ELECTRIC CAR ROAD TRIP: 5 TAKEAWAYS FROM 3,000+ MILES OF SUMMER EV TRAVEL

EV Channels Review

This video provides a comprehensive review of a 3,000+ mile EV road trip across the US Northeast and Midwest during the summer of 2021. The reviewer highlights key takeaways regarding EV adoption and the performance of various DC fast charging networks. Electrify America is praised for its improved reliability, with the reviewer noting a significant upgrade in stations and a positive charging experience over 12 locations and 3,000+ miles, despite some coverage gaps in areas like the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. ChargePoint also received excellent marks with a 100% success rate, though its performance is noted as being dependent on site hosts. State-level networks presented a mixed bag, with EVConnect on the New York Thruway being a useful stopgap, while ChargePoint's hosted nature makes it variable. EVgo is heavily criticized for its dated equipment, poor maintenance, and lack of forward-thinking, leading the reviewer to actively avoid the network. The video also touches on the increasing diversity of EV models beyond Tesla, with the Mustang Mach-E, VW ID.4, Audi e-tron, and Volvo XC40 Recharge being frequently spotted. The reviewer concludes that while the CCS network is holding up well, accelerating EV adoption may soon stretch its capacity, especially on busy weekends.