The Comprehensive Guide to Road Tripping with an Electric Vehicle

The pandemic transformed the world in numerous ways, but two changes stand out prominently: road trips and the rise of electric cars.

Two years later, road trips remain the preferred travel option for many Americans heading out on vacation. This Memorial Day, road trip numbers rose by 6% compared to 2022, with approximately 37.1 million Americans driving to their destinations, according to AAA Travel.

Simultaneously, the number of drivers opting for electric vehicles is steadily increasing, both in the U.S. and internationally. Data from Axios in May 2022 revealed that 4.6% of new vehicle registrations in the U.S. were electric, more than double the 1.9% recorded in May 2021.

Interest in electric vehicles (EVs) seems to have reached a critical mass. According to Ernst & Young's 2022 Mobility Consumer Index, over 50% of prospective car buyers are considering either a fully electric, plug-in hybrid, or hybrid vehicle.

After a summer of rental car adventures, I embraced both trends and purchased a 2016 BMW i3. This extended-range electric compact car features a small gas engine that recharges the battery while driving. Combined with its hatchback design, I believe it's the perfect road trip vehicle for city dwellers, especially in places like New York City.

Road tripping in an electric vehicle offers a different experience than in a gas-powered car, and newcomers might feel overwhelmed without knowing what to expect. In this article, I’ll share tips I've learned from my own EV road trips, including what to consider when buying an EV for travel, how to locate charging stations, and how to effectively plan your journeys.

Let’s dive (or drive?) into the details.

Selecting an Electric Car for Road Trips

If you’re considering an electric car for your road trips, there are several important factors to keep in mind during the car-buying journey. Key considerations include the vehicle's range and whether a plug-in hybrid might be a better fit for your needs.

Key Factors for an Electric Car Suitable for Road Trips

It's crucial to choose a vehicle with a range that aligns with your travel plans. Fortunately, thanks to advancements in technology, most electric cars from 2023 offer a minimum range of 200 miles, with many exceeding 350 miles.

When shopping for a used electric car, avoid options with an 80-mile range if you frequently embark on 500-mile road trips. However, if you primarily navigate city streets and only occasionally take longer journeys, you don’t need the latest model with an ultra-long range. The 2020 Nissan Leaf, with its 150-mile range, can still be a reliable choice for longer trips if you're willing to make a few stops along the way.

If you prefer to minimize charging stops and relish the freedom of taking detours, a long-range electric vehicle may be your best bet. Although you'll experience fewer charging interruptions, these vehicles typically come with a higher price tag, particularly in the used car market, where long-range models often retain a greater resale value.

Many impressive 2023 SUVs and sedans boast ranges exceeding 300 miles, including the Tesla Model S with an estimated range of 405 miles and the BMW i7 at 318 miles. In the more affordable 200-mile-plus segment, you'll find the Chevrolet Bolt EV with a range of 259 miles and the Kia Niro EV with 253 miles.

Explore the option of a plug-in hybrid or extended-range vehicle

You might also want to explore electric cars that aren't entirely electric. Here, you have two choices: plug-in hybrids and extended-range electric vehicles. Plug-in hybrids are traditional hybrid vehicles with larger batteries that can be charged from an external source. They typically offer an electric range of 15 to 50 miles along with a full-size gas tank.

However, these vehicles do not provide a completely electric driving experience and usually lack fast charging capabilities (more on that later). I find them less enjoyable to drive and, if you're aiming for electric-only driving, they can be quite inconvenient to recharge. Nevertheless, they can still serve as excellent road trip vehicles thanks to their gas engines.

In contrast, extended-range electric vehicles are fully electric but come with small gas engines. This engine charges the battery, extending your range for longer journeys. My BMW i3 has this extended-range feature, and it has proven invaluable on long trips when public chargers are scarce.

I favor extended-range vehicles over plug-in hybrids because they consistently deliver an electric driving experience (think instant torque). They also typically come with fast charging options and other technology tailored for electric vehicles. Additionally, many plug-in hybrids cannot operate in EV-only mode, which can make them feel more like conventional gas vehicles. Extended-range cars avoid this limitation since they always run on electricity.

Fast charging is essential for a successful road trip

Here's an important tip: Only choose a vehicle that comes with built-in Level 3 direct-current fast charging (or Tesla Supercharger) if you're planning to go on road trips. An increasing number of fast chargers are emerging nationwide, featuring 'hyper-fast speeds' — a term introduced by Electrify America's new DC labeling system — capable of delivering up to 350 kilowatts, which can fully charge your vehicle in approximately 20 minutes.

Conversely, a car without this feature will rely solely on Level 2 public chargers (up to 240 volts). These chargers typically offer an output of about 11 kilowatts per hour, adding roughly 20 to 30 miles of range for each hour of charging; however, this can differ based on the vehicle. While it's still quicker than home charging, it can significantly extend the time needed to recharge while traveling. For instance, my BMW i3 takes around three hours to go from 0% to 80% charge.

This feature is even more crucial during lengthy road trips. If you find yourself waiting for hours each time your car battery is low, it can prolong your travel time. In contrast, a 30-minute stop allows you to enjoy lunch and set your navigation to the next charging station or your final destination.

Fortunately, nearly all new fully electric and extended-range vehicles come with fast charging capabilities. However, some older electric models may lack this feature, so be sure to ask about it before your test drive. Examples of vehicles that might not have this option include certain 2014 and 2015 BMW i3s, all Fiat 500e models, and some older Nissan Leafs.

Verify battery health when purchasing a used vehicle

Considering a used car? It's essential to check the battery's condition prior to purchase. Like any battery, the one in an electric vehicle will naturally degrade over time. This is expected, but significant degradation can hinder your road trip plans. Typically, you can assess the battery status through the car's infotainment system.

Luckily, most electric vehicles come with extensive battery warranties. For instance, my pre-owned BMW i3 has a warranty covering the battery for 100,000 miles or eight years, which means I'm protected until 2024 for my 2016 model. BMW states that battery replacement is possible if degradation reaches 30% or more during the warranty period.

Tips for planning a road trip with an electric vehicle

As we've noted, embarking on a road trip with an electric vehicle differs from traveling in a gas-powered car. It demands a bit more forethought, which, although it may seem tedious, becomes manageable once you get accustomed to it. Here’s how I typically plan my road trips with my electric vehicle.

Structure your journey around fast charging stations and be aware of your vehicle's range

First and foremost, you'll need to recharge during your travels. When mapping out your road trips, ensure you chart your driving path according to the public chargers located near highways, expressways, and any other routes you'll take. It's essential to charge your vehicle before the battery runs out; otherwise, you might need to rely on roadside assistance, but there's more to consider beyond that.

Unfortunately, the range of electric vehicles can vary. You'll consume more battery power when accelerating rapidly, driving uphill, or using climate control features. Therefore, it's wise to maintain at least a 10% safety margin when searching for charging stations. For instance, if your older model has a range of 100 miles, ensure you locate chargers no farther than 90 miles apart.

Additionally, prioritize using fast chargers while on the go. This way, you won't have to wait for hours at a single charger as your vehicle recharges. Instead, you can connect for just 30 to 40 minutes and hit the road again without delays.

You can organize your trips manually, utilize your vehicle manufacturer's app, or download a service like PlugShare. I will provide a detailed overview of this app in the next section, but essentially, it serves as a crowdsourced directory of all nearby charging stations. The app's integrated route planner can save you significant time when planning long road trips with multiple charging stops.

Seek out accommodations that provide charging stations

Another effective way to minimize charging time is by staying at hotels that feature electric car charging stations in their lots or garages. These have become increasingly popular, and often charging is either complimentary or included in the parking fee. Typically, these are Level 2 chargers, making them ideal for overnight charging.

Is there no charging available at your hotel? Inquire with the hotel staff about the possibility of using an outdoor outlet. Most electric vehicles come with a Level 1 wall charger that can plug into any standard socket. If the hotel permits it, this charger will gradually recharge your vehicle overnight, providing enough power to reach your next stop.

Utilize these apps and charging networks to locate public chargers

Now that you’re equipped to plan a trip, let’s explore the most effective ways to locate public charging stations. As previously mentioned, several charging networks operate across the U.S., including ChargeHub, ChargePoint, and Electrify America. Additionally, there are numerous independent public chargers available in parking garages and along city streets.

Here are the apps and charging networks I rely on for electric car road trips. Be sure to download these apps before embarking on your first electric road trip.

PlugShare for locating most public charging stations

PlugShare is a community-driven app designed for locating electric chargers. It allows users to view both networked and non-networked public chargers, including home charging options. Additionally, you can filter chargers based on charging speed, connector type, and whether a fee is required for usage. This feature can be particularly useful for identifying fast chargers during long trips.

Moreover, the app includes a trip-planning function that helps you locate electric vehicle charging stations along your specified route. By entering your starting point and destination, the app displays all nearby chargers. You can also input your vehicle's range to optimize your route with charging stops.

Tesla drivers will be pleased: The ChargePoint app highlights all Tesla Destination Chargers, Superchargers, and other compatible charging stations on the map. Simply enable the Tesla connector option in the app, and they will be displayed.

ChargePoint features charging stations throughout the U.S.

ChargePoint is among the largest electric vehicle charging networks in the United States, providing both Level 2 and Level 3 chargers in major metropolitan areas and along key highways. While many ChargePoint locations can be found in the PlugShare app, I suggest downloading both apps since PlugShare may not list all chargers. Additionally, the ChargePoint app allows you to make payments at various charging stations.

A word of caution: The ChargePoint app occasionally displays chargers that are not accessible for public use. This is particularly true in New York City, where many municipal vehicles have shifted to plug-in hybrids or fully electric models. Be vigilant about this when searching for charging options.

Electrify America for DC fast charging stations located near highways

In the Northeast, I primarily rely on Electrify America chargers during my road trips. The company boasts an extensive network of "hyper-fast" chargers (offering power delivery up to 350 kilowatts) as well as "ultra-fast" chargers (providing up to 150 kilowatts).

Electrify America operates one of the largest DC fast charging networks in the U.S., with over 800 charging stations. By 2026, the company plans to significantly expand its presence in the U.S. and Canada, targeting approximately 10,000 chargers across 1,800 stations.

Chargers are conveniently located both within cities and along major highways, typically found at Walmarts, Targets, and various shopping centers.

The pricing is quite competitive as well. It varies depending on the charging speed, and you can receive a discount by subscribing to a membership for just $4 a month.

Using these chargers is incredibly easy as well. Simply drive up, connect your car, and select the charger you're utilizing through the Electrify America app to begin charging. The fee for the charge is charged to your credit card once you finish.

Earn extra miles while charging your electric car

Since you typically pay for charging while traveling, why not rack up some miles at the same time? Most charging transactions don’t qualify as travel expenses, so it’s best to use a credit card that offers bonus points on everyday purchases. There are many of these cards available, and our top picks include:

• The Blue Business®️ Plus Credit Card from American Express (earns 2 Membership Rewards points for every dollar spent on the first $50,000 in purchases each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar, providing a 4% return based on TPG's valuations)
• Chase Freedom Unlimited (offers 1.5% cash back or 1.5 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar, translating to a 3% return according to TPG's valuations)
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (check rates and fees); earns 2 miles per dollar on purchases, resulting in a 2.8% return based on TPG's valuations)

If you’re working towards a credit card spending requirement, consider using it to pay for your charging sessions. For instance, I use my Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to cover charging costs, allowing me to earn bonus Medallion Qualification Miles* for qualifying towards Delta elite status.

*As of 1/1/24, this benefit will be discontinued, and a new method for earning Medallion Status with the Card will be introduced. For more details, visit delta.com/skymilesprogramchanges.

Conclusion

Taking a road trip in an electric vehicle differs from traveling in a gasoline car, but it's still incredibly enjoyable. In fact, I've discovered that my EV road trips often allow me to explore new places I might not have visited otherwise. Plus, the money saved on fuel can be redirected towards nicer hotels and better dining experiences. It sounds like a win-win situation to me.

The key takeaway is to remain aware of your range. Strategically planning your route to include charging stations and stopping to recharge before your battery gets too low are essential for a pleasant and hassle-free journey. If that seems challenging, you might want to consider an extended-range electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid for added flexibility.

Drive safely!