I take a break for 15 minutes every 2 hours
Can EVs road trip?
YES
| Vehicle | Time |
|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 (SC 250kW) | 12 min |
| Tesla Model S (FN 175kW) | 18 min |
| Tesla Model X (FN 175kW) | 23 min |
| Audi e-tron (FN 175kW) | 23 min |
| Mercedes-Benz EQC (FN 175kW) | 32 min |
| Hyundai Kona (FN 175kW) | 34 min |
| Kia e-Niro (FN 175kW) | 35 min |
| Jaguar I-PACE (FN 175kW) | 42 min |
| Chevrolet Bolt (FN 50kW) | 62 min |
| Hyundai Ioniq (FN 175kW) | ∞ |
| BMW i3 (FN 50kW) | ∞ |
| Nissan Leaf (FN 175kW) | ∞ |
The assumption taken here is that an electric vehicle is good enough for road trips when it does not require more stops or longer stops than what would naturally occur during a road trip. A common recommendation is to take a break for 15 minutes every two hours of driving, but everybody has their own preference. Adding battery capacity or charging speed past this point produces diminishing returns, only providing a benefit in exceptional circumstances.
Electricity consumption is calculated using reference speed of 110 km/h (68 mph) and assumes warm driving conditions. Winter time consumption may be noticeably higher. The consumption values for the cars are conservative estimates so real world values are most likely better.
Charging is calculated starting from 10% state of charge for the battery, to account for normal usage of not completely draining the battery in reaching the charger. Charging time is calculated from charging curves for given chargers. Real world charging times vary due to battery temperature, battery state, other charger users, etc.
But I need to drive 400 miles without stopping!
It is recommended to take a break every two hours of driving. However, you can modify the parameters above to see if there are suitable vehicles for you yet.
But I don't drive at 110 km/h!
Consumption data is most easily accessible for all the cars at 110 km/h, which is why I am using it as a reference speed. Since the speed limit is not usually the average speed, it is likely that this consumption will match highway speed relatively well. If you normally drive significantly faster you can adjust the driving time selector half an hour shorter or half an hour longer if you are driving significantly slower to compensate for the difference.
But you are not listing several car models and trims!
Obtaining reliable charging curves is somewhat difficult. Also, I try to list only new cars that are available to be bought right now. If you have charging data for a car or charger that is not listed, please send it to me by email.
But my charging times do not match your data!
Obtaining reliable charging curves is somewhat difficult. Please take a video of your charging session, starting exactly from 10% SoC, under optimal conditions (battery warmed if necessary, or cool if necessary), charging to at least 90% SoC, and send to me by email. I will be very grateful!
But Hyundai Ioniq is already good enough for road trips!
Everybody has their own preference as to how often they stop and how much more they are willing to stop to drive an electric vehicle. My definition of good enough is that an electric vehicle should not slow down travel at all. However, you can modify the parameters above to make them suitable to you.
But Audi e-tron charges faster than a Tesla!
In the end, charging power in kilowatts, or charging energy in kilowatt hours, is irrelevant. What matters is how fast the car can be charged with enough range to reach the next stop, and this is a factor of charging power, energy consumption and charging curve.
But every road trip starts with a full battery!
This is often true. Starting with a full battery and being able to arrive at destination with nearly empty battery will result in fewer or shorter stops in practise. However, this aspect is better explored using A Better Routeplanner , which has many more variables to configure.
But there are no suitable chargers for my trip!
This is a charging network problem and a local problem. You can use A Better Routeplanner to plan your trip in more detail.
But there is no charger at the exact spot I need to stop at!
This is a charging network problem and a local problem. You can use A Better Routeplanner to plan your trip in more detail.
But the chargers in my area are not this fast!
This is a charging network problem and a local problem. You can use the charger selector to limit the listed chargers to what is available to you. Do note that there might not be charging data present for all chargers. You can also use A Better Routeplanner to plan your trip in more detail.
But I need to tow a trailer!
Towing a trailer is not reflected in the data above. Most likely you will need to stop more often with an electric vehicle, so an electric vehicle is not good enough yet for this usage. However, several electric pick-up trucks are coming and it is likely the situation will improve.