The Best And Worst Times To Charge Maximizing Your EV Road Trip : A Guide for Smooth Travel
For electric vehicle (EV) owners, Thanksgiving road trips bring unique challenges and opportunities. While EVs excel in daily life by offering the convenience of charging at home, long holiday journeys often require visits to fast-charging stations. This year, with millions of drivers hitting the road, EV owners will need to plan strategically to avoid long lines and delays. Here’s how to make your Thanksgiving EV road trip as stress-free as possible.
The Growing Demand for EV Charging During Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving travel brings increased demand for public charging infrastructure. According to Paren, a company specializing in EV charging data, there will be approximately 1.8 million charging sessions across public networks during Thanksgiving week. This equates to a staggering 8.5 million hours of collective charging time at stations with four or more plugs.
To navigate the busiest travel weekend of the year, Paren experts offer actionable tips on when and where to charge, along with insights into improving your overall EV road-tripping experience.
The State of EV Charging in 2024: Improvements and Challenges
Public EV charging infrastructure has been a source of frustration for many drivers, plagued by unreliable stations and limited availability in certain areas. However, things are improving.
Paren reports that 1,100 new public charging stations with at least four ports have been added since last Thanksgiving. Networks like Electrify America are also upgrading their older stations to boost reliability. As a result, reliability at high-traffic charging stations has increased slightly to 85.5%, meaning 85 out of every 100 charging attempts are successful. While this is progress, it still leaves room for improvement, especially when compared to Tesla’s highly reliable Supercharger network.
Best Times to Charge Your EV Over the Holiday
Choosing the right time to charge can significantly reduce wait times.
- Best Times: Midnight to 6 a.m. offers the least competition at charging stations. If you can plan your trip around these hours, you’re likely to avoid long lines.
- Unexpected Tip: Thursday afternoon, typically quieter, can also be a great time to charge for your return journey.
By understanding peak and off-peak times, you can minimize charging delays and maximize your time with family.
Selecting the Right Charging Stations
Choosing the right charging station is just as important as timing. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Tesla Superchargers for Non-Tesla Vehicles
Many non-Tesla EVs now have access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, adding 18,000 additional plugs to the mix. However, you’ll need a compatible adapter for your vehicle, and in some cases, Tesla’s “Magic Dock” chargers may not require one. - Expert Tip: Always carry a manufacturer-approved adapter if your EV can use Superchargers.
- Avoid Dealership Chargers
Fast chargers at car dealerships tend to have lower reliability and are often blocked by other vehicles. - Stick to High-Traffic Corridors
Charging stations along major travel routes are more likely to be functional because they see regular use and generate revenue for operators. - Be Cautious in Remote Areas
Stations in less-trafficked areas can be a gamble. Operators may not monitor them as closely, so reliability can be hit or miss.
EV Charging Strategies
| Strategy | Advantages | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Charge at Superchargers | High reliability; faster charging; more plugs | Requires adapter for non-Tesla vehicles |
| Use High-Traffic Corridors | Higher chances of functional chargers; regular maintenance | May face heavy demand during peak travel hours |
| Remote Charging Stations | Less competition for chargers | Lower reliability; may not be operational |
| Late-Night Charging (Midnight) | Minimal wait times; quieter stations | May not align with your travel schedule |
Bonus Tips for a Smooth EV Journey
Paren experts share additional tips to ensure a hassle-free holiday road trip.
- Start Fully Charged
Before hitting the road, make sure your car is charged to 100%. Many EVs are programmed to stop charging at 80% by default, so adjust the settings as needed. - Precondition Your Cabin While Plugged In
Warm up your car’s interior while it’s still charging. Heating the cabin from freezing temperatures requires significant energy, which can reduce your range if done on the go. - Be Considerate at Charging Stations
Only charge as much as you need to reach your next destination. Prolonged charging times can create delays for other drivers.
Why Planning Matters More Than Ever
With over hundreds of thousands of new EVs hitting the road in the past year, charging infrastructure is being put to the test. While improvements are underway, such as network expansions and enhanced reliability, holiday travel remains a stress point for many drivers.
By following best practices—charging at optimal times, using reliable stations, and carrying necessary adapters—you can ensure your Thanksgiving road trip is more about turkey and family time than waiting in line at a charging station.
A Thankful Road Ahead
EV road trips during busy holiday weekends require a bit of extra planning, but they are entirely manageable with the right approach. With expanding infrastructure, better technology, and new strategies, the future of EV travel is looking brighter.
This Thanksgiving, take the time to plan your route, charge smartly, and treat fellow EV drivers with courtesy. After all, the holidays are about sharing—and that applies to charging stations too. Happy travels!
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