Automotive

Lessons From a Long-Distance EV Journey

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." - Benjamin Franklin in response to EV travel.
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Lessons From a Long-Distance EV Journey

Joann Muller, a writer for Axios, took a 1500-mile road trip in her Kia EV and shared what she learned from the experience:

🔎 Finding chargers can be a bit like playing Where's Waldo?
Chargers are unlike gas stations; you won't find them along every highway. More often than not, they're tucked away in parking lots and tourist hotspots. Remember to have a plan B in case the charging station you find is inoperable.

🎩 Don't expect anything fancy like bathrooms or roofs. Charging stations lack many conveniences typically provided by gas stations, such as trashcans, restrooms, air/vacuum machines, snacks, or canopies.

👀 Keep your eyes peeled. Minimal lighting and security surround EV chargers, so it's hard not to feel like a sitting duck, especially at night.

⚠️ Not all "fast" chargers are created equal. Typical charging stations offer various power levels to suit your specific vehicle. But if the charger that is fastest for your car is occupied, you may have to take what you can get.

🪫 Charging can be slower than expected. It really all depends on the output of the charger. Remember: the lower the kW, the slower the charge.

💸 It’s expensive. Charging at home costs an average of 16 cents per kilowatt-hour. On the road, it's an average of 30-43 cents. Not to mention, time is money, and charging requires a lot of extra time.

🤗 Camaraderie. Fellow EV drivers are eager to check out each other's rides and compare notes.

🔑 Actionable takeaways: 

  • Plan and prepare ahead.
  • Always stay alert while charging.
  • Allow yourself more time than you would expect.
  • Road trips in an EV aren't as seamless as with ICE vehicles, but they are possible with proper preparation.

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