Can You Take an EV on a Road Trip?

By Robert Palmer

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular due to their eco-friendliness and cost efficiency. However, a common question that arises is whether it is possible to take an EV on a road trip. In this article, we will explore the feasibility of embarking on a long-distance journey in an EV.

Range Anxiety

One of the biggest concerns for EV owners is range anxiety. This term refers to the fear of running out of battery power before reaching your destination.

While it is true that earlier models of EVs had limited range, modern electric cars have come a long way. The latest models can travel up to 400 miles on a single charge.

Charging Infrastructure

Another concern for road trippers is the availability of charging stations along the way. Fortunately, there has been a significant increase in the number of charging stations across the country.

According to PlugShare, there are over 100,000 charging points in the US alone. Most major highways have multiple charging stations within driving distance.

Planning Your Route

To ensure that you don’t get stranded without power, careful route planning is essential when taking an EV on a road trip. There are several apps and websites that can help you plan your journey with charging stops along the way.

What About Time?

One downside of taking an electric car on a long-distance journey is that it may take longer than driving in a gasoline-powered car. This is because electric cars take longer to charge than filling up at a gas station.

However, this issue can be mitigated by planning your route carefully and making use of fast-charging stations where available. Fast-charging stations can charge an EV up to 80% in as little as 30 minutes.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, taking an EV on a road trip is entirely feasible. While there may be some challenges, such as range anxiety and longer charging times, these can be overcome with careful planning and utilizing the ever-growing charging infrastructure.

If you’re considering taking an EV on a road trip, make sure to plan your route with charging stops in mind. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a fun, eco-friendly road trip in your electric car.