As inflation picks up, gas prices are on the rise in the United States, reaching record highs. In the past year, the average cost of gas has increased by more than two-thirds, which has been quite a shock to our wallets. As a result, many people are looking for ways to reduce their fuel costs, especially those who enjoy road trips.
If you’re in the market for a new car, an electric vehicle (EV) might seem like an appealing option. However, before we compare the costs, let’s consider the range of an EV.
HOW FAR CAN YOU GO IN AN EV? The distance an EV can travel on a single charge depends on the make and model. Some long-range models can travel 300-400 miles, which is a considerable distance before needing to stop and charge. For road trips that prioritize getting from point A to point B without many sightseeing stops, Tesla’s long-range models are a good option. The 2020 Model S Long Range can travel about 402 miles on a full charge.
Most EVs have an estimated range of around 200 miles on a full charge. Here are some examples:
- 2019-2020 Jaguar I-Pace – 234 miles
- 2017-2019 Tesla Model X – 238 miles
- 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV – 238 miles
- 2019-2021 Nissan Leaf S-Plus – 226 miles
- 2019-2022 Kia Niro EV – 239 miles
KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE ROAD TRIPS
Whether you are in the market for a used or new electric vehicle (EV), or simply interested in EVs, there are important factors to consider when planning a road trip and while driving.
HIGHWAY DRIVING AFFECTS RANGE
EV range estimates are based on standardized tests that simulate real-world driving conditions, including city and highway driving. However, sustained highway driving can significantly reduce an EV’s range. Even with a 200-mile range on a full charge, an EV may only travel 160 miles at highway speeds due to increased wind resistance. Therefore, taking a scenic route with less highway driving can maximize your range.
STRATEGIZE CHARGING STOPS
Although charging infrastructure is expanding, planning charging stops is essential for electric road trips, especially in areas with limited charging stations. Apps such as Plugshare and EVNavigation can assist with route planning and identifying charging locations. Knowing the stops along your route not only eases range anxiety but also allows for spontaneity, such as exploring new destinations.
WARM WEATHER IMPROVES RANGE
EVs can travel further on a single charge in warm weather, which is advantageous for summer road trips as you may exceed the manufacturer’s range estimate. Conversely, colder temperatures can decrease an EV’s range, so expect lower mileage in winter or cooler climates.
UNDERSTAND THE TERMINOLOGY
When it comes to electric vehicles, it’s important to know the terminology. The capacity of the car’s battery is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), while the charging speed is measured in kilowatts (kW). You can estimate the charging time based on these figures. For example, a 50 kWh battery will take around one hour to charge at a 50 kW charger.
CHARGING SPEEDS VARY
It’s important to note that even if you use a 50 kW DC fast charger, you might not get the full 50 kW charging speed. This is because your car’s battery management system will slow the charging rate to preserve the battery’s health, particularly during the 0-20% and 80-100% charging stages. Therefore, it may be more time-efficient to charge up to 80% and then hit the road again, rather than waiting for the last 20% which takes significantly longer.
KNOW YOUR MAXIMUM CHARGING SPEED
It’s worth noting that just because a charger has a maximum capacity of 150 kW, it doesn’t necessarily mean your EV can charge at that speed. For instance, the Chevrolet Bolt EV has a maximum charging rate of 50 kW, even if you connect it to a 150 kW charger.
UNDERSTANDING CHARGING COSTS
Charging costs vary, and some charging stations display prices per kilowatt-hour (kWh), while others show prices per minute. There may also be session fees (fees for initiating the charge) and idle fees (to prevent drivers from occupying charging stations without charging). Check online or near the charger for more information on how much charging will cost.
EVEN A SMALL EV IS SUITABLE FOR A ROAD TRIP
Older EV models such as the Ford Focus Electric and BMW i3 can travel up to 115 miles on a full charge. Although this may not seem like much, the feasibility of using these EVs for road trips depends on individual travel preferences. For those who prioritize the destination, a long-range EV is a better choice. However, for those who value the journey, any EV will suffice. Below are some quick tips:
• Look for chargers in interesting places to make the most of your downtime. • Avoid attempting to cover hundreds of miles in a single day. • Stick to country lanes to maximize your vehicle’s range.
CAN IT SAVE YOU MONEY?
If you drive smartly and charge at the right places, an electric road trip has the potential to save you money. Let’s consider the types of chargers available to you.
• Level 1 chargers are the slowest, taking up to 24 hours to charge a vehicle. They are typically found in homes. • Level 2 chargers are destination chargers that are ideal if you plan to stop somewhere for an extended period of time. Look for them in parking lots, shopping centers, and at some attractions. • Level 3 chargers, also known as DC fast chargers, have varying charging speeds. Most can charge a vehicle up to 80% in less than an hour.
As a general rule, the faster the charger, the more expensive it is. Additionally, charging at a busy highway hub will be more costly than at a secluded countryside DC charger.
Charging at a level 2 charger typically costs between $1 to $5 per hour (which provides a range of around 20-30 miles). Level 3 chargers cost anywhere from $10 to $30 per hour but should provide a full charge.
Comparing two similar vehicles, the Hyundai Kona Electric and the 1.6L Hyundai Kona, shows how an electric road trip can save you money.
2020 Hyundai Kona – FWD – 1.6L Turbo Engine:
The cost of driving 25 miles is $3.61, based on average gas prices. However, it is difficult to obtain an average for different charger types. Here’s a breakdown of the three charger levels based on the cost per kWh:
Level 1 charging: $0.10/kWh, resulting in a cost of $0.69 to drive 25 miles. Level 2 charging: $0.20/kWh, resulting in a cost of $1.37 to drive 25 miles. Level 3 charging: $0.40/kWh, resulting in a cost of $2.75 to drive 25 miles.
These figures, based on EPA estimates, average fuel costs, and average electricity prices per charger, demonstrate that electric cars are cheaper to run than gasoline cars. However, it is important to note that some chargers may cost as much as $0.60 per kWh, making it more expensive to go electric, with a cost of $4.12 to drive 25 miles.
Realistically, during a road trip, drivers will stop at various charger stations. To save money, it is best to avoid charging at the expensive ultra-fast chargers.
What about Teslas? Any Tesla purchased before 2017 gets free charging at all Tesla superchargers, making the savings over gas quite clear. For anyone else with a Tesla, the price varies depending on the location. Tesla estimates the average price to be around $0.25 per kWh, which means a 2020 Tesla Model 3 (standard range) will cost around $1.61 to drive 25 miles.
To minimize charging costs on a road trip, consider the following tips:
- Look for cheaper chargers during planning, and try to stop at locations with more affordable level 2 chargers. Even if you’re limited to DC fast chargers and need the convenience of a quick top-up, choose the more affordable options where possible.
- Charge your car at your destination. Whether you’re staying at a hotel, cabin, Airbnb, or friend’s house, look for ways to charge your car overnight. Many hotels have chargers, but even a regular household outlet can provide an adequate charge for the next day. While there may be an additional fee for this service, it’s often cheaper than charging on the road.
