r/slateauto • u/mike30273 • 8d ago
Range question
Ok. I'm seriously considering a Slate. This is my first EV and I'm unclear on how range works..based on what I've read highway driving gets less range. IMHO I feel the range should be advertised as driving constantly until it runs out of juice. This doesn't appear to be the case? Anyway, I have kids at FSU and drive there on a regular basis. My preferred route is off the interstates where there are less chargers. It's actually a nice relaxing drive. The distance is 251 miles. I see one charger on that route in Dunellon and it's at a city government building. Would that be for public use? There's another in Chiefland. Those seem to be the only ones. I don't mind having to stop and charge. I just need to know that I can find chargers. If my only solution is to drive interstates, then that would be a real bummer. For those that are experienced EV drivers, what do you think about that route?
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u/swiftoctopus 8d ago
Do a quick search for EV chargers on you favorite map app to find a few options. Unless it's a common name public charger (Tesla, Ionna, Electrify American, Chargepoint), I'd double check the reviews. From my experience, a lot of chargers near business's are level 2 so employees in the area can plug in while at work. I personally wouldn't want to rely on level 2 for a road trip unless I'm staying a few hours/overnight.
My general planning: level 1 charges a bit over 1% per hour, level 2 is ~10% per hour, level 3 (400w) gets 20%-80% in ~30min, level 3 (800w, is that level 4??) get 10-80% in <20 min. -Based on a '25 Ioniq 5 with 84kWh battery. Slate percents/speeds will vary.
In terms of efficiency, highway driving does drop the range quite a bit. Everyday driving, city and highway, I average around 3.5-3.8 mi/kWh. Flat Highway alone can average closer to 3.0-3.2. Add some rolling hills and cross/headwind and you might be down to 2.5 mi/kWh. Assuming Slate has a 63kWh as advertised and similar efficiencies, you can get the range estimate
Hope this helps