Debunking 5 Misconceptions Around Long-Haul EV Travel
The reality of long-haul EV travel has often been associated with stress, difficulty or simply the belief that it is impossible! But these anxieties and misconceptions couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s untrue that EVs are purely meant for short city trips and that chargers are few and far between. In fact, we ourselves at Wallbox just completed a 3-day EV road trip over 450 km from Figueres to Barcelona and finished it Delta Del Ebro, and it couldn’t have been easier!
By addressing these misconceptions, we hope to show how straightforward EVs are when it comes to long-distance journeys, demonstrating they aren’t limiting and provide a more sustainable option for traveling. It’s time to set the record straight.
Range Anxiety During an EV Trip
Of all the concerns regarding EVs, range anxiety is always top of the list. It describes the fear of running out of battery power during a journey, and granted, in the early days of EVs, this concern was a valid one. However, with all the many advancements in EV battery technology, the range has improved drastically.
Modern EVs offer longer ranges and provide accurate battery level monitoring throughout the journey, leaving no room for surprises. Coupled with growing networks of charging infrastructure worldwide, including fast-charging stations along highways, hotels, and business parks, range anxiety is becoming something of the past – particularly as more drivers gain first-hand experiences with EVs. With handy apps like Electromaps, it’s also far easier to plan your charging stops in advance, taking the guesswork out of the equation.
Lack of Charging Spots for Your EV
Securing a charging spot is often voiced as a concern when considering an EV for long-haul travel, but confirming if charging sites are available in real time, is a breeze. With the rise of apps like Electromaps, locating available chargers nearby can happen in just a few clicks.
These apps provide live updates on charging station availability, so you can double-check while approaching and reroute if needed. You’ll also find valuable community conversations within these apps, giving you a better sense of what to expect. Rest assured, finding charging spots along your route is more convenient than you might think!
Long Charging Times
Gone are the days of excruciatingly long charging times. Fast charging has pretty much become a standard for EVs these days, with many vehicles being charged up to 80% in as little as 15-30 minutes. Nowadays, you can replenish a substantial amount of battery capacity quickly. Plus, it’s natural to take pit stops along your journey, these resting periods can coincide with charging sessions, making the half hour wait time less noticeable. Grab a coffee and a snack, stretch your legs, and before you know it, your EV will be ready to hit the road again.
EVs Running Out of Battery in Traffic
Let’s put this myth to rest once and for all; there has long been talk that idling EVs will quickly run through their batteries, leaving drivers stranded in traffic. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Modern EVs are highly efficient. In fact, they consume far less energy when idling compared to traditional cars.
So, while sitting in traffic is never fun, you never have to worry about running through an entire charge while sitting there. It’s good to note that today many EVs come equipped with regenerative braking technology, which converts the energy generated while braking and driving downhill into battery charge. Thereby adding to your power unit as you drive.
EV Battery’s Degrading Over Time
When adopting EVs, many argue that EV batteries can quickly degrade and lose their capacity. This is once again a relic of the earliest stages of EV development, with great leaps and bounds made over the last decades; improved cell chemistry and thermal management systems mean that battery life has been extended and degradation reduced significantly.
Most batteries manufactured today will outlast the cars they are in, with any degradation being so slight, most drivers wouldn’t notice the difference. Keep in mind EV manufacturers provide warranties and guarantees, assuring customers of long-lasting battery performance.
What conclusions can we get about the misconceptions about long-haul EV travel?
There you have it, the top 5 misconceptions around long-haul EV travel and the truth behind them. It’s clear that significant progress has been made in recent years. As a whole, technology and charging infrastructures continue to grow. So, don’t let these misconceptions hold you back from experiencing the numerous benefits of EVs for long-haul journeys. From environmental sustainability to lower operating costs, EVs are paving the way for a cleaner and more efficient future of travel, no matter where you’re headed.
For more, watch the Wallbox road trip series, where we travel across Catalunya and explore the ins and outs of EV accessibility within Spain.
