The rise in fuel prices and environmental pollution are making electric vehicles an increasingly attractive option for travelers. They are convenient and ideal not only for daily commutes but also when you plan a road trip during the summer.
However, planning efficient routes for electric vehicle road travel, especially longer trips, presents challenges. This is because of limitations such as vehicle range and the availability of charging stations along major highways and in remote areas.
This EV route planning guide offers best practices and resources for pre-trip preparation and route mapping, aiming to ensure that EVs can be used to enjoy scenic summer adventures wherever they may lead.
Pre-departure Preparation
With long trips requiring additional EV route planning before departing, the following help to plan EV road trips:
1. Choose the Right Electric Vehicle
Selecting an EV that aligns with your electric vehicle route planning eases range concerns. Two key considerations when choosing include:
A. Driving Range
The estimated maximum range of your EV should exceed the maximum daily driving distance to avoid detours or delayed charging during the journey. Longer-range EVs allow more flexibility in exploring farther destinations between each charging session.
For example, in UK counties and rural areas, there is one charging point every 9.5 miles. [1] Considering the unavailability of charging stations and the need for detours, your electric vehicle should have a minimum range of 30–40 kilometers to ensure that it will not be forced to stop midway.
B. Support for DC Fast Charging
In order to ensure your travel experience and reduce waiting time during the journey, it’s better to choose an EV that supports DC fast charging on the EV route planning.
DC fast charging is also known as level 3 EV charging. EVs supported by this charging method can charge the battery to 80% in just a few tens of minutes, while AC charging takes several hours. Not to mention that hot and cold weather can slow down the charging speed.
2. EV Route Planning Based on the Charging Point
Electric vehicle route planning and optimization relies on the maps for charging points. Common options include:
A. Built-in Electric Car Journey Planner
Some built-in electric car journey planners can analyze the estimated driving range and then propose the optimal charging route when the battery level drops.
For example, a Tesla electric car journey planner can find restaurants, accommodations, and other ideal stops near the charging point to help plan EV road trips in advance.
B. Third-party Maps
Additional third-party EV route planning apps also prove useful. They can intelligently navigate to local charging points, allowing you to have a better understanding of the distribution of charging stations during your journey. Popular apps include:
ChargeHub
ChargeHub is North America’s most commonly used electric vehicle route planner. It facilitates customizable and flexible EV route planning. You can enter your departure and destination and add the charging stops to your itinerary. Based on your charging preferences, you can also decide whether the charging point meets your needs.
PlugShare
PlugShare allows users to view charging stations worldwide and obtain detailed information such as charging speed, charging station type, usage fees, and more. If you want to plan a road trip to Europe, this map can be helpful.
Chargemap
Chargemap provides the largest map of EV charging stations in Europe. The leading EV route planning app also streamlines payment via its universal pass card feature. Its companion mobile app integrates convenient access and usage history tracking.
Suggestions on Your Journey
Some planning and suggestions can ensure a smooth journey. Key suggestions include:
1. Search and Use of EV Charging Stations
Use the EV charging point map to check the distribution and availability of charging stations at the destination and along the way. You may need to determine whether it is necessary to reserve charging stations in advance, especially on holidays and weekends.
Consider the charging speed and be familiar with the payment, activation methods, and usage mode of chargers to avoid delays due to unfamiliarity with the operation upon arrival.
2. Travel Arrangement
Reasonably plan the journey based on the EV range and the distance between charging stations to avoid breakdowns due to insufficient batteries. Reserve extra time for charging and occasional rest breaks to improve travel comfort.
Consider the charging speed and be familiar with the payment, activation methods, and usage mode of chargers to avoid delays due to unfamiliarity with the operation upon arrival.
3. Emergency Preparedness
Preparing roadside assistance contact information can help prevent unexpected breakdowns. If you are worried that charging stations are fully occupied, you can plan a backup charging point in advance and check the status of other nearby charging points in real time through the charging point map. Drivers can also purchase portable chargers as backup charging for travel to cope with this situation.
4. Energy-Saving Techniques
Some energy-saving measures for EVs include choosing routes with good road conditions and no congestion, driving smoothly, avoiding frequent acceleration and sudden braking, and controlling driving speed. This not only improves driving safety but also enhances the efficiency of electricity utilization.
In addition, reducing unnecessary loads before travel can also decrease energy consumption.
Other Tips for Improving Electric Vehicle Road Travel
Beyond EV route planning and vehicle preparation, a handful of additional considerations can further smooth electric travel. The following are some additional tips and recommendations:
1. Plan Budget
Research the estimated EV charging fees along the route as well as costs for overnight accommodation, dining options, and entertainment activities at destination points. The budgeting, along with EV route planning, prevents exceeding the budget.
2. Consider Weather Factors
Check weather forecasts during your journey, as temperatures affect range and battery use. In the summer, using air conditioning consumes more electricity. In winter, the battery discharge speed may accelerate. Thus, you need to prepare for journey charging.
3. Prepare a Portable Charging Station
Although the public charging station network is becoming increasingly improved, in some remote areas or special circumstances, carrying a portable charging station can serve as a backup power source, providing a flexible, convenient, and multifunctional charging solution.
However, be sure to check if a portable electric car charger has a high IP rating without a worn shell. It can ensure quick and safe charging for travel, no matter it’s rainy or sunny days.
Select a Portable Charging Station from EVB Charger
Whether you’re camping in the wilderness with an electric car or preparing for a summer trip, portable charging stations are your reliable backup charging solution.
EVB Charger’s Portable+Wall-mounted 2 in 1 charger offers a flexible option to optimize your EV trip planning. Its durable IP66-rated housing withstands demanding, extreme conditions, providing reliable journey charging wherever adventures lead. Other top features of the product include:
Full Protection
Extensive safeguards, such as high-temperature, leakage, and overcurrent protections, protect both the EV batteries and the charging devices during a hot summer.
Smart Device Integration
A specialized mobile app and charging administration program remotely monitor usage for 24/7 oversight and usage analytics.
Fast Charging
Up to 22kW of power reduces standard recharge times substantially, minimizing stops needed to replenish daily driving energy needs.
Wide Compatibility
It is suitable for a variety of electric vehicles.
Conclusion
EV route planning and preparation are key for enjoyable electric vehicle road trips. Considering range, weather conditions, portable charging options, and budgeting allows for seamless travel.
Detailed EV trip planning lets you relax without worrying about battery levels. Backup power provides flexibility in exploring unknown areas. Overall, addressing all factors creates stress-free experiences for exploring destinations via EVs.
Visit EVB Charger’s website to select one for your trip and learn more about optimizing EV route planning!
References
[1] New data reveals that there is just one electric vehicle charger for every ten miles in England’s county and rural areas. Available at: https://www.countycouncilsnetwork.org.uk/new-data-reveals-that-there-is-just-one-electric-vehicle-charger-for-every-ten-miles-in-englands-county-and-rural-areas/ (Accessed: 25 July 2024)