Roadtrip in an Electric Vehicle: Tips and Tricks

Going on a roadtrip evokes images of freedom, discoveries, and adventures on the road. With the growing popularity of electric vehicles, it is now possible to experience this in an eco-friendly way. Embarking on a roadtrip with an EV requires some preparation to ensure a pleasant journey. Here is a complete guide to help you plan your next electric roadtrip!

PREPARATIONS BEFORE DEPARTURE

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

It’s no secret that an electric vehicle needs to be recharged quite frequently. If you have several hundred kilometers to travel, you should keep in mind that you will need to stop to recharge. To make your life easier, we strongly suggest planning your stops in advance. To do this, we recommend using specialized apps and websites to plan your route. Tools like PlugShare, ChargeHub, or A Better Route Planner (ABRP) can help you find charging stations along your route. In addition to embarking on your roadtrip with peace of mind, planning your stops to recharge your vehicle allows you to stretch your legs and enjoy local attractions! It’s a win-win!

With these apps, you can easily locate the various charging station networks along your route. In Quebec, the Electric Circuit can meet most of your needs, but elsewhere, it’s different… so it would be good to subscribe to other charging networks (often free!) in advance so that you don’t have any surprises or difficulties on the road. It’s always stressful to have difficulty recharging when the battery is almost depleted, so it’s best to be prepared!

Moreover, these apps also allow you to easily find hotels that offer on-site charging during the night!

CHECK THE CONDITION OF THE VEHICLE

Before leaving, have your vehicle checked to ensure it is in perfect condition. Check the tire pressure, fluid levels (such as coolant for the batteries), and make sure the charging system is working properly.

IMPORTANT ELEMENTS TO CONSIDER

BATTERY RANGE AND CHARGING

Battery range is one of the most important aspects to consider. Always keep an eye on the charge level and plan regular stops to recharge. During your roadtrip, you may encounter occasional charging station failures. Unfortunately, these things can happen, so it is advisable to anticipate this possibility and always have a second charging point nearby. Hence the importance of frequently monitoring your battery level! Fortunately, the charging network in Quebec is well-established and continues to expand, so you don’t need to worry too much about this, as public stations are well distributed throughout the territory.

CHARGING TIME

Charging time varies depending on the type of station. Fast chargers can charge 80% of the battery in about 30 minutes, while residential chargers can take several hours. Depending on your route, these stop times can allow you to rest, eat, visit family or friends, and explore the surroundings. In other words, this charging time allows you to enjoy your roadtrip differently!

ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES

Just like your phone charger, some accessories are essential on the road. Regardless of the type of vehicle, electric or not, if you have a first aid kit, basic tools, and a spare tire, it is highly recommended to bring them with you.

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

AVAILABILITY OF CHARGING STATIONS

The availability of charging stations can vary by region. To avoid unpleasant surprises, always plan a route with several charging options and check user reviews of the stations. Once there, you may have to wait a bit to recharge, but that’s part of the roadtrip experience! Note that long weekends are times when fast chargers are busier than usual.

CHARGING FAILURES

A station may be out of service. In this case, always have a plan B nearby. Some apps allow you to report outages and find solutions quickly, so we suggest installing them on your phone to be well-prepared for any eventuality. If you have a portable charger, bring it with you… even a small charge on 120V can help!

BATTERY MANAGEMENT

You can optimize your car’s range by adjusting your driving habits. This means using cruise control, avoiding sudden accelerations, and taking advantage of energy regeneration during descents. These small actions will have a positive impact on your battery range and allow you to travel further between charges.

HAVE A GREAT ROADTRIP!

Going on a roadtrip with an electric vehicle is an exciting and eco-friendly adventure. Over time, it will become easier to set off with confidence. With good preparation, careful planning, and effective range management, it is entirely possible to have an unforgettable experience without the constraints of recharging. Take the time to plan your trip, discover unique places, and enjoy every moment on the road. Have a great roadtrip!