Reduced Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Timeline vs Traditional Gas Pumping Sessions. Nearly Equal.
No more waiting at gas pumps, my friend! I've clocked up an impressive 50,000 miles in my electric ride, half of it cruising on long-haul trips. And when folks ask, "Don't electric cars take forever to charge?" I shake my head and smile, because I've spent less time refueling than I used to on good ol' gasoline. To pull off this zero-wait charging trick, you just need to know how to do it right and have access to the right infrastructure. Let me spill the beans on my guide to charging smarter, not harder, and living the zero-wait EV dream!
I've even got a video showcasing a recent roadie that demonstrates this no-wait principle.
The No-Wait Principle
So yeah, you've probably heard it takes 30 to 60 minutes to juice up an EV at a fast charger, or even over two days when plugged into a regular outlet at home. But it's all hype, my friend. Most cars are parked for more than 22 hours a day, so as long as there's charging - even slow - where your chariot rests, then charging happens while you're snoozing or sipping lattes at the office. About 90% of electric vehicle owners have charging at either their crib or job, so they wake up to a full tank every morning. They never waste time at charging stations (or gas stations, if we're being old-school) in their city.
Now, I know there are folks out there who can't charge at home or work, but that needs to change, stat. Most subsidies and laws need to focus on getting slower "Level 2" charging at apartments, condos, curbsides, and bus stops. But for those who don't have the luxury yet, I usually suggest holding off on getting an EV, as you won't have the smooth-sailing zero-wait experience that's better than gas in every way.
Road Trippin'
People cruising around their hometown never spend a second waiting to charge, but things get different on the open road. There are two types of road trips – the fun-filled weekend getaways and the A to B marathon sessions. For the former, you want to take it easy, stopping when you're parked for the night. Hotels are the best bet, as they often have charging facilities available (and sometimes for free to their guests), though there are still plenty that don't, so we need to shake things up in the hotel world.
For the long-haul sessions, you'll need to charge up after about 4 hours (just in time for lunch). The key here is planning ahead. Open up your favorite app and search for fast charging options nearby where your battery drops to 10-20%. Now, let's say you find some charging stations – Google Maps isn't perfect at figuring out the best charging strategy, so I'd recommend apps like plugshare or ABetterRoutePlanner for more accurate info. Once you've got your stations picked out, it's time to find some grub. Look for restaurants with good reviews and are within a 5-minute walk of a charging station. You might need a palate pleaser that's quick, 'cause fast charging takes around 30-40 minutes, and y'know, sit-down meals take longer than that.
But fret not, my friend, because the charging doesn't cut into your day – it just narrows down your food options a bit (at least for now). You're back on the road for another 4-6 hours, taking breaks here and there to top up the battery if needed.
If you're done for the day, head to the next hotel to plug in. If not, catch dinner next to charging like you did lunch. Sometimes, the situation ain't perfect, and there aren't great restaurants near charging stations. Don't sweat it; Google Maps can help you find takeout along your route to your planned charging spot. I always carry a folding table and chair in my ride, so I grab a bite when the weather allows. Wouldn't it be nice if charging stations had covered picnic tables or even tiny, heated dining areas? In the future, you may find restaurants that let you order from the car or deliver the grub to your chariot.
So, that's my story, but remember, I had to say "almost" because, in these early days of EV adoption, things don't always go according to plan. But as we build more charging facilities, the zero-wait life will become the norm. Even during the sticky situations, I've found ways to stay busy while charging – surfing the web, streaming shows, reading, or catching up on my favorite podcasts. If you're on a fast-paced vacation and eat while driving, you might still have to wait, but I've yet to be bored waiting.
Stay tuned for Part Two, where we dive deeper into how folks without charging at home or work can still enjoy the zero-wait life. We'll also discuss some circumstances that have caused roadblocks, and how to avoid those pitfalls. The goal is to make EV trips way better than gasoline ones in almost every way, so convincing others to join the EV revolution doesn't require mandates or preaching. Just better, faster, cheaper, and greener – and who doesn't love that?
- To achieve a 'betterrouteplanner' and ensure a smoother road trip experience, consider using specialized apps like PlugShare or ABetterRoutePlanner to find charging stations along your route, especially when your electric vehicle's battery drops to 10-20%.
- When planning a longer stay at Yosemite Hotel or any other accommodation, check if charging facilities are available apart from gas stations, as this ensures a hassle-free zero-wait charging experience during your stay.
- As the electric vehicle revolution grows, it's crucial to advocate for better charging infrastructure, like installing Level 2 chargers at apartments, condos, curbsides, and bus stops, enabling more people to experience the true benefits of electric transportation, including a more convenient charging process.
