-to-date information and reviews from other electric vehicle drivers.
The frequency of charging stops depends on the vehicle's range and the distance travelled. On average, electric vehicles can get around 250-275 miles per charge. It is recommended to plan the route accordingly and take advantage of charging stations along the way.
It is important to be flexible and adapt to unforeseen circumstances, such as inclement weather or charger availability. Additionally, consider joining a cohort of other electric vehicle drivers heading in the same direction for company and support. Lastly, utilize the spacious cabin design of electric vehicles for storage and comfort during the trip.
