Road trips are an exciting way to explore the world around you. Whether you’re cruising down scenic routes or taking a cross-country adventure, road trips can be an unforgettable experience.
However, with the rising concern for climate change and carbon emissions, many people are wondering if it’s possible to road trip with electric vehicles (EVs). In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of road tripping with EVs.
How Far Can You Go?
One of the biggest concerns for road tripping with EVs is range anxiety. Range anxiety is the fear that your car won’t have enough battery power to reach your destination or the next charging station. However, EV technology has come a long way in recent years, and new models can travel over 300 miles on a single charge.
It’s important to note that range can vary depending on factors such as driving habits, weather conditions, and terrain. To help plan your route and ensure you have enough battery power for your trip, there are several apps available that will calculate how far you can go before needing to recharge.
Charging Stations
Another concern for EV road trippers is finding charging stations along their route. While it’s true that charging infrastructure isn’t as widespread as gas stations yet, it’s growing quickly.
There are currently over 25,000 public charging stations in the US alone, with more being added every day. Additionally, many hotels and restaurants now offer charging stations for their patrons.
To make finding charging stations easier on your trip, there are several apps available that will show you nearby charging stations and provide real-time availability information.
Time Management
Charging an electric car takes longer than filling up a gas tank. Depending on the type of charger you use and how low your battery is when you start charging, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to fully charge your car.
It’s important to plan for charging stops in your road trip itinerary and factor in extra time for charging. However, with a little bit of planning, you can use charging stops as an opportunity to explore new places along your route.
Packing Essentials
When packing for an EV road trip, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll need to carry more than just your usual road trip gear. You’ll also want to bring things like charging cables and adapters in case you encounter different types of charging stations.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to pack light and considerate when packing for an EV road trip. The weight of your car affects its range, so the fewer items you have in your car, the better.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, you can road trip with EVs! While it takes a little bit of extra planning and preparation compared to gas-powered cars, the benefits of driving an environmentally friendly vehicle on your journey could be well worth it. With proper planning and a sense of adventure, you can enjoy a memorable and sustainable road trip experience.