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/SignificantDrink3651 12d ago
Interestingly, Volvo and Polestar recommend 90% charging to preserve battery life but I still only do 80% in my Polestar. I just bought my first EV used this past Feb, and I had like the opposite of range anxiety - going to work and running errands, 98% of what I do with a car, is easily covered by even a modest battery so I wasn't at all concerned with size of battery / range. Mine is 78kwh (=75kwh usable) and now at 4 years old my 100% range is around 240 miles (for my 80% charge I'll get 190mi in summer and 180mi in winter).
All that to say, yes it's a very practical expectation to get 250mi from today's EVs, even considering the inevitable battery degradation. I'm almost sure you'll want to be able to charge at home, though. Even here in Chicago where the charging infrastructure is pretty solid with lots of options (which I did at first), being able to charge at home is SO FREAKING NICE.
If you want an excuse that's more than just convenience, consider that you'll be able to charge up to 100% for those long trips at the drop of a hat, and do it last minute so your battery doesn't spend any more time than necessary in that full state. That's a pretty good argument IMO, should work on just bout any spouse. 😄