Trip Planning Essentials
1. Use Built-in Navigation
Many EVs have route planners that automatically include charging stops with estimated times.
2. Plan to Charge 10-80%
Fastest charging happens between 10-80%. Multiple shorter stops are faster than one long stop to 100%.
3. Have Backup Chargers
Always know where alternative chargers are in case your primary choice is occupied or broken.
4. Charge During Meals
Plan charging stops around meal times. A 30-minute lunch break = 200+ miles of added range.
Recommended Apps
North America
- • PlugShare: Find all chargers
- • A Better Route Planner (ABRP): Detailed trip planning
- • ChargePoint: Network-specific
- • Electrify America: Fast charging network
Europe
- • PlugShare: Find all chargers
- • ABRP: Trip planning
- • Chargemap: European charger database
- • IONITY: Pan-European fast charging
Pro Tips
- • Start trips with 100% charge
- • Arrive at chargers with 10-20% remaining
- • Check charger status before arriving
- • Have payment methods ready for different networks
- • Allow extra time for first few road trips
