How to Plan an EV Road Trip

If you're yearning to hit the open road in your EV, a little planning and vehicle prep can go a long way.

Andy Stonehouse | 

Sep 3, 2024 | 3 min read

Manuel Carrillo III | Capital One

Thanks to longer driving ranges and a vast increase in charging opportunities — even in rural communities — electric-vehicle range anxiety gives way to a "go for it" attitude regarding EV road-tripping. EV owners can comfortably plan longer journeys by using route-planning apps and fast-charging stations, and by adjusting their driving habits.

Use Apps for Your Next EV Road Trip

The latest EVs, such as the Lucid Air luxury sedan, can offer more than 500 miles of range, making an extended voyage feasible. Tesla's proprietary Supercharger network can also assist with long-distance trips.

If you own a non-Tesla EV, you may have a preferential arrangement or subscription with one of the major charging networks, such as ChargePoint, Electrify America, EVgo, and others. Their respective apps may help determine the availability of charging stations along your road trip route.

Today's EV charging network is somewhat scattered across the country. To accurately measure how far you can travel before recharging, enter your destination on a trip-planning app, such as A Better Routeplanner or ChargeHub, and get a detailed overview of where to stop and charge and for how long.

Alternatively, EVHotels lists accommodations that also feature overnight charging stations.

Another favorite crowd-sourced app is PlugShare, which will allow you to plan a trip and see every charger along your route.

Google Maps is also gradually improving its capabilities to help with EV road trips, highlighting routes with faster chargers.

How Far and Where I Can Travel in My EV

Once you've picked a route, the fundamental limitations are the range of your vehicle and the availability of higher-speed charging opportunities. You'll have to contend with the issues related to the increasing popularity of EVs, starting with busy charging stations. There may be other challenges, too, such as the unreliable nature of more than a half-dozen competing EV charging companies and various still-emerging technologies.

When driving in remote areas, be aware that charging stations sometimes require cell phone service to activate those apps and initiate a charge.

While Tesla owners can benefit from access to the company's widespread Supercharger and Destination Chargers network, the automaker has begun to offer limited charging access to owners of non-Tesla EVs.

Other Considerations When Planning an EV Road Trip

New EV hardware and technologies, such as heat pumps and ever-improving batteries, are helping to make longer road trips more reliable and convenient year-round. But weather can still be a major factor in how far you may or may not be able to drive your EV.

If you head out in the middle of a freezing winter, colder temperatures can decrease the total range of your EV by as much as 30% or more. Running your EV's heater and accessories to stay comfortable during your trip can drastically reduce your total range. Similarly, high temperatures can strain your EV's systems and charging capabilities in the summer. See if you can charge in a shaded area and run your air conditioner.

You'll also achieve a more extended driving range in an EV or a traditional gas-powered car by properly inflating your tires, as lower tire pressures can reduce driving ranges.

Andy Stonehouse

Andy Stonehouse literally fell into the world of auto writing while working as a ski-town journalist, and has not looked back since. A childhood spent dealing with the eccentricities of a 1976 MG Midget has made any subsequent auto experience a more safe and reliable drive. He has been blessed with nearby mountain trails and snowy roads in Colorado to do TV-adventure-styled test drives on a weekly basis.