Summary
Before setting off on a long journey in an electric vehicle, it’s worth doing a little preparation. Planning ahead will help ensure you can charge easily along the way and avoid unnecessary delays.
A few key things to consider:
- Check your vehicle’s realistic driving range and the types of chargers it supports.
- Plan your route so it includes convenient charging stops along the way.
- Allow some extra time in case chargers are busy or unavailable when you arrive.
What to check before you set off
A small amount of planning can make long EV journeys much easier. Before you leave, make sure you understand:
- The realistic range of your vehicle on a single charge and how many charging stops you may need.
- The types of rapid chargers your car is compatible with (such as CCS, CHAdeMO, Type 2 or Tesla Supercharger).
- The maximum charging power your vehicle can accept, which affects how long each charging stop will take.
If your journey is longer than your vehicle’s comfortable range, you’ll need to plan one or more rapid charging stops along the route.
Tip: Whenever possible, charging at your destination is often more convenient than relying on en route charging. For example, choosing a hotel or accommodation with a 7kW–22kW charger can allow you to recharge overnight while you rest.
How to find rapid chargers along your route
Your vehicle’s built-in navigation
Many modern EVs include chargepoint information in their built-in navigation systems. Some vehicles will even suggest charging stops automatically when planning a route.
Tesla vehicles offer one of the most integrated systems, where the sat nav calculates the required charging stops, estimates charging time and directs drivers to Tesla’s Supercharger network along the route.
Third Party Maps and Apps
If your car’s navigation system does not include charging data, several apps and online tools can help you plan your journey.
EV charging network apps
Start by checking the Pod Point app. If there is a suitable Pod Point charger on your route, you can rely on a compatible and convenient charging location.
Zap-Map is one of the most widely used EV charging maps in the UK. It combines data from charging networks and user reports, allowing you to filter chargers by connector type, speed and network.
PlugShare is a community-based charging map covering Europe and beyond. Users contribute reviews, photos and helpful information about charging locations.
Chargemap is another popular option that allows drivers to contribute updates, photos and details about charging stations via the mobile app.
Tip: Avoid relying on the very last charger within your range. Instead, plan to stop earlier if possible. If the charger is unavailable, busy, or your energy usage is higher than expected, you’ll still have enough range to reach an alternative.
What to expect at rapid charging stations
Access Methods
Rapid charging stations can be accessed in several different ways depending on the network. These typically include mobile apps, RFID cards, contactless payment or plug-and-charge systems such as those used by Tesla Superchargers.
Availability
When planning a rapid charging stop, consider how likely it is that the charger will be available when you arrive.
Some charging apps show the current availability of chargers, but this can change while you are driving. Choosing locations with multiple chargers improves the chances of finding one free.
Although charging infrastructure is expanding quickly, some sites still only have one or two chargers, which can occasionally result in a short wait.
Charging Speed and Waiting Time
Rapid charging speed depends on several factors, including:
- The maximum power offered by the charger
- The maximum charging rate your vehicle can accept
- Your battery’s current state of charge
- Ambient temperature and battery condition
Unlike slower chargers, which typically charge at a consistent rate, EVs manage rapid charging speed to protect the battery. Charging usually slows down as the battery approaches full capacity.
In general, charging is fastest between roughly 20% and 80% battery capacity. Charging beyond this point becomes progressively slower.
Tip: To minimise waiting time, it is usually best to charge from around 20% to 80% before continuing your journey. The final portion of the battery can take much longer to fill, so it is often quicker to continue to the next charger instead.
Final tips for long EV road trips
Long journeys in electric vehicles are very similar to road trips in petrol or diesel cars. The following tips apply to any long drive:
- Take regular breaks during your journey. EV charging stops naturally encourage this.
- Stop driving if you feel tired.
- Bring snacks and drinks, while ensuring they do not distract the driver.
- It is always better to arrive a little later than to take unnecessary risks.
- Stay calm and patient; traffic rarely improves simply by getting frustrated.