The definitive guide to taking a road trip with an electric vehicle

Recent years have transformed the travel landscape in numerous ways, but two notable trends have emerged: road trips and the rise of electric vehicles.

During the early days of the pandemic, road trips gained popularity as air travel experienced a significant decline. Even as air travel began to recover with the rollout of vaccines, many travelers still prefer the classic American road trip to explore national parks, cities, and everything in between.

Simultaneously, an increasing number of drivers are making the switch to electric vehicles, with adoption rates climbing steadily both in the U.S. and globally. This shift has been fueled by rising gas prices resulting from global conflicts and supply chain challenges, prompting even rental car companies to incorporate EVs into their fleets.

After enjoying a summer filled with rental car road trips, I decided to buy a used 2016 BMW i3 in August 2020. This range-extended electric compact car features a small gas engine that can charge the battery while driving. Coupled with its hatchback design, I believe it is the ideal road trip vehicle for those residing in bustling cities like New York.

Since acquiring the i3, I've embarked on a few short journeys. Driving it offers a unique experience compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles, and those new to electric cars may feel uncertain about what to anticipate.

In this article, I'll share insights I've gained from my experiences on the road with my EV. I'll cover everything from key considerations when selecting an EV for road trips to locating charging stations, along with helpful trip-planning advice.

Let’s get started (or should I say, let’s drive)!

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Selecting an electric vehicle for road trips

If you're looking to buy an electric car with plans for road trips, there are several key factors to consider. Examine aspects like driving range and whether a plug-in hybrid might be a better option for you during the car-buying process.

Essential Features for a Road-Trip Ready Electric Car

Choosing a vehicle with the right range for your intended trips is essential. Avoid purchasing a car with only an 80-mile range if you frequently take 500+ mile journeys. However, you don’t necessarily need an ultra-long-range EV for these travels. For example, the BMW i3 94ah offers a 153-mile range, which can be suitable for longer journeys if you're willing to make a few charging stops along the way.

If you want to minimize the number of charging stops, consider opting for a long-range Tesla or a Chevrolet Bolt. These vehicles offer over 200 miles of electric range, reducing your need for frequent charging. However, they typically come with a higher price tag, particularly in the used market where long-range vehicles often retain a better resale value.

I believe that road trippers should steer clear of models like the Fiat 500e and the electric Mercedes-Benz B-Class. With electric ranges under 100 miles and no range extender options, these cars necessitate frequent charging during long trips, making them less practical, especially on routes with limited charging stations.

Think about a plug-in hybrid or range-extended vehicle

Additionally, you might want to explore electric vehicles that aren't completely electric. There are two types to consider: plug-in hybrids and range-extended electric vehicles. Plug-in hybrids function like regular hybrids but come with larger batteries that can be charged from an external source. These vehicles typically offer an electric range of 15 to 50 miles and have full-sized gas tanks.

However, it's important to note that these vehicles do not deliver a fully electric driving experience and usually lack fast charging capabilities (more on this shortly). I find them less enjoyable to drive and, if you're aiming for an electric-only experience, they can be quite inconvenient to recharge. Nevertheless, they can still be effective road trip options thanks to their gas engines.

Conversely, range-extended electric cars are entirely electric with a small gasoline engine. This engine acts as a generator to recharge the battery while you drive, allowing for greater range on longer journeys. My BMW i3 features a range extender, which has been a lifesaver on longer trips when I'm far from a public charging station.

I favor range-extended vehicles over plug-in hybrids because they provide the full electric driving experience (think: instant torque). Moreover, these cars often come with fast charging capabilities and other advanced EV technology.

DC fast charging is essential for a smooth road trip experience

Here's a crucial tip: only choose a vehicle equipped with DC fast charging if you plan on taking road trips. The number of fast chargers available across the country is increasing, and these can charge a car—like the BMW i3—to 80% in just 45 minutes. This speed is possible because fast chargers, often referred to as Level 3 chargers, can deliver over 250kW per hour.

In contrast, vehicles without this feature rely solely on Level 2 public chargers, which operate at approximately 11kW per hour. While this is still quicker than home charging, it will significantly extend the time required to charge while on the road. For instance, charging the i3 from 0% to 80% takes around three hours.

This capability becomes even more crucial during long road trips. If you're waiting for hours each time your battery runs low, it will greatly delay your arrival at your destination. However, a quick 45-minute charge gives you enough time to grab a meal and program your navigation to your next charging stop or final destination.

Fortunately, nearly all new fully electric vehicles and range-extended cars come with fast charging capabilities. However, some older electric models may lack this feature, so be sure to ask about it before scheduling a test drive. Notable exceptions include certain 2014 and 2015 BMW i3s, all versions of the Fiat 500e, and some earlier Nissan Leafs.

Check battery health when purchasing a used vehicle

Are you considering a used electric car? Be sure to assess the vehicle's battery condition prior to buying. Like all batteries, the battery in an electric vehicle will experience degradation over time, which is normal, but significant degradation can complicate your road trip plans. Typically, you can check the battery status via the car's infotainment system.

Fortunately, most electric vehicles come with extensive battery warranties. For instance, my used BMW i3 is covered by a warranty that lasts for 100,000 miles or eight years on the battery, which means I'm protected until 2024 for my 2016 model. According to BMW, a battery replacement may be approved if the battery's performance declines by 30% or more during the warranty period.

How to prepare for a road trip with an electric vehicle

As mentioned earlier, taking a road trip in an electric vehicle is quite different from doing so in a gasoline car. It requires a bit more preparation for fully electric models, which, while it may seem tedious, becomes manageable once you get used to it. Let’s explore how I organize my road trips in my electric vehicle.

Map your route considering fast chargers and monitor your range

First and foremost: you’ll need to recharge while on the go, so it’s essential to plan your driving route around public charging stations that are conveniently located near highways, expressways, or your intended routes. Be sure to recharge before your battery runs out to avoid needing to call for roadside assistance, but there’s a bit more to it than just that.

Unfortunately, the range of electric cars can fluctuate. You’ll consume more battery power when you accelerate rapidly, drive uphill, or use climate control. Always allow yourself at least a 10% buffer when searching for charging stations. For instance, if your vehicle has a 100-mile range, plan to have chargers no more than 90 miles apart.

Furthermore, try to prioritize fast chargers during your travels. This way, you won’t find yourself waiting at a charger for hours while your vehicle charges. Instead, you can plug in for about 30 to 40 minutes and be back on your way without any hassle.

You can organize your trips either manually or by using an app like PlugShare. I’ll cover this app in more detail in the next section, but to summarize, it’s a crowdsourced directory of chargers available in your vicinity. The app’s route planner can save you a significant amount of time when planning long road trips with multiple charging stops.

Seek out hotels with charging stations

Another way to optimize your charging time is by choosing to stay at hotels that provide electric vehicle charging in their parking lots or garages. These amenities are becoming increasingly common, and often the charging is either complimentary or included with the parking fee. Typically, these are Level 2 chargers, making them ideal for overnight charging.

Is there no charging available at your hotel? Ask the hotel staff if they can provide an outdoor outlet for you. Most electric vehicles come with a Level 1 wall charger that works with any standard outlet. If the hotel agrees, this charger will gradually power up your vehicle overnight, giving you enough energy to reach your next stop.

Utilize these apps and charging networks to locate public chargers

Now that you’re equipped to plan your trip, let’s explore the best methods to find public charging stations. As mentioned earlier, there are several charging networks available across the U.S., such as ChargePoint and Electrify America. Additionally, numerous non-networked public chargers are located in parking garages and along city streets.

Here’s a rundown of the apps and charging networks I rely on during my electric car road trips. Be sure to download these before embarking on your first electric adventure.

PlugShare for most public charging stations

PlugShare is a user-driven app designed for electric car charging. This app allows you to access information about networked, non-networked, and publicly available home chargers. Moreover, you can filter chargers based on speed, connector type, and cost, which is incredibly useful for finding fast chargers during lengthy trips.

Additionally, the app features a trip-planning tool that helps you locate electric vehicle charging stations along your route. Simply input your starting point and destination, and the app will display all nearby chargers. You can even specify your car’s range to optimize your route around charging stops.

Tesla users also benefit from the ChargePoint app. It highlights all Tesla Destination Chargers, SuperChargers, and other compatible charging locations on the map. Just activate the Tesla connector option in the app, and relevant locations will show up on the map.

ChargePoint provides charging stations across the U.S.

ChargePoint is among the largest electric vehicle charging networks in the United States, featuring both Level 2 and Level 3 chargers in key urban areas and along major highways. While many ChargePoint locations are listed on the PlugShare app, I recommend downloading both applications, as PlugShare may overlook certain chargers. Additionally, the ChargePoint app allows you to pay for charging at various locations.

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

Electrify America for DC fast charging stations along highways

In the Northeast, I primarily rely on Electrify America chargers during my road trips. The company boasts an extensive network of fast chargers strategically placed within cities and along major highways, often located at Walmarts, Targets, and various shopping centers. Their pricing is quite reasonable and varies based on charging speed, with a membership option available for $4 per month that offers discounts.

Using these chargers is incredibly straightforward. Just pull up, connect your vehicle, and select the charger you’re using on the Electrify America app to initiate charging. The fee will be charged to your credit card once you finish.

However, one drawback of Electrify America is the reliability of its stations. On a recent trip from Philadelphia to New York, I encountered a charger where three out of four charging ports were out of order. The fourth was in use, prompting me to contact tech support, who generously provided a complimentary fill-up at a nearby charger.

Accumulate bonus miles while charging your electric vehicle

When you're out on the road and paying for charging, why not rack up some miles at the same time? Most chargers do not register as travel expenses, so it's wise to use a credit card that provides extra points on everyday purchases. There are numerous options available, and here are some of our top picks:

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

If you're working to meet a credit card spending threshold, consider using it to cover your charging costs. For instance, I use my Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for charging, allowing me to earn bonus Medallion Qualifying Miles towards achieving Delta elite status.

Final thoughts

Embarking on a road trip in an electric vehicle is quite different from traveling in a gasoline-powered car, but it can be equally enjoyable. In fact, I often find that my EV road trips are more pleasurable as I discover new places that I might not have seen otherwise. Plus, the money saved on fuel can be redirected towards staying in nicer hotels and dining at better restaurants. It sounds like a win-win to me!

The most important lesson is to remain aware of your vehicle's range. Strategically planning your route around charging stations and making stops to charge before your battery runs low is essential for a smooth and enjoyable journey. If that approach doesn’t suit you, consider opting for a range-extended electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid for greater flexibility.

Drive safely!

Feature photo by Andrew Kunesh/Dinogo.