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I don't expect to ever drive as far as the estimated range at a 100% SoC. But the estimate is a good guide for determining which charging stops make the most sense. In the Summer when the estimated range in my EQS SUV was 395 miles, I could comfortably drive 200 to 250 miles before stopping for a charge. This past weekend after a 118 mile drive through a Winter storm with poor mileage, the 100% overnight charge at the hotel ended with a 215 mile estimate. The worst 100% SoC estimate I saw was in Utah last Spring when it was only 201 miles.
Two years ago I pretty much planned all the charging stops around the free Electrify America locations. Even though we frequently found non-operational EA chargers, the stations were rarely busy and it was easy to use a different charger. Today, overcrowding at EA stations is making it more complicated to plan a Winter road trip when range is severely limited. While there are not many Tesla MagicDock Superchargers, when possible I try to include one on the trip since their uptime is close to 100%. The Tesla MagicDock locations I have used have between 8 and 16 chargers available compared to 4 chargers at the typical EA location. Although I don't really like stopping after only driving 100 miles when the SoC is still relatively high, recently I have been making a stop if the Navigation system indicates that there are 3 or 4 stations open rather than going further and taking a chance that the next stop has a charging queue.
Could you just take your gas vehicle for the winter trip, or rent one from the rental company and forget about the refueling plans? Unless it's a challenge that you prefer to take up, I would never take my EV on an interstate trip due to the poor infrastructure and long recharge times. Time on vacation is precious, and I would not have it to chance to waste time planning for waiting for a recharge that takes much longer than a regular gas fill up. For those EV owners in the north without an ICE vehicle backup, hats off to you.
We are a 1-car retired family with a flexible schedule. No ICE back up. Renting a comparable comfortable ICE vehicle is something we have not considered. We are hopeful that the Tesla/Mercedes arrangement to use a CCS-to-NACS adapter will be in place before our next cross-Country trip.
Could you just take your gas vehicle for the winter trip, or rent one from the rental company and forget about the refueling plans? Unless it's a challenge that you prefer to take up, I would never take my EV on an interstate trip due to the poor infrastructure and long recharge times. Time on vacation is precious, and I would not have it to chance to waste time planning for waiting for a recharge that takes much longer than a regular gas fill up. For those EV owners in the north without an ICE vehicle backup, hats off to you.
I respectfully disagree with your perspective on this matter. It comes down to individual preference, and personally, I find more satisfaction in driving my car than any inconvenience longer charging times may bring. I've taken numerous trips with my EQS 580, and planning has never posed an issue for me.
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The north has better EV infrastructure though. If you have to drive through the "great southern charging desert" perspective and preferences don't matter much.
I respectfully disagree with your perspective on this matter. It comes down to individual preference, and personally, I find more satisfaction in driving my car than any inconvenience longer charging times may bring. I've taken numerous trips with my EQS 580, and planning has never posed an issue for me.
I understand. When I was traveling from Sacramento to Yosemite in a rental van a few years back, I saw a 992 Turbo S doing what it does best on those roads, and I thought to myself, dang, I wish I had my car. But when I looked in the backseats and saw three youngsters, I said to myself, bad timing. When I drove from Houston to St. Louis to take my kid to college, we rented an Expedition. That thing felt like sitting on a comfy lazy boy chair going 80+mph. We shipped her NX350 Sport later. I guess if the road trip is the vacation, the best vehicle is the one you own.
I understand. When I was traveling from Sacramento to Yosemite in a rental van a few years back, I saw a 992 Turbo S doing what it does best on those roads, and I thought to myself, dang, I wish I had my car. But when I looked in the backseats and saw three youngsters, I said to myself, bad timing. When I drove from Houston to St. Louis to take my kid to college, we rented an Expedition. That thing felt like sitting on a comfy lazy boy chair going 80+mph. We shipped her NX350 Sport later. I guess if the road trip is the vacation, the best vehicle is the one you own.
I tend to be very careful what I rent. But I like the idea of driving the right vehicle for the purpose. It’s like having the perfect tool for the perfect application.
We or on a weekend trip up on Rhode Island right now. We rented a Jeep Wagoneer. This is not a car I would want to own, but it is perfect for this trip. I actually enjoy it. My own cars would be a pain for a trip like this although they are a joy in their natural habitat.
I tend to be very careful what I rent. But I like the idea of driving the right vehicle for the purpose. It’s like having the perfect tool for the perfect application.
We or on a weekend trip up on Rhode Island right now. We rented a Jeep Wagoneer. This is not a car I would want to own, but it is perfect for this trip. I actually enjoy it. My own cars would be a pain for a trip like this although they are a joy in their natural habitat.
Only one EA charger in RI, at a Walmart in Providence. Never used it. I have a summer home in Newport and when I had my EQS there I would use the EA charger in North Dartmouth, Ma or charge at home. It’s a bit out of the way, but since I’m retired if I’m not golfing or fishing I can afford to take a short drive to the charger.
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When I drove from Houston to St. Louis to take my kid to college, we rented an Expedition. That thing felt like sitting on a comfy lazy boy chair going 80+mph. We shipped her NX350 Sport later. I guess if the road trip is the vacation, the best vehicle is the one you own.
