The EV Road Trip Revolution
Road tripping in an electric vehicle was once considered brave. Today, it's just... normal. With networks like Tesla Supercharger and Electrify America covering major routes, and charging apps providing real-time data, EV road trips are more accessible than ever.
But there are still nuances that can make or break your journey. Here are 15 essential tips from thousands of miles of electric road tripping.
Before You Go
1. Know Your Real-World Range
Your EV's EPA range is tested under ideal conditions. Real-world range depends on:
- Speed - Highway speeds of 75+ mph can reduce range by 20-30%
- Temperature - Cold weather can cut range by 20-40%
- Terrain - Mountain driving uses more energy (but you gain some back descending)
- HVAC use - Heating especially impacts range significantly
A general rule: plan for 70-80% of your EPA range at highway speeds.
2. Pre-Condition Your Battery
Most EVs can pre-condition (warm or cool) the battery when navigation is set to a charging station. This optimizes the battery temperature for faster charging.
Enable this feature - it can shave 10-20 minutes off each DC fast charging stop.
3. Map Your Charging Stops in Advance
Don't wing it. Before any road trip:
- Use A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) or your EV's built-in planner
- Identify primary and backup charging stations at each stop
- Note station amenities (restaurants, restrooms, attractions)
- Check recent user reviews for reliability issues
4. Download Offline Maps
Cell coverage can be spotty in rural areas. Download offline maps for:
- Google Maps / Apple Maps
- Your EV's navigation (if available)
- Charging apps like PlugShare
5. Set Up All Charging Accounts
Create accounts and add payment methods for:
- Tesla (if accessible to your vehicle)
- Electrify America
- ChargePoint
- EVgo
- Any regional networks on your route
Don't fumble with registration when you're low on charge at 11 PM.
On the Road
6. Charge to 80%, Not 100%
DC fast charging slows dramatically above 80% state of charge. The time to go from 80% to 100% can equal the time to go from 10% to 80%.
The optimal strategy: Charge to 60-80% at each stop, then move on. You'll spend less time charging overall.
7. Arrive at Chargers with 10-20% Battery
Arriving with a nearly empty battery maximizes charging speed. Most EVs charge fastest between 10-50% state of charge.
Don't cut it too close - aim for 10-20% arrival to maintain a safety buffer.
8. Match Charging Stops with Meals
The best charging stops are at locations where you'd want to stop anyway:
- Restaurants
- Rest areas with amenities
- Scenic viewpoints
- Shopping centers
A 30-minute charge while eating doesn't feel like waiting at all.
9. Use Idle Time Productively
While charging:
- Stretch and walk around
- Use restrooms
- Grab coffee or snacks
- Check in on the next leg's charging options
- Enjoy the scenery
EV road trips naturally build in more breaks, which many find actually makes the journey more enjoyable.
10. Monitor Charger Availability
Before arriving at a station, check:
- Real-time availability on ChargeFind or PlugShare
- Number of chargers at the station
- Recent user reports of outages
If your destination charger looks busy or has issues, route to your backup option proactively.
Handling Challenges
11. Always Have a Backup Plan
For each planned charging stop, know your alternatives:
- The next nearest DC fast charger
- Level 2 options (slower but reliable)
- Hotels with charging (great for overnight emergencies)
Range anxiety is mostly "planning anxiety" - solve it with good backup plans.
12. Know How to Handle a Broken Charger
Charger not working? Here's the drill:
- Try another cable/plug at the same station
- Move to a different charger
- Call the network's support number (usually on the charger)
- Report the issue in PlugShare/ChargeFind for other users
- Navigate to your backup option
Don't waste time troubleshooting a clearly broken charger.
13. Manage Expectations in Extreme Weather
Cold weather tips:
- Pre-condition before unplugging at home
- Accept longer charging times
- Keep cabin warm while charging (plugged in)
- Plan for 30-40% range reduction in sub-freezing temps
Hot weather tips:
- Park in shade when possible
- Batteries may throttle charging in extreme heat
- Range impact is typically less severe than cold
14. Don't Ignore Warning Signs
Your EV is smart. Pay attention to:
- Battery temperature warnings
- Range estimates dropping faster than expected
- Charging speed significantly below normal
Address issues before they become emergencies.
Making It Enjoyable
15. Embrace the EV Road Trip Lifestyle
EV road trips are different—and many find them better:
- Built-in breaks keep you refreshed and alert
- Quieter driving reduces fatigue
- Lower fuel costs leave money for experiences
- Planning ahead often reveals great stops you'd otherwise miss
The drivers who enjoy EV road trips most are those who embrace the slightly different rhythm rather than fighting it.
Sample Road Trip Planning
Here's how I'd plan a 500-mile road trip:
- Day before: Charge to 100% at home (the exception to the 80% rule)
- Start: Leave with full battery, ~300 miles real-world range
- Stop 1 (180 miles): 25-minute charge to 80% while grabbing breakfast
- Stop 2 (340 miles): 30-minute charge to 75% with lunch
- Arrival (500 miles): Arrive with ~15% remaining
Total charging time: ~55 minutes
Total trip time: ~8.5 hours (similar to gas with food stops)
Conclusion
EV road trips are no longer an adventure in the "will we make it?" sense. With proper planning and these tips, they're simply a different—and often more relaxing—way to travel.
The key is preparation. Know your car's real-world range, map your stops, have backups ready, and embrace the journey. The open road is just as open in an EV.
Ready to plan your first EV road trip? Use ChargeFind to map charging stations along any route.