Koons Woodbridge Hyundai

May 8, 2023

Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

A road trip can be a great way to explore the world around you. Whether you’re gearing up for a solo long-distance trek packed with sightseeing or a quick weekend getaway to a nearby town with a loved one, it’s important to prepare before hitting the open road, especially if you drive an electric vehicle. Our team at Koons Woodbridge Hyundai created this list of road trip tips for EV owners to help you ensure you and your car are ready for your next adventure.

Learn About Charging Options

Different charging stations have their own costs and average charge times. Learning about the various chargers and networks can help you plan a trip that keeps your EV charged while letting you see the sights you want to see. There are three main types of charge levels available at public charging stations:

  • Level 1: Level 1 chargers offer 1 kW of power, which means they can take up to 48 hours to charge an EV fully. However, these chargers are also compatible with a high number of car types.
  • Level 2: Level 2 chargers are the most common type of charger you can find at public charging stations. They typically offer between 3 and 20 kW and can charge a car from empty to full within 12 hours.
  • Level 3: A Level 3 charger, also called a direct current fast charge (DCFC) unit, is the most powerful charger available at public charging stations. They can charge an EV fully within a few hours, but they may not be compatible with older EV or hybrid vehicles.

Plan To Take Your Time

While a gas-powered vehicle might be the best choice for a road trip with set deadlines, like weddings or hotel bookings, an EV is a great choice for a less structured journey. Since charging times might vary at different stations, a laid-back schedule can lower stress and ensure you still see the major sights along the way. For example, you might decide to take an EV on a trip along the California coast, stopping at major cities along the way.

For your journey, choose a few key places to visit. Research the museums or national parks you want to see on your trip to find out when they’re open. That way, you can stop by and visit as long as you want. It’s a good idea to rank the attractions so you can prioritize them. If you end up with extra time, you can visit some of your lower-ranked places.

Add Major City Stops

While several EV charging networks span the entire country, there are more charging stations in large cities than there are in rural areas. Building in a few stops in major metropolitan areas can give you the opportunity to charge your vehicle without going out of your way. Also, larger cities are more likely to have Level 3 chargers, which allow you to charge your EV faster. In smaller towns, you may only have one or two charging units, and they may take all day or night to restore your EV’s power.

Find Charging Stations in Advance and Make a Plan

When most people need to go somewhere, they use navigation systems to give them directions right as they begin driving. However, taking an EV on a road trip requires some planning. It’s essential to map out multiple routes so you can estimate your mileage and identify where charging stations are. Start by creating a Plan A for what route you hope to take, and then create a back-up plan or two to allow for potential delays or detours.

The U.S. Department of Energy has an interactive map of charging stations throughout the United States and Canada. You can filter by location, charger type, connector type, and type of alternative fuel. It’s a great resource for planning your trip or quickly rerouting to a new station.

Choose Hotels With EV Stations

A Level 2 charger can take up to 12 hours to charge an EV to its full range, but if you can find a hotel with one of these chargers, then you can power your car without losing any of your vacation time. Many large hotel chains have partnerships with companies that build and operate charging networks, which means you can usually find at least one charging unit in the parking lot of a larger hotel. Even smaller lodges and motels might have access to a charging station.

Because units can only serve one vehicle at a time, it’s a good idea to find out how busy the charging station usually is before booking your room. You might call the hotel’s front desk to get an idea of whether you’ll have to wait to use the on-site machine. The hotel staff may also know of larger public charging stations close to the hotel.

Build in a Buffer

It might be tempting to create a travel plan where you arrive at a charging station just as your mileage runs out to make the most of your previous charge. However, it’s a good idea to build in a mileage buffer in case your miles don’t stretch as far as you thought they would. While many EVs have a system that recharges the engine during traffic by translating the brake energy into power, it’s not always enough to make up for power lost from idling. Also, traffic accidents or construction might cause you to take a detour that adds miles.

To be prepared, it’s a good idea to schedule your stops within your maximum mileage range. For example, if you see that your car has 300 miles left on it before it needs a charge, consider stopping at an EV station that’s 250 to 270 miles away. That way, you can give yourself more time to find and reach the next station and account for any variations in your actual mileage remaining.

We’ve reached the end of our list of road trip tips for EV owners. We hope our team at Koons Woodbridge Hyundai shared some helpful ways to prepare your electric Hyundai for your next adventure. Not sure if your car is ready for a long journey? Schedule a service with our qualified maintenance team. We’re proud to be the dealership you trust in the Woodbridge, Virginia, area. Whether you’re looking to buy a new car or tune up the one you have, we’re here to help.

Image by Sophie Jonas is licensed with Unsplash license