EV Road Trip Planning: How to Find Fast Chargers and Avoid Range Anxiety
Road trips were the other big question in my research. Here's how EV owners plan routes, how long fast charging takes and what to pack.
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Key takeaways
- Plan stops using the car's navigation or the DOE station locator.
- Fast charging is quickest from low charge to about 80%; slowing after that is normal.
- Pack an adapter and a portable charger as backup.
Plan your route
Most EVs have built-in navigation that routes through compatible fast chargers and preconditions the battery on the way. The DOE station locator can filter by connector type and charging speed.
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How long stops take
Charging speed slows as the battery fills to protect it. Many drivers find it faster overall to charge to around 80% and move on rather than waiting for 100%.
What to pack
An adapter matching the networks on your route, a portable Level 2 charger for destination outlets, and a backup payment app for each network.
Sources & further reading
Written by
LarryLeoLarryLeo started EV Charging while researching his own next car purchase. He digs into the pros, cons and real cost savings of going electric — using government, standards-body and manufacturer sources — and shares what he finds so other buyers can decide with confidence.
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