As more electric vehicles hit the road and range increases, it follows that more people are likely considering taking them on road trips. If you're taking an EV on a long trip, especially for the first time, you may find these tips provided by Mercury Insurance helpful.
Plan your charging route beforehand
Along with knowing your vehicle's EV range, it's super important to map out your route, one that includes charging stations.
"It cannot be understated that to successfully travel in an EV, you must plan out your trip," said Kevin Quinn, vice president of auto claims at Mercury Insurance. "Mapping out stops around EV charging stations and taking the time to make sure your car is prepared by carefully checking your vehicle's components may help you avoid potential headaches."
There are a bunch of companies with EV charging options. They could be automakers themselves, like Tesla, or third-parties like Plugshare, EVgo and Electrify America with stations at various locations nationwide. Some of these you'll need to sign up for, and you should do so beforehand. Then you can use the apps to help organize your trip and also find out which have chargers accessible to your vehicle.
Traveling to a national park? Many RV parks offer Level 2 chargers. But you'll want to review campground info before you go to verify what each one offers, and also to make sure you can charge your vehicle on their property.
Know the type of charger you need
With the exception of Tesla, which are equipped with an adapter to fit non-Tesla chargers, Mercury Insurance says you can charge your car at almost any charging station as long as it is compatible with your vehicle plug type and that you have the right tap card or mobile app to access that particular station.
It's also important to understand the various levels of public chargers available and how fast they'll charge your vehicle:
- Level 1 chargers are often free but are the slowest to charge. They can take up to 24 hours to power your vehicle completely.
- Level 2 chargers, found at most charging stations and RV parks, are quicker and can fully charge your vehicle in four to eight hours.
- Level 3 chargers (DC-Fast charging) can get you back on the road the quickest with a full battery in about an hour, but also cost the most to use. The cost can vary depending on where you are and what type of charger you use.
As a general rule, Mercury Insurance says you'll want to recharge your battery when your car is at 20%. For one, it's better for your car's battery and two, it can give you some time to get through traffic and to the nearest charging station.
Don't forget to also calculate the number of miles it will take between charging stations.
Does your insurance offer EV Roadside Assistance?
Mercury Insurance experts also say you should also check with your insurer to make sure you policy offers roadside assistance for your EV. Some roadside assistance plans have tow trucks equipped with portable chargers or offer a flat-bed truck so you can have your vehicle towed to a nearby charging station. Some EVs may need a flatbed truck to tow them since they're not equipped to be towed like gas-powered vehicles.
"When contacting roadside assistance or a local towing company, tell them you are traveling in an electric vehicle," said Quinn. "Any issues that require more than a quick charge, like battery or tire problems, may require your vehicle to be towed to a facility for further work."
Be flexible and have a backup plan
Finally, as with any road trip, always be prepared for the unexpected. Road delays and bad weather can impact your travel plans. Mercury Insurance suggests having a backup plan and mapping out alternative route charging stations in case things change.
