Thinking about hitting the road in an electric vehicle (EV) but worried about the charging situation? You’re not alone. Many people assume EVs aren’t cut out for long road trips, but four EV owners are here to debunk that myth, sharing that it’s actually easier than you might think – and even more relaxing!
Surprising Encounters and Quiet Journeys
Ingrid Ritchey, a retired photographer in West Yellowstone, MT, found an unexpected benefit of driving her 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E: its quiet operation. Unlike her previous gas-powered Honda CR-V, the EV’s silence allows her to get closer to wildlife without scaring them away. “It is so quiet, so silent, that it won’t scare the bears or elk,” she says. “We are very conscious of noise, so an EV fits.”
This quiet operation also enhances the road trip experience. Ritchey’s longest trip, a 730-mile journey from Las Vegas to West Yellowstone, involved just two charging stops, each lasting only 30 minutes. These stops, often conveniently located at gas stations or Walmart parking lots, provided perfect opportunities to rest, grab a snack, and stretch her legs – a welcome change from the constant need to find a gas station.
A More Relaxing Travel Experience
Erin Harty, a journalist from Baltimore, MD, who averages 750 miles weekly in her 2023 Chevrolet Bolt, relies solely on public charging. She recently drove to Chicago, a trip she used to make in her less fuel-efficient Chevrolet Tahoe. “Low gas mileage has always given me a lot of environmental guilt,” Harty admits. “Especially now that I’m driving so much. And of course, it costs a fortune [to fill up].”
While her gas-powered trips required quick stops, her EV journey to Chicago was notably more relaxing. “Although I did do it in one day, heading out—and that was a long day—it was much more relaxing, and I didn’t feel awful when I arrived in Chicago,” she shared. The enforced breaks for charging, she notes, contribute to a less grueling and more rejuvenating travel experience.
Embracing the Breaks and Community
Jason P., an automotive assembly worker from Detroit, MI, found his 1,200-mile round trip to Minneapolis in his 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E “delightful.” He appreciated the mandated stops every couple of hours, which allowed him to rest and avoid the “toxic masculinity mentality” of pushing himself to the limit in gas cars. “Being forced to reconcile with the fatigue I was not previously acknowledging in past cars was really refreshing,” he said.
He also noted the convenience of chargers often being located near amenities like gas stations or grocery stores, perfect for grabbing snacks. EV owners often find themselves becoming “mascots” for the technology, with many drivers reporting friendly conversations with curious strangers at charging stops, fostering a sense of community.
Family Travel and Practical Advice
For families, EV road trips require a bit more planning. Andrew Donnan, a digital marketing specialist from Greenville, SC, found that with two young children, stops needed to be more frequent, roughly every two hours. He initially used a Tesla Model Y Performance but recently switched to a larger Rivian R1S to accommodate his family and dog.
Donnan emphasizes the importance of planning ahead, checking charger availability, and considering the amenities near charging locations, especially when traveling with kids. “Sometimes the chargers are behind a fast-food place, sometimes at a gas station, and sometimes it’s just in the middle of a parking lot. You really never know where they are going to be,” he advises. His key takeaway? “Make sure the charger is near a place your child will want to eat.”
Ultimately, these owners suggest that with a little planning and an open mind, road-tripping in an EV is not only possible but can be a more relaxing and enjoyable experience. The key is to embrace the charging breaks as opportunities to rest and recharge, both for the car and for yourself.
Are you considering an EV for your next road trip? What are your biggest concerns or questions? Share them in the comments below!