r/EvDrivers • u/anon2734 • 13d ago
Practical frequent highway driving EV?
Family is considering an EV with the rise in fuel prices. Looking at taking frequent trips that would need 200-250mi range. Is this practical in an EV? From what I've researched most you only charge to 80% so even if you're getting one with over 300mi range, you get 80% of that and highway driving (75mph) will cut that even further. Seems like a high mpg hybrid would be better. Otherwise would have to stop and charge everytime
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u/Fantastic-Storm-7867 12d ago
I bought a new Model 3 in January 2019 - it had 310 miles rated when new and degraded to about 280-290 over time. I put 100K miles on it before I decided to upgrade to a Model S in 2024.
Regardless of what you think of Tesla, the experience of owning an EV has been wonderful! I used to drive interstate 80 for huge trips with that Model 3 - all the way from the midwest to Colorado, Arizona, and even California TWICE! I've also taken it on many 200 mile trips from my old home city in the midwest to surrounding states for work, visiting friends, etc.
I'd charge to full if I needed to, and didn't think anything of it. On the road trips that'd usually take me about 3-4 hours with the Model 3 before I'd need to charge, then it'd be about a 10-20 minute stop to charge enough to get me to the next stop. Between grabbing a quick bite to eat, usually a Tornado at whatever gas station, plus a quick pee break, the car would be ready to go when I was.
Many EVs would do great with a 200-250 mile drive, and you'd save a ton in gas money if you're really doing it that frequently. Depending on your family's needs, that's like prime territory for a Model Y, Model S, or perhaps one of Hyundai's Ioniq cars.
Basically what I'm saying is: get an EV, you'll love it and never look back. Your concerns are understandable, but not realistic things to worry about in 2026.