Are you looking to buckle up your seatbelts and hit the road for the ultimate road trip in your electric vehicle (EV)? Since EV’s run on electricity and are relatively a new concept, it might seem like taking a road trip with your electric vehicle might be a tall order. But thanks to continuous advances in automotive technology, road trips are becoming a piece of cake! Here’s some of our favorite tips on how you can conquer your next road trip with your electric vehicle:

Can you Take a Road Trip with your EV?

Even though there are some limitations when it comes to traveling with an EV, the short answer to whether or not you can take a road trip with your vehicle is YES! Just be sure to do your research on your vehicle, plan your route, and look for EV charging stations so you can charge when you need it.

Know that your Actual Range May Vary

If you own an EV, you might know the general travel range of your vehicle. But it’s important to know that your actual driving range may vary. The actual range of your EV can vary depending on factors like driving style, terrain and weather conditions. If you encounter any of these conditions while you’re driving, be sure to have a plan “B” and always expect the unexpected. If you’re unsure about the full range of your EV, check out Inside EVs chart of the latest EV’s mileages.

It’s important to plan ahead by considering all the factors of traveling with your EV. Here are a couple of things to remember: 

 

• Map out your route and research charging stations along the way. Utilize apps like PlugShare or Electrify America to locate charging stations and if you have the correct adaptor for a fast-charging station, be sure to know where to locate those as well. 

 

• Stay near charging stations. Be sure to your research hotels and other places to stay that have charging stations for you to use. Stay-In-Charge makes it easy for you to locate hotels with charging stations along the route of your road trip. If you’re looking to stay in Airbnb’s, Expedia offers sources to find EV charging stations close to where you’re staying, or even find you places to stay with chargers built right in! 

 

• Plan meals and activities around charging breaks. Depending on which charger you choose for your vehicle, the time it takes to charge and get back on the road could vary.  

 

• Pack an extra charger. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, different EV chargers charge at different speeds. So if you’re in a time crunch, have your DC Fast Charging connector ready. If you’re unsure of what charger is right for you, check out our chart below for a break down on charging types and how long it takes to charge: 

When traveling with an EV, it’s always a good idea to expect the unexpected. Be sure to pack extra snacks for your kiddos in case you find yourself in a jam. Similarly, non-functioning charging stations are one of the biggest challenges in the EV community. If you encounter a broken public EV charging station, be sure to alert the charging company and report the malfunction on your charging apps. Apps like A Better Route Planner and Charge Way come equipped with this feature. Although it’s not ideal, if you encounter problem with your EV, be sure you know where to locate a backup vehicle and rent a car.

All in all, roundtripping with your EV is a great way to get out and explore while also doing your part for the planet and save money too! According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, EV owners can save as much as $14,500 on fuel. So the next time you’re thinking of taking a road trip, don’t be afraid to take your EV along for the ride!

Santanna Energy Services is a supplier of renewable energy solutions in the United States, providing services to Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio. We provide a wide range of energy services and products to meet the needs of both residential and small business customers. Our mission is to provide innovative and cost-effective energy solutions that will help our customers achieve their energy goals. With over 35 years of experience, we are committed to creating life-long relationships by providing quality service to customers, communities, and employees.