Maximizing your EV's range: 6 tips for planning a road trip with an electric vehicle
May 10, 2023 · 8 min read · blog
In terms of technology, effectiveness, and convenience, electric vehicles have advanced significantly during the last ten years. Moving from conventional internal combustion engine automobiles to electric vehicles is becoming more and more popular due to growing environmental concerns and rising fuel prices; however, a lot of prospective EV owners are still unsure about how to handle long road trips with an electric car. In this blog post, we will discuss the main concerns that may arise before organizing such trips, and we’ll also provide some tips, tricks and solutions that can help you prepare for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Range and Charging Anxiety - And how to get rid of them
Two major worries that drivers experience when thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle are range anxiety and charging anxiety. Range anxiety means that someone is concerned that the battery may run out of power before arriving at the destination, whereas charging anxiety is the worry that the infrastructure for charging may not be adequate, the process is too complicated, or that charging durations may be too excessive.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to ease these concerns and boost confidence when operating an electric vehicle, including careful planning, optimal driving habits and knowing your EV in and out - more on these in a second!
Also, it's important to keep in mind that the charging infrastructure is expanding quickly, with new charging stations appearing constantly. For example, in our recent blog post, we discussed the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 in the European Union and the new charging infrastructure targets supported by the European Commission. This will make sure that by 2025 at the latest, you’ll have no doubt whether you will be able to find a place to charge your electric vehicle fast and conveniently, just as you would be sure that you can find a petrol station nearby.
And now let’s see our tips on how you can prepare for your next road trip with your EV without any concerns or anxiety!
Tip 1: Know your EV in and out
When preparing for a road trip, the very first step should be verifying the battery and range of your EV. The majority of EVs have a range estimator that can estimate how far you can go on a single charge. However, keep in mind that the driving range can be impacted by your driving style, the terrain, the weather, and many other factors, which should be taken into account when making plans.
Additionally, getting your car serviced before a long route is a smart idea. To make sure that your car is in good functioning order, this can involve inspecting your tires, brakes, and other mechanical parts. A well-maintained vehicle can help maximize your driving range and ensure a safe and smooth road trip.
Tip 2: Plan your route and charging stops
Using tools such as EV trip planning applications can help you identify charging stations along your route and determine your battery range, and it’s a great way to organize your journey in preparation. By doing this, you'll be able to prevent running out of battery or becoming trapped somewhere without access to a charging station. You may plan your route using a number of applications and websites, which can offer details on the locations of charging stations, the best times to charge, and even the weather conditions that might have an impact on your driving range. Volteum’s customers can also use our own solution for this task and get even more accurate results thanks to our top-notch algorithms that can simulate the energy need and consumption of more than 500 different EV models, giving you the best routes from A to B while guaranteeing that you will never go out of charge.
Also, don’t forget that both the distance between charging stations and the speed of your charging options should be taken into consideration when planning your route. Fast chargers, commonly referred to as DC chargers, can fully charge an electric vehicle battery to 80% capacity in as little as 30-40 minutes, compared to several hours for slower AC chargers.
Tip 3: Charge up before you leave
Make sure your battery is completely charged before starting your road trip! Consider investing in a home charging station to make it simple and convenient to charge your EV overnight before you hit the road. In order to extend battery life and maximize your driving range, many EVs also have a "preconditioning" capability that enables you to warm up or cool down your car while it is still plugged in.
Tip 4: Safety measures just in case
Even though the infrastructure for electric vehicle charging is rapidly growing, there may still be times when you are in a location without access to a charging station. Consider getting some cords that can be used for emergency charging in order to be ready for such circumstances. In an emergency, a portable EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) or a straightforward charging cable that plugs into a regular electrical socket can come in handy. Just keep in mind that using a dedicated charging station will take much less time than charging your EV from a standard outlet, so be sure to plan accordingly and leave extra time in your schedule.
Tip 5: Practice sustainable driving habits
Changing your driving practices can also help you enhance efficiency and range. Avoid abrupt acceleration and hard braking, for instance, as they can cause your battery to discharge more quickly. Instead, make an effort to keep your speed constant and employ regenerative braking as you slow down to replenish your battery. By driving efficiently, you can extend your driving range and reduce your carbon footprint.
Additionally, it's also critical to avoid littering and properly dispose of any garbage. To reduce waste, think about carrying a reusable water bottle and shopping bag, and make sure you recycle anything that can be done so.
Tip 6: Enjoy the ride!
Last but not least: don’t forget to enjoy your fabulous EV road trip! One of the unique aspects of such an adventure is the need to stop and charge along the way. While some drivers might see this as a hassle or a waste of time, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your charging stops and turn them into enjoyable experiences. Many charging stations are located near restaurants, shops, or other attractions, so consider planning your route to take advantage of these amenities.
You can also use the time to stretch your legs, take a restroom break, or catch up on work or entertainment. Some EV drivers even make a game out of trying to beat their previous charging time record or competing with other EV drivers on social media. By embracing the charging time as part of the journey, you can make your electric road trip even more fun and memorable.
If you are ready, hit the road!
In conclusion, a road trip with an EV can be fun, sustainable and totally manageable. By planning your route and charging stops in advance, checking your vehicle's battery and range, and practicing sustainable driving habits, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. With the increasing number of charging stations and the development of new EV technologies, the future looks bright for electric vehicles and long-distance road trips!
Are you interested in learning more about what it's like to travel across Europe in an electric car? Look no further than this thrilling video produced by our team, who recently drove a Kia e-Niro from Budapest to Düsseldorf. We understand that range anxiety can be a concern for some drivers, but we wanted to show that a longer EV road trip is not only possible but enjoyable too! Along the way we used Volteum to plan our route and ensure a smooth journey from start to finish. See for yourself how simple it may be to hit the road in an electric vehicle by watching our experience!
