Are electric cars good for long-distance driving?

There are many factors to consider when buying an electric car, like electric car insurance, as well as electric car hidden costs. However, you will want to consider whether these types of cars are suitable for long-distance driving. If you spend lots of time on the road, especially if you regularly take road trips, you must first confirm that an EV will suit your needs. Below, we explain whether electric cars are good for long-distance driving.

Can you take an electric car on a road trip?

Yes! Electric car technology has advanced exponentially in the past decade. This means that, although taking a road trip with an EV would have once proved difficult, this is no longer the case. Electric cars are now more efficient, reliable, and affordable. On top of this, they can travel even farther distances before needing to be recharged - some with ranges of up to 400 or 500 miles.

Plus, EV infrastructure has vastly improved across Canada, meaning there are far more electric charging stations than ever. With a few exceptions in the most rural or remote parts of Canada, you should have no trouble taking an electric car on a long-distance drive or road trip. For tips on how to stay safe on a long-distance drive, contact BrokerLink.

The advantages of using electric cars for long-distance travel

Not only are electric cars now suitable for long-distance trips, but they may be preferable due to their many advantages. We breakdown a few benefits of driving an EV on a road trip below:

EVs are cost-effective

First, electric vehicles are more cost-effective than gas-powered vehicles. For instance, when you take a gas-powered car on a long-distance drive, you will likely need to refuel several times, and gas is expensive, especially when filling up a tank. In contrast, electric cars do not rely on any type of fuel to run. You only need electricity to recharge your EV battery, which is far cheaper than gasoline.

EVs have a much smaller environmental impact

Another advantage of driving an EV, whether you drive long or short distances, is that they have a very minimal environmental impact. Since they don’t run on fuel, they don’t emit any type of air pollution or gasses out of the tailpipe. This is the opposite of gas-powered vehicles that emit emissions the entire time you drive.

EVs offer superior performance in many ways

A third perk of taking an EV on a long-distance drive is that they are known for their impressive performance capabilities. For example, EVs have a reputation for offering superior comfort, making for a much smoother ride, which is especially important when you’re travelling a long way. They can also reach up to 150 miles per hour, making them suitable for road trips.

EV charging stations are popping up all over the place

One final benefit of taking an EV on a road trip is that it is no longer a burden or risk to do so due to the increase in charging stations. Governments across Canada are pouring money into expanding EV infrastructure in order to incentivize drivers to take the plunge and go electric. Thus, drivers will find more and more electric car charging stations nationwide, especially along major highways. Even better, many charging station networks are free to use, which can further minimize costs when taking a road trip.

What to consider before buying an EV for long-distance driving

Although EV technology has evolved, which now makes these cars suitable for long-distance driving, there are a few factors you should consider when buying an electric vehicle. These factors are:

Range

Range is perhaps the most important factor that a driver will need to consider if they intend to use their EV for long-distance driving. Different EV models have different ranges. Depending on how long your drives will be and where you will be driving your EV, e.g. in more remote areas vs. more populated areas, you must choose a model with a range that makes sense for your habits.

The average EV has a range of between 250 and 350 miles. However, the most modern luxury EVs now have ranges of up to 500 miles. If you plan on taking very long trips, an EV with a smaller range could become a nuisance as it would mean needing to charge up your EV multiple times as you make your way to your destination. Conversely, if you intend to take shorter road trips, you might be able to get to your destination on a single charge.

Charging time

The amount of time it takes for your electric car to charge from 0 to 100 is another factor to consider when taking it on a road trip. Depending on the size of your EV battery, as well as the type of charger you use, your electric car could take anywhere between 30 minutes and 12 hours to fully charge. Having to stop and let your car charge for 8 hours would be a major inconvenience on a road trip. Thus, part of the research you will need to do is where charging stations in your area are located and what level of charger they are. Level 3 chargers are the fastest.

Safety and reliability

If you plan to take your electric car on long-distance road trips, you probably want to know that it’s as reliable as possible. In other words, you will want to ensure that the odds of your car breaking down are low. Therefore, before purchasing an EV, research the most reliable electric cars on the market and consider choosing one.

Tips for taking your electric car on a road trip

Before you embark on your first road trip with your new EV, follow the tips below to ensure a smooth and seamless drive:

Expect your EV’s range to vary

Keep in mind that EV ranges vary, and the range that a manufacturer states is ultimately an estimate. A variety of factors will impact a car’s range in real-time, such as the weather and driving habits. For example, driving in cold weather, putting the air conditioner or heater on full blast, speeding, and driving uphill for long periods can all deplete your battery life. So, if you are engaging in any of these behaviours while on your long-distance drive, make sure to keep a close eye on the range so that you can charge it before it gets to 0.

Map out EV charging stations before leaving the house

Since EV infrastructure is still evolving, it’s important to do your due diligence by mapping out charging stations before leaving the house. There are various apps that can help you find electric car charging stations in your area. Do yourself a favour and make a list of these stations and their locations in advance so that you aren’t forced to pull over and search for one on the go or run out of gas because you couldn’t find one.

Use Level 3 DC chargers on road trips

Unless you park at a hotel overnight during your road trip, you will want to take advantage of Level 3 DC chargers. These are the fastest types of electric vehicle chargers. They work so quickly that they can have your EV charged to full in as little as 30 minutes. If you’re just refuelling as a pitstop, you will want to choose the fastest option available to you.

Get in touch with BrokerLink today!

If you want to learn more about electric cars and if they are suitable for long-distance driving, contact BrokerLink today. We have a team of automotive experts ready to help you understand how far an electric car can travel, as well as what type of car insurance you need for your EV. A key part of ensuring your safety on long-distance trips is to have the right insurance policy in place. A licensed BrokerLink insurance advisor can help you find all types of car insurance coverage, including the following:

• Uninsured automobile insurance
• Accident forgiveness coverage
• Comprehensive car coverage
• Collision car insurance
• Liability car insurance
• Accident benefits coverage

To learn more about electric car insurance or request a free electric car insurance quote, reach out to BrokerLink today. You can get in touch with us over the phone, in person, or using the online quote tool on our website.

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