How to plan an electric car trip

Road trips are incredibly fun and exciting, but for EV drivers, the adventure may still be ahead. Luckily, just because your car isn't gas (or hybrid) doesn't mean you can't take your electric car on a big trip across the US.

Here we've put together a list of tips and best practices to help you make your next long-distance trip a success.

Know your car and its range

First of all, it's important to understand the car's battery, its estimated range, and possible limitations before planning your route and the sights you'll see along the way. Knowing this, you can better plan your trip and avoid long distances that can sap battery life.

Know your vehicle's range before you start driving, so you can plan your charging stops properly.

Map your stops, including charging stations

Once you know how far you can drive your car, you can select different stops along the way to your destination. Whether you're staying overnight, for an extended vacation, or for a day trip, it's convenient to choose a stop where you can charge your car en route to sights and pleasures.

The Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy noted that most national parks are now charging electric vehicles, as well as many major events and attractions. 

However, if you're a little worried about getting to your next stop before charging, you can always use Google Maps to find the nearest electric vehicle charging station. The app displays available chargers and stations using the latest data - drivers can simply search for EV Charging Station to find the nearest car charging point.

While it's certainly helpful to know a car's charge range and plan levels accordingly, it's also worth considering some energy saving tips that can optimize a car's charge range. Energy efficiency authorities are advising EVs to use Hazardous Vehicle (HOV) or cruising lanes whenever possible. There are exceptions for electric vehicles located on the territory. So even if you are traveling on your own, you can use these efficient lanes to save time and ensure the best range for your vehicle.

Make sure your trip home is stress-free

After arriving at your destination, it is recommended to stay overnight and, if possible, fully charge the vehicle. Alternatively, you can follow the return procedure and use the EV charging station that was used on your original itinerary.

However, one of the best ways to make a return trip is to be nonchalant, as you may end up with a car not fully charged or a car that was used on the way back. This is the installation of a port home or an electric vehicle charging station. Home charging solutions are more cost effective and easier to install than expected. In addition, a home charging station can save you from unnecessary stops on the way to your home and ensure that you always have somewhere to charge your electric car.

For more information on residential charging logistics infrastructure and how an experienced service provider can install and assemble a station, contact us today.