Long journeys in an electric car reward a bit of upfront planning far more than petrol or diesel trips do. Get your charging stops right and an EV road trip can be just as smooth, often more relaxing, than a traditional one.
Plan your route around chargers, not the other way round
Before you set off, map out your route using a journey-planning app or your car's built-in navigation, which can usually account for your battery's real-world range, elevation changes, and even weather. Build in a buffer rather than planning to arrive at each stop on empty, since traffic, weather, and cold temperatures can all reduce range.
Aim to charge little and often rather than always waiting for a near-empty battery, since charging speed is typically fastest between around 20% and 80%, tailing off significantly above that.
Make your stops count
- Choose charging stops near facilities you'd want anyway, food, toilets, somewhere to stretch your legs, since most stops take longer than a fuel fill.
- Check charger reliability and reviews in-app before committing to a stop, as availability can vary.
- Have a backup charging network or app installed in case your preferred one is down or busy.
- Carry the right cable and any adapter your car might need, and know your car's maximum charging speed so you're not surprised by a slower session.
On the day
Pre-condition the battery before a rapid charging stop if your car supports it, since this can meaningfully improve charging speed, particularly in cold weather. Keep an eye on your remaining range against the distance to your next planned stop, and don't be afraid to divert early if conditions change.
The habits that make EV road trips easy are simple: plan generously, charge in smaller top-ups rather than waiting until you're low, and pick stops that double as a proper break. Once you've done it a couple of times, it becomes second nature, and the driving itself is every bit as enjoyable as in any other car.
