The Problem With EV Road Trips

Electric Vehicles offer either superior performance or extended range, but not typically both simultaneously.

Range anxiety, which was once a major concern for electric vehicle owners, is no longer as prevalent, and many drivers are now taking their battery-powered cars on extended trips that could not have been done in a Tesla just a decade ago. You have a wide range of options if you’re looking for an EV with sufficient range to enable you to drive for hours without needing to stop and recharge.

However, your range soon dwindles if you want to utilize some of the performance your electric vehicle has to offer, which you might, considering how quick and exhilarating these battery-powered cars have become. When you also consider the inconsistent charging networks, planning an electric vehicle road trip often presents its challenges, and there’s a chance it may end up being a more stressful experience than if you had done it in a gasoline-powered car.

For many drivers, a typical daily driving distance can be covered on a single charge, which is likely longer than the distance they would tolerate going without stopping even in a gasoline-powered car.

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Highway Disappears at Faster Speeds

In other words, they show what an EV’s real-world range is when driven constantly at highway speeds. This realistically tells you how far you can expect to go before needing a charge when driving mostly out of town.

Designs are rated for speeds up to 70 mph, but some models have a higher threshold. Nonetheless, pushing the car beyond the cited limit, even if only slightly, will affect the vehicle’s range.

Considering that your electric vehicle is fully loaded with passengers and luggage, the added weight will further reduce its efficiency, decreasing its range. This means that driving an EV at high speeds with a full car and possibly a roof box with extra storage will lead to higher energy consumption and a shorter range.

You should be able to easily surpass its estimated fuel efficiency.

The Charger You Are Headed To Might Be Out of Order

The charger provides a wireless power transfer system that could allow you to drive electric vehicles wherever you want, at least in theory. The challenge is that, in remote areas, the power charging stations may be inoperable, and there may not be anyone to inform you of a maintenance schedule or downtime.

Imagine finding yourself driving towards a charger located on your route, as indicated by your GPS app, but upon arrival, you discover it’s not operational. If your battery is almost depleted and there are no alternative charging stations within a significant radius, potential calamity is ahead – you may find yourself stranded, necessitating a costly tow or a panic charge at places offering such assistance.

Charging networks are gradually becoming more reliable, and various apps are now available to confirm whether a specific charger is operational. Additionally, some electric vehicles (EVs) can perform this check using their integrated navigation apps, however, it’s advisable to cross-verify the information with a widely-used third-party app in your location.

There are certain regions where mobile network charging infrastructure is inadequate.

When traveling by car, especially on routes with limited electric vehicle charging stations, it’s advisable to conduct comprehensive research and plan ahead to ensure a smooth and convenient trip.

Europe has good coverage, particularly in the western part, making it relatively easy to travel across the continent. To avoid any unexpected issues with charging, it is recommended to download apps that provide access to various charging networks. Despite the widespread presence of chargers, some still require more than just plugging in and using a credit card to charge your device. To ensure successful charging, installing the corresponding app on your phone is often a necessary step.

When planning an EV trip to a new destination, you should verify the charging networks in the area and along your route. Researching in advance will help you understand what you need to do to access these charging points. Some charging networks may require account registration, which will typically involve email verification. You may find it inconvenient to set up an account once you arrive at a charging station in an unfamiliar location.

Biting Freezing Tempests Could Leave You Stranded

You need to take into account that the temperature might drastically decrease as you ascend, which could decrease your range.

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Leaving your electric vehicle unattended in freezing temperatures without charging it will also cause range loss, so this is something you need to be aware of.

Some Car Repair Shops May Refuse to Fix Your Electric Vehicle If It Malfunctions

Their battery packs are also particularly hazardous, making them difficult to handle in the event of a breakdown. This means that if you break down far from a specialized electric vehicle repair shop (which are relatively scarce), you may need to call a tow truck to transport your broken electric vehicle back home, rather than having it repaired locally and continuing your journey.

Unless it involves wheels, tires, suspension, or work that’s unrelated to the powertrain, electronics, and battery, a regular mechanic may not be able to assist you.

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