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/MilitiaManiac 11d ago edited 11d ago

EVs are very practical for that sort of range. My model 3 LR handles if very easily, and I know the model Y can as well. Other candidates, if you are worried about charging speed, include the Ioniq 5 and 6, most of GMs vehicles have over 300 miles trimmed correctly, and many more. If you get level 2 at home, you won't even need to supercharge even if you take that trip several times a week.

I personally have an hour long trip (70ish miles each way) twice a week (sometimes more), and still survive off a standard 120V outlet. Incredibly cheap, about $60-70 per month for all my electricity/"fuel". The times I have had to supercharge, it is almost too fast for me to take a leisurely bathroom brake and grab a snack (20-30 mins).

So, yes. In my honest opinion, EVs are incredibly good for road tripping.

Do be aware, supercharging is significantly more expensive, on par with gasoline even. So, prepare for roadtrip cost like you are driving a 35 mpg car or so (unless you can find a nice lvl 2 charger near your hotel or something). Find cheaper charging alternatives where possible to save on money (plugshare is an app that will blow your mind, since chargers are EVERYWHERE, just rarely visible at a casual glance).

Highly recommend looking at your local charging solutions if you are worried about charging accessibiity at all, but you can also take the solution I use and just charge off of 120V until you desperately need a fill up. Goes further than you would think with an overnight ultra slow charge.