How to plan an EV road trip

Nothing spells ‘adventure’ quite like the classic American road trip. Picture yourself cruising down the freeway, windows down, jamming to your favorite playlist. You’re excited for the journey that awaits. And, best of all, you’re enjoying every moment of your drive in a smooth, zero-emission electric vehicle.

Most modern EVs can easily cover more than 200 miles on a single charge. Plus, the US has an ever-expanding public charging network, so the days of running out of battery in the middle of nowhere are long gone.

Still, there are a few things that you need to know before you hit the road in your EV rental. From finding charging stations to navigating your route, here are some expert tips on how to plan your upcoming EV road trip.

Why Plan Your EV Road Trip?

If it’s your first time driving an electric vehicle, you might be a little concerned about the learning curve involved. But, moving from a gas-powered vehicle to driving an EV is easy.

Just like any other road trip, a small amount of preparation can go a long way. By planning ahead, you can make sure you always know where your next charging spot is.

There are also plenty of benefits to driving an EV, such as:

• Great performance – Electric vehicles often provide instant acceleration and torque, giving similar – or even better – performance than cars with internal combustion engines.
•  Improved safety – Many EVs come with innovative safety features such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). These can alert you to potential hazards on the road. Other modern safety features include automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring.
• Convenience – Compared to traditional automobiles, EVs could be seen as more convenient. An electric car might require only two to three charges for a 600-mile trip. Meanwhile, a gasoline vehicle might require up to four gas station visits for the same distance – and at greater cost, too.
• Low maintenance – EVs don’t have an engine. Instead, they use an electric drive train that requires less maintenance. You won’t have to worry about things like oil changes while on the road.

Choosing the Right EV for Your Road Trip

Before hitting the road, it’s important that you choose an EV that works for you. For example, if you’re going cross-country, then opting for a long-range EV like a Tesla or Chevy Bolt EV might be a good way to go. These models can easily cover more than 250+ miles on a single full charge, saving you trips to public charging stations.

You may also want to look at other factors such as cargo capacity and space. Are you traveling solo or are you going camping with the family? Depending on your trip type, you might need a more powerful, capable SUV crossover like the Chevrolet Blazer to carry your camping gear, as well as navigate the tough terrain.

At Hertz, we offer a wide range of EVs to match your needs. Choose the right car for you and ensure that your rental car road trip goes ahead without a hitch.

Mapping Out Your Route

Planning your route around both destinations of choice and public charging stations is key to a hassle-free driving experience. It’s a good idea to look for public chargers around expressways, highways, hotels or gas stations. You don’t want to have to call roadside assistance if your battery dies in the middle of nowhere.

As a rule of thumb, give yourself at least a 10% buffer of charge to get you to the next charging station on your route. This will help alleviate any battery anxiety as you embark on your journey.

Scheduling Charging Stops

An electric car’s range is dynamic. This means that factors like how you accelerate, or use features such as climate control, will influence the range of your EV. That’s why it’s important to schedule charging stops along the way.

You can do so by using apps such as PlugShare or Google Maps to help you plan your route while factoring in the most convenient locations. Alternatively, you could use an EV road trip planner.

DC charging stations are often more potent, allowing you to charge your electric car faster. Many EVs nowadays can restore up to 80% full battery in less than an hour.

Packing for an EV Road Trip

Sometimes a stop can take a bit longer than initially planned, so it’s best to be prepared. Part of the road trip experience is carrying some goodies along the way. So, you might need to pack some water and snacks – especially if you’re bringing the family along.

Aside from having snacks in the car, you may also need to take some EV essentials with you. Some public AC charging stations might not have charging cables, so it’s always a good idea to carry a type 2 cable in your trunk.

Finally, when planning the essentials, make sure to travel light and only take things that you need to maximize space. Electric vehicles lose range when carrying heavy cargo, so bear this in mind, especially if you’re traveling with a number of passengers.

Ensuring a Safe Journey

Safety is important when planning your EV road trip. Every EV comes with an estimated driving range, or EPA, which helps you map out your route alongside charging stops. However, weather can also significantly impact range and disrupt your route.

All cars, even gasoline vehicles, lose range in cold weather. But this can have a bigger effect on EVs. A study on battery life found that some EVs can lose up to a third of their driving range in colder weather. So, it’s a good idea to stay updated on weather and road conditions along your route.

Making the Most of Your EV Road Trip

Road trips are all about fun and adventure – so why not make the most out of it by exploring our destination pages? We’ve compiled a list of the more interesting activities for more than 100 locations across the US.

From visiting some of the most compelling tourist sights to trying out local cuisine, we’ll help you make memories for a lifetime. Whether you’re planning to soak in the rich Cajun culture of New Orleans, or bask on the warm sandy beaches of Miami, we’ve got you covered.