Myth: You can't road trip in an EV.
Myth BUSTED: Yes, of course, you can! Road trips in an elecÂtric vehiÂcle are defÂiÂniteÂly doable.
Road trips in an elecÂtric vehiÂcle are realÂly quite simÂiÂlar to those in a gas-powÂered car. There are a few conÂsidÂerÂaÂtions to take into account before you start your road trip, but knowÂing that you're driÂving withÂout any tailpipe emisÂsions is a huge benefit.
Range: It's imporÂtant to know how far your car can go on a sinÂgle charge. How far will you be driÂving and how often do you want to stop? These are cruÂcial facÂtors in planÂning your trip.
Route PlanÂning: DependÂing on your car's range and your trip length, you will need to plan out your chargÂing stops ahead of time. The nice thing about chargÂing is that many staÂtions are conÂveÂnientÂly locatÂed in areas that have shopÂping cenÂters, restauÂrants, and/or bathÂrooms, makÂing it easy to take a driÂving break or to stop for lunch while your car is chargÂing. You can choose to stop at a LevÂel 2 chargÂer if you'll be takÂing a longer break, or can top off quickÂly at a DC Fast ChargÂer. Many EVs come with built-in navÂiÂgaÂtion that can find chargÂing locaÂtions along your route, but there are othÂer options like Google Maps, PlugShare, and A BetÂter Route PlanÂner that EV driÂvers also use.
Time: It might take a litÂtle longer than you're used to on your road trip due to chargÂing times. HowÂevÂer, some EV driÂvers find their travÂel time quite comÂpaÂraÂble espeÂcialÂly if you stop at scenic locaÂtions or quaint downÂtowns worth takÂing the time to explore. Know that even if it does end up takÂing a litÂtle longer, you're keepÂing our air clean and savÂing lots of monÂey at the same time.
Still hesÂiÂtant about road-tripÂping in an EV? It may not be the go-to choice for everyÂone, and that's okay. Think about how freÂquentÂly you'd expect to go on road trips with your car. While we still supÂport the switch to an EV, it may make sense for you to opt for a plug-in hybrid instead or to simÂply rent out a difÂferÂent car for the trip. This way, you'll have more flexÂiÂbilÂiÂty with your elecÂtric range and will still be savÂing monÂey in the long run by driÂving electric.
Read these blog posts and artiÂcles for road trip tips from EV drivers:
MusÂtang Mach‑E Road Trip: DenÂver to SanÂta Fe
What Fuels You: An ElecÂtric Road Trip and MitÂsubishi OutÂlander PHEV Review