The Ultimate Guide to EV Road-Tripping

Road trips are a perfect way to analyze any car’s performance. The joy of running the car on the open road, freedom to test the full potential of the car. But is a successful road trip possible with an EV? With limited range and charging infrastructure, long-distance journeys on an EV can seem daunting. 

Another big hurdle with EVs on a road trip is Range Anxiety, as when the MID of the screen shows less range then EV users might get worried, especially on the highways. Yeah, we understand that charging infrastructure is limited, but here we have prepared a useful guide. Following this guide can give EV owners a smooth and tension-free road trip just like in any other ICE car.

Strategize Your Route

Before you start your road trip in an EV, plan your route accordingly. Take the help of online tools like PlugShare, ABRP (A Better Route Planner), and Google Maps (which now incorporates EV charging stations) to plan and strategize your journey. 

Good Strategy will always make you ready even when there is less range in your vehicle as you have planned your route and you know where to stop and charge.

• Look out for fast charging stations (DC chargers) along your route, as every National Highway has 4-5 public charging stations.
• Wait diligently at each charging stop. Always remember, that charging times are dependent on the charger’s speed and the battery size of the car.
• If your route does not have sufficient charging stations then look out for alternate highways which have enough charging stations at each stop. Don’t do ego driving, imagine being stopped at the road with 0% battery and no charging station for the next 200 km is really a nightmare!!

Enjoy the Charging Time

Many people think charging an EV is a cumbersome experience as you have to wait for a longer time to charge your car. But have you thought that people who travel in petrol or diesel cars also take breaks on highways for rest and lunch? Instead utilize that time during your journeys to eat, stretch your legs, or simply relax and enjoy the highways, just like a petrol car owner will do.

• Find comfortable charging stops that are present at rest stops, cafes, or eating places.
• Charging stations can be a social place for EV drivers. Share your experiences with healthy conversations and seek some advice from other owners as to how they are able to maximize the range of their vehicles.

Conquer Range Anxiety

Till the time charging infrastructure is fully developed. Let’s be real, range anxiety is real. But there are ways to stop this fear in the minds of every EV buyer.

1.  Hypermilling Techniques:

• Smoothly accelerate and decelerate, avoid sudden speeds, and come to a stop gradually.
• Maintain a constant steady speed. Cruise control is your friend. 
• Turn your engine off when waiting. Avoid unnecessary idling.
• Use Regenerative Braking as this clever technology converts kinetic energy back into electricity, extending your range significantly.

2. Enhance your Driving Style:

• Avoid driving with the window down at high speeds
• Remove the unnecessary weight from your car to increase its efficiency.
• Cooler weather can hamper your EV’s driving range. Plan accordingly.

Real-World Example: Highways with Nexon EV

Let’s say you are driving a Nexon EV with a claimed range of 350 km. You are doing a road trip from Delhi to Agra, a distance of approximately 200 km. So here’s your step-by-step guide while driving on the highway for smooth journeys.

• Using apps like Google Maps and ABRP identify fast-charging stations in Mathura, which is roughly halfway between Delhi and Agra.
• Your aim should be to arrive in Mathura with 20-30% battery. Here we are adding a buffer created by unexpected traffic and potential variations in the actual range.
• Cruise the Nexon at a decent speed of 80 kmph on the highways, also gently decelerate before stops to maximize regenerative braking.
• On this trip, use the charging stop at Mathura and use this stop to relax, stretch your legs, and have breakfast.

Regenerative Braking

Regenerative braking plays an important role for long EV road trips, especially for those with limited range like Nexon EV. Let’s discuss how it works.

1. When you decelerate or brake, the car’s motor acts as a generator, basically it converts the car’s kinetic energy into electrical energy.
2. This energy is given back into the battery, resulting in a significant increase in battery range.
3. Many EVs have a feature to allow you to adjust the degree of regenerative braking, giving you more control over how quickly the car slows down. So basically Regenerative generative is doing multiple work, recharging the batteries, and doing engine braking without the driver’s effort.

Some useful Small tips for increasing EV efficiency:

1. Check proper tire pressure in cars as properly inflated tires reduce friction and help improve range and fuel economy.
2. Use climate control wisely. Avoid extreme temperature settings, as they can drastically decrease the ideal range.
3. Connect with EV experts and enthusiasts online and in person. Get tips from them, charge recommendations, and get to know their strategies while traveling on highways.
4. Be patient and flexible as sometimes delays can happen. Enjoy the journey and try to incorporate something new to add to your driving experience.
5. View charging stations as opportunities for exploration and relaxation. 

The Bottom Line

EV road trips can be fun and a joyful experience, even with a limited-range car like a Nexon EV. Just follow our guide, and plan your route and trips, a bit of EV know-how, and maintaining constant speeds on highways can give you unforgettable journeys with your favorite EVs. So with our guide just ditch the range anxiety and embark on a spirit of adventure by planning your trips with EVs.