20 tips for an EV Road trip

20 tips for a family EV Road trip

1. Plan Your Route: Map out your journey, including stops for breaks, meals, and attractions. Most importantly your EV charging stops. Calculate a scheduled stop and also plan a backup charging stop in case you encounter heavy winds, rain or other challenges and your range decreases.
2. Pack Snacks: Bring a variety of healthy and favorite snacks to keep everyone satisfied.
3. Entertainment: Pack books, tablets, games, and toys to keep children entertained. With Hands Free driving on some EV’s consider additional driver entertainment.
4. Comfortable Clothing: Dress in layers and ensure everyone is comfortable for long hours in the car.
5. Emergency Kit: Include a first-aid kit, flashlight, and essential medications.
6. Car Maintenance: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, fully charged and tire pressure. Fortunately EV’s have less maintenance is worry about.
7. Travel Apps: Use apps for navigation, finding multi-purpose rest stops to include charging, and locating family-friendly attractions. Do not forget Plugshare among others!
8. Frequent Breaks: Stop every couple of hours to stretch, use restrooms, and let kids burn off energy. More multi-purpose stops, less range anxiety!
9. Flexible Schedule: Allow for spontaneity and unexpected stops for fun and exploration.
10. Comfort Items: Bring blankets, pillows, and favorite stuffed animals for added comfort.
11. Charging Accessories: Pack chargers and power banks for electronic devices.
12. Audio Books and Podcasts: Download family-friendly audio books and podcasts for shared listening.
13. Travel Games: Play classic car games like “I Spy” or “20 Questions” to pass the time. Playing cards or other games during charging stops.
14. Healthy Meals: Pack a cooler with sandwiches, fruits, and drinks to avoid relying on fast food.
15. Waste Bags: Have plastic bags for trash and spills to keep the car clean.
16. Essential Documents: Carry important documents like IDs, insurance, and roadside assistance information.
17. Weather-Appropriate Gear: Bring raincoats, sun hats, or jackets depending on the forecast. Dressing appropriate could reduce Air Conditioning use and increase your range!
18. Plan Overnight Stops: Book accommodations in advance if the trip requires overnight stays. Our Halifax 1900km trip (Cambridge, ON to Halifax, NS) has one overnight stop which is kid friendly with kids games and also EV friendly. Can charge overnight on a 50amp connection.
19. Roadside Attractions: Research interesting landmarks and attractions along the way. There are stops with Roadside attractions, food and charging. Such stops could make your drive more entertaining for the kids and less strenuous for all!
20. Stay Positive: Keep a positive attitude, and remember that the journey is part of the adventure.