Since we got our BMW EV, we have done multiple (at least 8) trips in the 200-250 mile round trip range. We could probably do these on a single charge, but because we only charge to 80% one stop is necessary. That stop could be limited to 15 minutes because that is all the charge we would need to get home, but we tend to charge back up to 80% which takes about 1/2 hour. During that time we eat and use the restroom. There has only been one time that we had to wait in line for a charger.

We recently took a a trip that was nearly 800 miles one way, coming and going on different routes. On the way out, we were directed to a charging station that turned out to be closed. We were then directed to another one which had only a single charger which was being used by someone charging to 100% and who would be there at least 40 minutes. We went on to a third, arriving with 4% charge, but were able to charge without a problem. After that, we had no problem locating available chargers and at our destination had easy access to chargers.

On the way home, taking a different route, there were plenty of chargers and we had the option for short stops to just charge enough to get t another charger, or a longer charge to go as far as possible. We normally chose the second option because by the time everyone used the restroom and we walked our dog, the car would be charged back to 80%.There was one stop at which all chargers were being used but a spot cleared within 2 minutes. Otherwise, there were always available and working chargers when we arrived.

This trip, which we do almost every year, is nominally a 12 hour drive. But even with an ICE car, stops add at least an hour if not an hour and a half. Driving an EV probably added an hour to the trip, but it was also more relaxing.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The range issue is really the only downside for me. I have had a Nissan Ariya for a year. It’s been great — easy to charge, nice to not pay for gas, all around good experience. The long distance charging challenge, however, is real.

This is not a minor concern. I have heard crazy stories of people needing to drive 20-30 minutes (or more) out of their way to charge, and then sometimes all the chargers are taken, so then needing to wait 20 minutes for your turn to begin, and another 20 minutes for the charge. It's weird to me that people just accept this on road trips. Maybe if you only drove locally and only charged at home, I could see it.

We have had an EV (Tesla) for years and take road trips and haven't had this issue. I suspect there probably are still some choke points where it is an issue during particularly busy periods (e.g., driving back to a city post eclipse when the whole world is driving through the same rural areas in a very unusual traffic pattern or leaving NYC on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend) but it is getting better and better. I think those same times are moments when you're also likely to have to wait for a pump at gas stations too.

Our biggest issues with charging have been when we go to very remote areas to backpack or camp. There just aren't as many charges waaaay out there. We tend to take our hybrid if we're going to be very remote. All the typical highways and interstates seem to have plenty of charging options these days.

Our Tesla neighbors have a second home in rural western NC. They say that have to plan their stops in advance and it takes at least 20-30 minutes to charge the car at the stop. They don't seem to mind, but I would mind. I don't need road trips to be slow and relaxing. I'm not retired. I just want to get there already.

Anonymous wrote:We have Tesla's and find that the longer charging stops can be a bit of a bummer on longer trips (like you're adding 20-25% to your trip length). Though if you have kids, it's honestly not that much longer from any other stop you'd make since kids always take forever. I recommend getting the longest range battery you can - even if you don't commute large distances. We have two MX's; one with about 200 mile range and the other with 350. The 350 one is much preferred on road trips, as stopping every 300 miles is about how much I'd want to even if I was alone. We've driven all over the USA and in more remote areas in the south and even with the 200 range, it was totally fine.

Adding the charging panel to our house was not a huge deal, and reasonable cost (I think under $1k). We also added Tesla solar panels so our electric costs have been offset quite a bit.

Nice! I want solar panels but have a historic slate roof.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The range issue is really the only downside for me. I have had a Nissan Ariya for a year. It’s been great — easy to charge, nice to not pay for gas, all around good experience. The long distance charging challenge, however, is real.

This is not a minor concern. I have heard crazy stories of people needing to drive 20-30 minutes (or more) out of their way to charge, and then sometimes all the chargers are taken, so then needing to wait 20 minutes for your turn to begin, and another 20 minutes for the charge. It's weird to me that people just accept this on road trips. Maybe if you only drove locally and only charged at home, I could see it.

We have had an EV (Tesla) for years and take road trips and haven't had this issue. I suspect there probably are still some choke points where it is an issue during particularly busy periods (e.g., driving back to a city post eclipse when the whole world is driving through the same rural areas in a very unusual traffic pattern or leaving NYC on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend) but it is getting better and better. I think those same times are moments when you're also likely to have to wait for a pump at gas stations too.

Our biggest issues with charging have been when we go to very remote areas to backpack or camp. There just aren't as many charges waaaay out there. We tend to take our hybrid if we're going to be very remote. All the typical highways and interstates seem to have plenty of charging options these days.