Dreaming of an epic EV road trip? With electric vehicles becoming more popular than ever, planning a seamless journey is easier than you think. At Baxter Auto, we're here to support local drivers on every leg of their electric adventures.
Whether you're new to EVs or a seasoned pro, our team is ready with expert advice, from finding charging stations to eliminating range anxiety and understanding how EV chargers work. Whether you're local to our Greater Omaha car dealers or are a regular to our Wisconsin or Colorado EV dealerships, we are here for you always. Learn how to make EV road trips easier with us!
How to Plan an EV Road Trip
Preparation is key for a hassle-free electric vehicle road trip. Start by mapping out your route and taking advantage of smartphone apps or built-in vehicle navigation to pinpoint charging stations along your journey. Today's advanced charging infrastructure has revolutionized the EV travel experience, making it easier than ever to drive long distances without worry.
If EV range anxiety is on your mind, rest assured: modern EVs offer impressive range options, while the network of national fast-charging centers continues to grow. Baxter Auto recommends pre-planning stops at fast-charging stations and to keep an eye on your vehicle's battery percentage just as you would monitor the fuel gauge in a traditional car.
What's the Best EV Charging Station for Road Trips?
Knowing where and how to recharge is essential when road-tripping with a new EV. Public charging stations are more plentiful than ever, though, so this is becoming an easier task every day. They can be located using popular apps and route-planning tools, so you shouldn't have an issue even in unfamiliar areas.
When locating chargers, be sure to consider the charging speeds of the units that are available and nearby, as they can differ dramatically. Here's a rundown of the three main types of EV chargers:
- Level 1: These are standard 120V outlets. Commonly used at home or when there's no rush to recharge.
- Level 2: These higher-voltage 240V chargers are found in many public lots and can also be installed at home. They are usually capable of delivering a full charge in 8-12 hours.
- Level 3: Also known as DC Fast Chargers, and the fastest option available. They're commonly located along major highways, and can usually restore most of an EV's range in under an hour.
For an EV road trip, Level 3 chargers are best thanks to how fast they restore charge. Level 2 options are great when you've reached your destination for the night and aren't concerned with quickly recharging and getting back on the road. We'd avoid Level 1 on a road trip unless you have no other option -- they're just too slow.
How to Maximize EV Range
Several factors impact your EV's range. Optimizing your driving habits can help extend battery life, further easing any range concerns. Here are some tips to get the most mileage from a single charge:
- Adhere to lower, safer speed limits. More power is needed the faster you go. You'll use less battery juice driving at 55-65 mph than you will at 75-85 mph.
- Stay mindful of the weather. Cold weather can significantly decrease your EV's range. If there's a cold snap and you're taking a long drive, plan so that the brunt of your driving happens during the warmest part of the day. And be sure to look up EV stations along your route before embarking -- if the weather saps your range, you may need to recharge sooner than anticipated.
- Consider your route. Terrain is another huge factor in your real-life EV range, particularly elevation gain. A longer route around a mountain may be more efficient than taking the pass that cuts up and over it.
- Get the right tires. Tires have a big impact on efficiency on any car, but especially EVs. Larger tires -- especially A/T tires and other knobby, thick-tread designs -- create more resistance, in turn requiring the car to use more energy to overcome that resistance. Eco-friendly tires are best if you want to reduce rolling resistance and maximize range.
Get EV Road Trip Ready with Baxter Auto
The days of worrying about long-distance EV travel are truly behind us. With a rapidly expanding nationwide fast-charger network, driving across states has never been simpler.
If you need help getting the most from your electric vehicle, contact Baxter Auto. Our knowledgeable staff can guide you through your EV's range capabilities, charging options and the best routes for your upcoming road trips. If you're ready to see the country without burning a drop of gas, stop in today and let us help you get road trip ready.
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