Are you planning a road trip with your electric car? One of the most important things to consider is how you will recharge your vehicle when you’re on the go.
Unlike gasoline vehicles, electric cars need to be recharged periodically to keep them running. In this article, we’ll explore some ways you can recharge your electric car on a road trip.
Plan Your Route
The first step in recharging your electric car on a road trip is to plan your route. You’ll need to identify charging stations along the way and make sure they are compatible with your vehicle. There are various apps and websites that can help you locate charging stations, such as PlugShare, ChargeHub, and EVgo.
Types of Charging Stations
There are three types of charging stations: Level 1 (120V), Level 2 (240V), and DC fast charging (480V). Level 1 chargers are the slowest and can take up to 20 hours to fully charge an electric car.
Level 2 chargers are faster and can fully charge a vehicle in 4-8 hours, depending on the battery size. DC fast chargers are the quickest option and can charge an electric car up to 80% in just 30 minutes.
Charge Your Car Overnight
If you’re staying at a hotel or Airbnb overnight, see if they have an EV charger available for guests. This will allow you to fully charge your vehicle while you sleep. Make sure to check ahead of time if there’s an extra fee for using the charger.
Fast Charging Stations
DC fast charging stations are the most convenient way to recharge your electric car on a road trip because they provide a quick charge in just a short amount of time. However, they’re not as common as Level 2 chargers and may not be located in every city or town you visit. Plan your route accordingly and make sure to research the locations of fast charging stations.
Public Charging Stations
Public charging stations are located in various places such as parking lots, shopping centers, and rest areas. However, they may not always be compatible with your electric car or may be occupied by other vehicles. Make sure to have a backup plan in case the charging station is unavailable.
Bring an Extension Cord
If you’re staying at a friend’s house or an Airbnb that doesn’t have an EV charger, bring an extension cord with you. This will allow you to plug your Level 1 charger into a regular outlet to recharge your car overnight.
- Tip: Bring a portable charger with you just in case of emergencies. They can provide enough power to get you to the next charging station.
- Tip: Make sure to account for extra time in your road trip schedule for charging stops.
In Conclusion
Recharging your electric car on a road trip requires some planning ahead, but it’s not impossible. With the right resources and mindset, you can enjoy a successful electric road trip while minimizing the impact on the environment. Happy driving!