EV Road Trip Cost Planner

Planning Your EV Road Trip

Road tripping in an EV is different from a gas car, but with a little planning it can be just as smooth and significantly cheaper. The key is understanding your vehicle's real-world range, where chargers are located, and how to minimize time spent at charging stations.

Charge at Home Before You Leave

Home electricity costs 13 to 27 cents per kWh in most states, while DC fast chargers along highways typically cost 30 to 60 cents per kWh. Starting your trip with a full battery from home charging can save 50% or more on the first leg of your journey. Always plug in the night before a road trip.

The 80% Rule for Fast Charging

DC fast chargers deliver maximum speed up to about 80% state of charge. After 80%, charging speed drops dramatically to protect battery health. On a road trip, the most time-efficient strategy is to charge from 10% to 80% at each stop rather than waiting for a full charge. This typically takes 20 to 35 minutes per stop.

Route Planning Tips

• Use apps like A Better Route Planner (ABRP) or your vehicle's built-in navigation to find chargers along your route.
• Plan charging stops near restaurants or rest areas so you can eat or stretch while the car charges.
• Check charger availability and reviews before your trip. Not all chargers are reliable, and having a backup location in mind avoids stress.
• In cold weather, add 20 to 30% to your energy estimate. Pre-conditioning the battery before fast charging improves charging speeds.
• Keep your speed at 65 to 70 mph on highways to maximize range between stops. Driving at 80 mph can reduce range by 15 to 25%.