Are you curious to know what actually goes into electric vehicles (EVs) and long-distance road trips? Despite the recent slowdown in the all-electric market, sales of EVs are steadily increasing. First-time EV adopters are powering the expansion, with 3 in 4 new EVs driven by people switching from combustion-engine vehicles. Let’s talk about some realities facing EVs on long-distance trips.
1. Limited Range
Have you ever noticed how EV brands talk about their range compared to combustion-engine cars? They’re basically saying, “Hey, we can go the distance too!” But here’s the thing: Don’t believe everything you hear. The advertised ranges only apply to perfect conditions — and come on, when do we ever have perfect conditions in the real world?
Experts recommend keeping your battery charged between 20% and 80%, meaning a 280-mile range is more like a 100-mile range. So, if you’re planning a long road trip in your EV, remember to factor in charging stops along the way!
2. Charger Availability
As an EV owner, finding operational charging stations can be challenging, leading to range anxiety. Even with the aid of technology, it’s not always smooth sailing.
Some EV adventurers recount journeys that required six charges for an 850-mile drive, with stations as close as 80 miles apart. While most were superchargers promising a quick half-hour pit stop, the reality isn’t always so swift. Planning ahead and preparing for any unexpected situation during your trip is essential.
3. Charge Compatibility
Not all charging stations are compatible with every EV model, further complicating the search for charging points. Picture this: you need a charge and find one precious spot left. You pull in, hopeful for a quick recharge, but your optimism fades when you spot another car parked there, its owner nowhere in sight. They’ve left for lunch, leaving you stuck in a frustrating deadlock.
Some EV enthusiasts dream of two spots per station, allowing a smoother transition between vehicles and less waiting time. After all, who wants to be cramped in their car for two hours waiting for someone else to finish their meal and move their vehicle?
4. Charger Speed
Waiting for your battery to top up can be challenging, even when you go to fast-charging stations. Unlike traditional vehicles that refuel in minutes, EVs take significantly more time to recharge, especially if you need a full battery.
Imagine arriving at a charging station with enthusiasm to hit the road again, only to discover that you must spend the next thirty minutes waiting for your EV to recharge enough to continue your journey. This indicates that EVs provide numerous benefits, such as reduced fuel costs and lower emissions, but they also require a shift in mindset when planning travel time.
5. Charger Costs
Charging stations for EVs can be pricey. Some are free or discounted, while others can affect your budget. It helps to consider the cost of electricity, subscription fees for charging networks, and potential parking fees.
For instance, you might arrive at a charging station only to discover that a full charge costs the same as a tank of gas for a traditional vehicle, adding an unexpected expense to your travel budget. Even if EVs are cheaper in the long run, you should consider financial factors when planning long trips.
6. Charging Infrastructure
Charging infrastructure can be found in urban areas, with charging stations scattered throughout the city like modern-day oases for EV drivers. However, rural or less populated areas can have limited or nonexistent charging infrastructure, leaving drivers stranded with rapidly depleting battery life.
Just imagine driving along the scenic country road only to discover that the closest charging station is several hours away, forcing you to modify your route and abbreviate your trip. This underscores the need for more dependable charging alternatives available to drivers in all areas.
7. Range Degradation
If you start out with a brand-new EV and enjoy the full range promised by the manufacturer, you might find after a few years that it can only travel the distance with many stops. Over time, the battery capacity of an EV can degrade, leading to a decrease in its effective range and requiring more frequent charging stops, according to Fleet News.
Even with the continued advancement of EV technology, battery degradation is an unavoidable reality that drivers should consider and plan for when making long trips.
8. Temperature Impact
Extreme temperatures can impact battery performance, reducing range and increasing charging stops. When driving in the desert on a hot summer day, your battery can drain faster than expected, and if you’re driving around West New York State, cold temperatures delay the reaction process, reducing battery storage and the EV’s range.
EVs offer benefits but are not immune to these challenges. Adapt and plan accordingly for temperature extremes to enjoy a seamless driving experience.
9. Traffic Delays
Traffic congestion can drain an EV’s battery quickly, requiring additional charging stops and disrupting travel plans. EVs offer benefits but are not immune to traffic delays, requiring drivers to be patient and flexible when navigating congested roads.
10. Elevation Changes
Driving through mountains can increase energy consumption, reduce range, and require more charging stops due to added strain on the battery. EVs have benefits like quiet operation and reduced emissions, but the challenges posed by elevation changes mean drivers should factor in terrain when planning long trips.
11. Navigating Charging Stations
Long-distance EV trip planning requires considering charging stations along the route. But this adds complexity and may require detours. You may need to make strategic decisions to balance energy needs and travel time. Despite improving EV technology, careful planning is necessary for a successful journey.
12. Charging Station Queues
Limited charging infrastructure can lead to long queues at popular charging stations, delaying travel plans and frustrating EV drivers. More investment in charging infrastructure is needed to meet the growing demand for EVs and support the transition to electric mobility.
13. Reliability Concerns
Some charging stations could be more reliable, causing delays and frustrations for EV drivers. If you arrive at a malfunctioning station, you may be left stranded with limited options for recharging. Investing in reliable charging infrastructure is crucial to support the growing number of EV drivers and ensure a seamless driving experience.
14. Network Compatibility
Due to differing accounts and payment methods, EV drivers using multiple charging networks face complexity. This can be especially challenging during a cross-country road trip where charging stations belong to different networks. While efforts are underway to streamline the charging experience, interoperability remains an obstacle for drivers accessing charging stations across different networks.