There are many reasons to consider purchasing an electric car in the United States, but one of the most obvious is its incredible environmental benefits.
Electric cars aren’t only eco-friendlier than their gasoline counterparts, but they’re also better for your health. However, there are some essential things to remember when traveling across the country in an electric car—things that might not be immediately obvious to the casual driver.
With the rise in the popularity of electric cars, there are still some misconceptions about them. One common question is whether or not an electric vehicle can make a long road trip. The answer is yes!
You need to keep a few things in mind, but an electric car can handle a cross-country trip.
Here are 11 tips when driving cross country in an electric car in the United States!
1. Plan Your Trip and Book Ahead!
If you’re considering driving cross country in an electric car, there are a few things you need to consider.
First, you must map out your route and plan your stops accordingly. Electric cars have a limited range, so you’ll need to ensure you have enough charge to get from Point A to Point B.
You’ll also need to consider the time it will take to charge your car. While some charging stations can give your car a full charge in 30 minutes or less, others may take several hours.
Therefore, it’s essential to factor in charging time when planning your trip. With a little planning, driving cross country in an electric car is a perfectly viable option.
Just be sure to give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.
2. Charge in City Centers
When driving cross country in an electric car, it is crucial to plan your route carefully and ensure you have access to charging stations along the way.
City centers are generally an excellent place to stop for a recharge, as there are often multiple stations available, and they tend to be well-maintained.
However, it is essential to note that city center charging stations can be bustling, so it is advisable to arrive early or late in the day to avoid long queues.
In addition, many city center stations now offer pay-per-use parking, so checking the rates before parking is essential.
Following these tips ensures that your cross-country trip in an electric car is a success.
3. Check Your Tires
When driving long distances, it’s important to be aware of the unique challenges of the territory. Tire maintenance is one of the most crucial aspects of a cross-country road trip.
Because electric cars rely on battery power, they can be more susceptible to flat tires than gas-powered cars.
Be sure to check your tires before embarking on a long journey, and plan to stop every few hours to give them a rest.
In addition, keep an eye out for any objects that could puncture your tires, such as nails or glass. Taking these precautions can help ensure a safe and enjoyable cross-country road trip.
4. Consider Future Charging Needs
If you’re driving an electric vehicle (EV) cross country, you’ll need to plan ahead for your charging needs. While there are over 16,000 public charging stations across the United States, they aren’t always evenly distributed.
Depending on your route, you may need to plan to stop more frequently to charge up. You can use online tools like Plug share to map out potential charging stations along your route.
It’s also a good idea to give yourself some flexibility in your travel plans if you need to detour to find a charge.
And remember, it takes longer to charge an EV than it does to fill up a gas tank, so plan accordingly. With a little planning, you can ensure you have the necessary power to enjoy a successful road trip.
5. Prepare Your Car
Before heading out on a cross-country road trip, it’s important to ensure your car is in good working condition.
This means getting a tune-up, checking the brakes and tires, and topping off all the fluids. It would be best if you also cleaned out your car’s interior to minimize distractions and make the journey more comfortable.
And be sure to pack an emergency kit with a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and a map of the area.
By taking these simple precautions, you can help ensure that your car will be able to handle the long journey ahead.
6. Keep the Temperature Of the Destination In Mind
If you’re planning a road trip across the country, it’s important to keep the temperature of your destination in mind.
One potential downside of electric cars is that their batteries can drain more quickly in warm places. This is because heat speeds up chemical reactions, and the battery’s chemical reaction is what produces electricity.
As a result, if an electric car is driven in a hot climate, the battery will drain faster and will need to be recharged more frequently.
This can be a problem in desert areas, where temperatures reach over 100 degrees.
However, some steps can be taken to mitigate this issue. For example, parking in a shaded area or using a solar-powered charging station can help to keep the battery cool and extend its range.
7. Stop by RV Parks
When planning a road trip in an electric car, you must factor in where you’ll charge your car.
RV parks are a great option for electric car owners, as most have hookups that allow you to charge your car overnight. In addition, RV parks typically have a wide variety of amenities that can make your road trip more enjoyable, such as swimming pools, laundry facilities, and playgrounds.
And since RV parks are located across the country, you can easily find one convenient for your route.
So whether you’re looking for a place to recharge your batteries or just want to take advantage of the amenities, make sure to add RV parks to your list of potential stops on your next road trip.
8. Don’t Let Range Anxiety Hold You Back
Range anxiety is the fear that your car will run out of juice before you reach your destination, leaving you stranded.
While it’s true that electric cars have a shorter range than traditional gasoline-powered cars, do not let this anxiety hold you back from a memorable trip cross-country. There are plenty of ways to minimize the risk of being stranded.
First, familiarize yourself with the charging infrastructure of the area you will be visiting. Look for public charging stations and map out their locations. This way, if you do start to run low on charge, you’ll know where you can stop to recharge. I
Secondly, if you know you’ll be driving for a long time, bring along a portable charger to top up your battery on the go.
Also, pack light! The heavier your car is, the more energy it will use. So, leave any unnecessary items at home. Finally, ensure you always have a fully charged phone so you can call for help if needed.
9. Choose an EV with a Better Range
When driving across the country, you want to have a good electric vehicle range. You don’t want to be stopped in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery.
You can do a few things to ensure you have a good range.
First, make sure you have a good charger. You can get a portable charger that will work in any outlet. Second, make sure you have a good battery. A good battery will last longer and give you more range.
Keeping these points in mind, you can ensure you’ll have a good range when driving cross country.
10. Take Help from Mobile Apps
Many electric vehicle apps can be useful whether you’re driving across the country or just across town.
One of the most popular is ChargePoint, which helps you find charging stations and keep track of your charging status.
Another app, EVgo, offers a variety of membership plans that provide access to a nationwide network of fast-charging stations.
And for those who need a little help planning their route, PlugShare shows public charging stations on a map, along with user-generated reviews and ratings.
With these apps at your fingertips, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to keep your electric vehicle charged and on the road.
11. Don’t Skimp on Insurance
When driving cross country in an electric car, it is important to make sure that you are properly insured.
Many people make the mistake of skimping on insurance when driving an electric car, thinking it is unnecessary.
However, electric cars are just as susceptible to accidents as any other type of car. If you are involved in an accident, you will be glad that you have comprehensive coverage. This will help pay for damages to your vehicle and any medical bills you may incur.
In addition, it is important to have liability insurance in case you are found at fault for an accident. Without adequate insurance, you could be facing a significant financial burden.
So when driving cross country in an electric car, ensure you are adequately insured.
Different Types of Electric Car Charging Stations
There are a few different types of electric car charging stations, each with its benefits and drawbacks.
- One type is the Level 1 charger, which uses a standard 120-volt outlet to provide a slow charge that is ideal for overnight charging.
- Level 2 chargers are more powerful, using a 240-volt outlet to provide a faster charge that can get most cars from empty to full in around four hours.
- Level 3 chargers are the most powerful option, using a high-voltage DC connection to provide an ultra-fast charge that can get a car from empty to 80% full in just 30 minutes. While Level 3 chargers are the most convenient option, they are also the most expensive and not always widely available.
Top 5 Electric Cars Best for Cross-Country Drives
Several factors are to consider when choosing an electric car for a cross-country drive.
- First, the car’s battery range will be necessary, as you’ll need to know how far you can travel before recharging.
- Second, the efficiency of the car’s charging system will be crucial, as you’ll want to be able to get back on the road as quickly as possible after stopping.
- Third, the size and weight of the car will affect both its range and performance, so it’s important to choose a vehicle that balances these two factors.
With all of this in mind, here are five of the best electric cars for cross-country drives:
1. The Tesla Model S
It is widely regarded as the best all-around electric car on the market, and its long range and fast charging times make it ideal for cross-country trips.
2. The Chevrolet Bolt EV
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is another great option for long-distance driving, thanks to its impressive range and excellent charging efficiency.
3. The Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is a good choice for those who want a smaller, more affordable electric car, and its extended range makes it suitable for cross-country drives.
4. The BMW i3
The BMW i3 is a well-rounded electric car with a good range and respectable performance, making it an excellent option for cross-country trips.
5. The Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X is an excellent choice for an electric SUV with long-range and fast charging times.
Wrapping Up!
Driving cross country in an electric car is a great way to see America at its best while reducing your carbon footprint simultaneously.
When driving across the country, ensure you have everything you need for your trip – including clothes, food, and water.
Unlike a traditional car, an electric vehicle doesn’t have a combustion engine and therefore can’t be started in case of emergency, so be prepared and make sure that you know how to charge your car using a portable charger or generator in case of power outages or other emergencies.
Enjoy the journey!
Read more:
- Electric Car Battery Explodes in the USA: Everything You Need to Know
- Electric Car Air Pump [Everything you should know]
- Top 5 Electric Car Air Pump Manufacturers
- Who Pays for Electric Car Charging Stations
- Why Can’t Electric Cars Charge Their Own Batteries
- Top Tips to Maximize an Electric Vehicle’s Range
- How to Reset Tire Pressure in Tesla
My name is Matthew, staying in Seattle, Washington. Electric Vehicles (Electric Cars & Electric bikes) caught my attention for the last few years and my love for electric cars and bikes is everlasting. I spend many of my weekends traveling to various places all over various cities with my electric vehicle (e-bike and electric car). Here I am sharing my expertise, experience, and invaluable information about electric cars and electric bikes. Check out more.