Can I Do a Road Trip With an Electric Car?

By Anna Duncan

Road trips are a popular pastime for many people, but with the rise of electric cars, many are wondering if it’s possible to go on a road trip with one. The short answer is yes, but there are some considerations to keep in mind.

Range Anxiety

One of the biggest concerns about taking an electric car on a road trip is range anxiety. This is the fear that you will run out of battery power before reaching your destination or the next charging station. However, modern electric cars have significantly improved ranges and charging times compared to their earlier counterparts.

Plan Your Route

Before embarking on your road trip, it’s important to plan your route carefully. You need to know where the charging stations are located and how far apart they are.

There are several apps and websites available that can help you plan your route and find charging stations along the way. Make sure you know how long it will take to charge your car at each station so that you can plan accordingly.

Drive Efficiently

Driving an electric car requires a different approach to driving than a traditional gasoline-powered car. To maximize your range, you should drive efficiently by avoiding sudden accelerations and decelerations and maintaining a steady speed whenever possible.

Charging Your Car

When it comes time to charge your car on your road trip, there are several options available. Many hotels and motels now offer EV charging stations for their guests, so be sure to check before booking your accommodation. Additionally, many public areas such as shopping malls and rest stops have charging stations available for use.

Fast Charging Stations

If you’re in a hurry, fast-charging stations can recharge your battery much quicker than standard ones. However, these stations may not be as widely available or may come with additional fees.

The Bottom Line

While taking an electric car on a road trip requires careful planning, it’s definitely possible. With the increasing availability of charging stations and improvements in range, electric cars are becoming more practical for longer journeys. Just be sure to plan your route carefully, drive efficiently, and know where to find charging stations along the way.