Tips for EV Road Trips

RVing road trip!

New EV drivers quickly learn how convenient it is to charge overnight at home for local driving, but they may be intimidated by the thought of taking a “road trip” in their EV.

After taking many EV road trips, some over 3,000 miles, here’s some tips to consider:

  • Know your EVs recommended charging practices. You should find them in the owners manual. For day to day driving, most EVs manufacturers recommend charging to 90% and discharging to no less than 10% for best battery life. But for long trips, you can charge to 100%. We like to charge to 100% the night before our trip, and we chose our next charging location with 20% left (based on the nav system), in case we have strong head winds or wet/snowy pavement. These conditions can increase energy use that the nav system can’t anticipate and account for.

  • Use the EV nav system, and PlugShare.com or phone app, to plan your route from charger to charger. There are also other “route finders” available, so use one that you are comfortable with.

  • Plan overnight stays at a location that has, or is close to, a Level 2 or Level 3 charger, so your EV can be fully charged the next morning. Remember EV etiquette - move your EV from the charging stall as soon as it is charged, so others can charge. Place a note on the dash with your cell phone number so others can contact you about moving your car, if needed.

  • Charge during meal and restroom stops to most effectively use time not spent driving. We usually begin the day fully charged, then have breakfast at our first charging stop, etc. Stopping every couple hours to charge, and stretch, walk around, eat, etc., helps you arrive at your destination well rested.

  • If your EV nav system has this feature, set your next charger as your destination. The EV will condition your battery (heat it or cool it) to allow it to charge as quickly as possible when you arrive at the charger.

  • Use charging time to explore where you are. You can find some great parks, trails, etc. while you’re charging. PlugShare pages for each charger include amenities nearby that you may want to visit.

  • Charge only to 80% if that will get you to your next destination with 20% remaining. EVs charge as quickly as possible up to about 80%, then it takes a lot longer time to charge to 100%. So reduce charging time by charging to only 80%, if possible.

  • Think “outside the box”. You can always charge at any outlet. It’s slow but is there if needed. With the correct adapter, you can also charge at any RV park, usually for a small fee, or just camp there overnight and be fully charged in the morning.

  • Keep in mind that speed (aerodynamic drag) is the greatest consumer of energy in any vehicle. Slow down to extend your range. Most EV nav systems are fairly accurate, but driving fast, headwinds, and wet or snowy pavement (which increase tire rolling resistance) can reduce your predicted range.

  • As with any vehicle, don’t carry unnecessary weight, keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressure, slow down, and start/stop conservatively to extend your range.

Remember, “It’s an adventure, not an ordeal!”