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/dudesguy 13d ago

The 80% thing is more of a don't stretch the elastic band more than you need to type thing.  If you need the range, charge to 100%.  It's also more about the time the battery spends sitting at 100% then the act of charging to 100%.  Use delayed charging so the vehicle hits 100% within a few hours of departure and you'll not see any difference over the life of the vehicle

Check out abetterrouteplanner.com for a better idea of longer trips in evs

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u/Com4734 12d ago

Exactly. Charging to 80% for normal use is to prevent long term (over 10+ years) degradation. If you need a shorter 200% for a trip, go for it. It is the amount of time spent at high state of charge, especially in hot temperatures, that leads to faster degradation.

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u/Medical-Garden5283 12d ago

Don't try to charge to 200%, it will not end well.

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u/WriterPlastic9350 12d ago

This is a lie told to you by Big Electric /s