How to prepare for a long EV trip?

The EV is mainly used for everyday commuting, from home to work, to take kids to school, etc. However, if you don't have a thermal imager at home, it is quite possible to take long trips with an EV. Then IZI by EDF advises you to prepare your itinerary in advance to be sure that you will find electric charging stations along the way. Depending on the distance traveled and the battery life of your vehicle, you need to plan one or more charging phases on your route.

Summary

Know the battery life of your electric vehicle

The battery life may be longer or shorter depending on the electric vehicle model you choose. While entry-level cars have a fairly limited 100 km range, the most expensive models like the Tesla Model S can travel 500 to 600 km on a single charge.

This range of several hundred kilometers can be enough for a long trip. The progressive compaction of the charging network at fast stations makes it increasingly easier to use electric vehicles over long distances.

Need help getting started?

Identify possible charging points along the route

There are several solutions available to you to charge your electric vehicle during a long road trip. First of all, you can plan your stay at a hotel, lodge, camping, bed and breakfast or other type of accommodation with access to a charging station. These locations are listed in apps like ChargeMap.

Another solution: take the highway.

While there are plenty of charging stations in the parking lots of major retailers such as Leclerc and Lidl, you probably don't want to wait for your car to charge in the city during your trip.

Charge your EV at motorway breaks

However, you can determine your route according to the electric charging stations located on motorways and national roads. This allows you to charge your electric car while enjoying the comfort of a motorway rest area with its catering solutions, bookstores, and more. You will have everything you need to relax while charging your electric car.

How do I find a resting place on the motorway with a charging station?

Electric charging stations for your car are mostly mentioned in apps like ChargeMap.

How to simulate its consumption?

Apps like Green Race or MyEVTrip allow you to simulate the consumption of an electric vehicle on a long journey before leaving. Work zones, elevation changes and other unforeseen events on the road are planned and allow you to calculate consumption in advance to make it easier to find electric charging stations along your route.

Practice eco-driving

If you are using heating or air conditioning, opening windows, or getting caught in traffic, normal battery life may be reduced. This is why eco-driving is a real asset for long EV trips.

What is Eco-Driving?

Eco-driving refers to a more environmentally friendly way of driving. This, in particular, includes walking as regularly as possible. Indeed, small chain accelerations and decelerations are synonymous with higher consumption. This is true for both the electric vehicle and the thermal imager.

Electricity recovery system

Please note, however, that electric vehicles have a system of deceleration and regeneration braking. However, it is not recommended to use an irregular driving mode, as the energy generated is less than the expended one.

Adapt your course to promote sustainable driving

Avoiding sections of the road with red lights, roundabouts, speed bumps or elevation changes is also the best solution to promote sustainable driving.