If you are planning an Electric SUV Road Trip, then your search is over here. Hooray! In our previous post we have discussed “Why Electric Vehicles (EVs) Are the Future of Transportation and Why You’ll Love Driving One!” But here we are going to explain how to success on your next Electric SUV Road Trip.
Electric SUVs are becoming more popular and affordable, offering a great way to travel long distances without burning fossil fuels. However, road tripping with an electric SUV requires some planning and preparation to avoid common pitfalls and enjoy the journey. In this article, we will share some tips and tricks on how to plan a successful Electric SUV Road Trip, based on our own experience and research.
Table of Contents
Choose the Right Electric SUV for Your Needs
Not all electric SUVs are created equal, and some may suit your needs better than others. Before you hit the road, you should consider the following factors:
- Range: How far can your electric SUV go on a single charge? This will determine how often you need to stop and recharge, and how much flexibility you have in choosing your route. Ideally, you want an electric SUV with a range of at least 200 miles, preferably more. Some of the best electric SUVs for range are the Tesla Model Y, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, and the Volkswagen ID.4.
- Charging speed: How fast can your electric SUV recharge its battery? This will affect how long you need to wait at charging stations, and how much time you can spend on the road. Ideally, you want an electric SUV that can charge at a rate of at least 100 kW, preferably more. Some of the best electric SUVs for charging speed are the Kia EV6, the Audi E-Tron, the Porsche Taycan, and the Lucid Air.
- Space: How much room does your electric SUV have for passengers and cargo? This will affect how comfortable you and your companions are during the trip, and how much luggage you can bring along. Ideally, you want an electric SUV that can seat at least five people comfortably, preferably more. Some of the best electric SUVs for space are the Rivian R1S, the Cadillac Lyriq, the Mercedes-Benz EQS, and the BMW iX.
- Features: What kind of features does your electric SUV offer to enhance your driving experience? This will affect how enjoyable and convenient your trip is, and how much you can benefit from the latest technology. Ideally, you want an electric SUV that has features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, wireless charging, navigation system, infotainment system, and climate control. Some of the best electric SUVs for features are the Tesla Model X, the Genesis GV60, the Polestar 2, and the Jaguar I-Pace.
Plan Your Route and Charging Stops
Once you have chosen your electric SUV, you need to plan your route and charging stops. This will help you avoid running out of battery, wasting time looking for charging stations, or paying extra fees for charging. Here are some steps to follow:
- Use a route planner: A route planner is a tool that helps you find the best route for your trip based on your electric SUV’s range, charging speed, and charging network. It also shows you where to find charging stations along the way, how long to charge at each stop, and how much it will cost. Some of the best route planners for electric vehicles are A Better Routeplanner, PlugShare, ChargePoint, and Electrify America.
- Choose a reliable charging network: A charging network is a group of charging stations that are operated by a single company or organization. Some charging networks are more reliable than others in terms of availability, speed, price, and compatibility. You should choose a charging network that works well with your electric SUV’s plug type (such as CCS or CHAdeMO), has enough coverage in your area of travel (such as urban or rural), and offers reasonable rates (such as per kWh or per minute). Some of the best charging networks for electric vehicles are Tesla Supercharger, Ionity, EVgo, and Blink.
- Check the weather and traffic conditions: The weather and traffic conditions can affect your electric SUV’s performance and range. For example, cold weather can reduce your battery capacity and efficiency, while heavy traffic can increase your energy consumption and stress level. You should check the weather and traffic conditions before you leave and during your trip using apps such as Weather.com or Google Maps. You should also adjust your driving style accordingly by driving slower, using regenerative braking, or preheating or cooling your cabin.
Pack Smartly and Enjoy Your Electric SUV Road Trip
Finally, you need to pack smartly and enjoy your trip. This will help you make the most of your electric SUV road trip experience. Here are some tips to follow:
- Pack light: Packing light will reduce the weight of your electric SUV and improve its range and efficiency. You should only bring what you need for your trip, such as clothes, toiletries, snacks, drinks, and entertainment. You should also use soft bags or suitcases that can fit easily in your electric SUV’s trunk or frunk (front trunk). You can use apps such as PackPoint or TripList to help you pack efficiently.
- Pack smart: Packing smart will make your trip more comfortable and convenient. You should pack some items that are useful for your electric SUV road trip, such as a portable charger, a tire inflator, a first aid kit, a flashlight, a blanket, and a roadside assistance membership card. You should also pack some items that are fun for your electric SUV road trip, such as a camera, a book, a game, or a playlist. You can use apps such as Roadtrippers or Roadside America to help you find interesting places to visit along the way.
- Enjoy your trip: Enjoying your trip will make your electric SUV road trip memorable and rewarding. You should take advantage of the benefits of driving an electric SUV, such as saving money on gas, reducing emissions, accessing HOV lanes, and experiencing smooth and quiet driving. You should also take breaks every few hours to stretch your legs, recharge your battery, and explore your surroundings. You can use apps such as Yelp or TripAdvisor to help you find good places to eat, drink, or stay along the way.
FAQ for Electric SUV Road Trip
Here are some frequently asked questions about electric SUV road trips:
How much does it cost to charge an electric SUV?
The cost of charging an electric SUV depends on several factors, such as the size of the battery, the charging speed, the charging network, and the electricity rate. Generally speaking, charging an electric SUV is cheaper than filling up a gas-powered SUV. According to the US Department of Energy, the average cost of electricity in the US is $0.13 per kWh, while the average cost of gasoline is $3.15 per gallon (as of September 2021). This means that charging an electric SUV with a 100 kWh battery from 0% to 100% would cost about $13, while filling up a gas-powered SUV with a 20-gallon tank would cost about $63.
How long does it take to charge an electric SUV?
The time it takes to charge an electric SUV depends on several factors, such as the level of charge, the charging speed, the charging station, and the weather conditions. Generally speaking, charging an electric SUV takes longer than filling up a gas-powered SUV. According to Edmunds, the average time it takes to charge an electric SUV from 0% to 80% at a Level 2 charger (240 volts) is about 8 hours, while at a DC fast charger (480 volts) is about 40 minutes. However, these times may vary depending on the model and situation.
How far can an electric SUV go on a single charge?
The range of an electric SUV depends on several factors, such as the size of the battery, the driving style, the speed, the terrain, the load, and the weather conditions. Generally speaking, most electric SUVs can go more than 200 miles on a single charge. According to EPA, some of the best electric SUVs for range are:
* Tesla Model Y Long Range: 326 miles
* Hyundai Ioniq 5 Long Range: 303 miles
* Ford Mustang Mach-E Extended Range: 300 miles
* Volkswagen ID.4 Pro: 260 miles
* Kia EV6 Long Range: 258 miles
Conclusion
Driving an electric SUV is a great way to travel long distances without burning fossil fuels. However, it requires some planning and preparation to avoid common pitfalls and enjoy the journey. By following the tips and tricks in this article, you can plan a successful electric SUV road trip that is fun, comfortable, and convenient. You can explore “Why Electric Vehicles (EVs) Are the Future of Transportation and Why You’ll Love Driving One” by clicking this link.
Thank You
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