How to Plan a Long Trip with An Electric Car

Excited about a long trip but worried about doing it in an electric car? Whilst planning a long journey with an electric vehicle can seem daunting, it's easier than you might think. With a bit of planning and the right tools, your trip can be a smooth and enjoyable adventure.

Travelling long distances in electric cars isn't as difficult as it used to be. There are more charging stations than ever, and electric cars can now travel as far as petrol or diesel vehicles on a full tank. That means there’s less worry about running out of charge mid-journey. Still, it's important to plan your route well. This can help you stay close to charging stations and avoid any unwanted roadside surprises.

In today’s blog post, we'll share tips on planning your electric car journey and highlight the best cars for long trips.

Can You Take a Road Trip with an Electric Car?

You can absolutely take a road trip with an EV! Long gone are the days when electric cars were just for short commutes within the city. Advancements in battery technology and the increasing availability of charging stations mean that electric cars are more than capable of long-distance travel.

The best electric cars for long journeys now offer impressive ranges, often exceeding 200 miles on a single charge. The Tesla Model S, for instance, boasts an EPA-rated range of over 400 miles. However, it's not just high-end EVs that are capable of such feats; even more affordable models like the Nissan Leaf or Hyundai Kona Electric, offer ranges well over 100 miles – That’s enough to get you from London to Brighton and back without having to recharge.

What Do You Need to Prepare for a Long Trip in an EV?

Planning a long trip in an electric car is much like planning a trip with a conventional vehicle, with a few extra considerations. Just like any car, before setting off, you should check your tyres, top up your screen wash, and ensure all your lights are working.

The most crucial step to prepare is to ensure your car is fully charged before you set off. You don't want to start your journey with a half-empty battery. It’s also recommended you understand how often you need to charge an EV. Packing your cables and adaptors is also essential for on the road charging.

You should also make sure that you are driving a reliable electric vehicle. Like petrol and diesel models, some EVs are better than others. 

EV Route Planning For Your Journey

When it comes to EV route planning, there's plenty of tools and apps that can make your life easier. Electric car journey planner apps like Zap-Map or A Better Route planner are particularly popular in the UK. These tools not only help you find the quickest route, but also consider your vehicle’s current charge, where charging stations are located, and even the type of charger that best suits your EV.

Remember, the key to a successful EV road trip is planning. It's important to factor in charging times into your travel itinerary. With rapid chargers becoming more widespread across the country, you can use the time to grab a meal or a quick coffee. Charging points and their prices vary, but most EV route planning apps offer updated information on costs and availability.

Don’t forget that road tax changes for electric cars are coming. If you plan on buying an electric vehicle, you’ll want to read up on the latest changes and how it will impact the cost.

Takeaway

Planning a road trip in an electric car is much like any road trip. It's all about preparation and planning. From ensuring your vehicle is in top condition, to planning your journey using an electric car route planner, you can ensure you enjoy a relaxing, fun road trip in an EV.

The good news is the best route planner for electric cars in the UK is likely already in your pocket, on your smartphone. If you're prepared, there's no reason why you can't enjoy a long-distance road trip in your EV, reaping the benefits of cost savings, and reduced emissions along the way.

With the ever-increasing range capabilities of today's electric cars and the growing network of charging points, planning, and taking a road trip in an EV has never been easier. So why not charge up, plan your route, and hit the road?

Looking for finance to fund an EV suitable for long journeys? Carmoola provides fast, convenient, and affordable finance for cars. We carry out a soft credit search that won’t harm your credit rating, and the entire process takes place online. Calculate your car finance budget today.

Learn more about how Carmoola works or reach out to our friendly team with any questions you have.