Most people think that driving an EV on a road trip is a recipe for disaster. That's a fair point. After all, who wants to run out of charge while in the middle of nowhere? With 42% of EV owners worried about having to locate a charging station, it's a valid concern for a lot of people.

But then, there's the fact that taking your EV on a road trip can keep your travel costs low. Think about not having to buy gas while making your way from coast to coast. Imagine how much you can save on that alone! Apart gas savings though, traveling in an EV can also help you avoid expensive repairs because they have fewer parts to maintain. If you're looking to save money you should definitely go on that road trip in your EV. But take note of these considerations for a hassle-free trip.

It Helps if Your EV is a Fast-Charging Model

You don't want to spend most of your road trip hanging around charging stations while waiting for your EV to be fully charged. If you're planning to take multiple road trips on your EV, make sure that it's a fast-charging model. There are different electric vehicles and various charging options, such as battery EVs, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids. Each one has its own pros and cons, so it pays to know which EV type your vehicle is.

As for fast-charging models, highly-rated ones include the Lucid Air which gets you an additional 300 miles after a 20-minute charge. There's also the Hyundai IONIQ 5, which goes from 10 to 80% in just 18 minutes. If your EV doesn't charge quickly, consider leasing an electric vehicle that does.

Know Your Next Charging Stop

Going on an EV road trip takes a lot of planning. That includes knowing where your next charging stop is going to be. Find charging spots along your route-- it helps to use an app for this. Some of the best apps for finding EV charging stations include ChargePoint, EVHotels, and PlugShare.

Never drain your battery even if you know that you're near a charging station. Remember that there's always a chance that the charger is inoperable. So, always plan on having extra range to get you to the next station. If the charging station has a faulty charger as well then you'll need to look for other places to power up your EV. See if you can get to a nearby supermarket or mall-- these places usually have charging stations where you can charge your EV for free.  

Maximize Your Range

Your EV's range depends on how you drive. To maximize your range, go easy on the accelerator. If the weather's fine, roll your windows down to ventilate your EV. You should also avoid using your heater or air conditioner as much as you can. Finally, try to drive smoothly since abrupt starts and stops can quickly use up your battery's energy.

Road tripping in an EV doesn't have to be stressful. Make sure to drive a fast-charging EV, know your next charging stop, and maximize your range for a hassle-free and enjoyable trip.