THANKSGIVING 2022 ELECTRIC CAR ROAD TRIP REPORT + EV ROUTE PLANNING TIPS

EV Channels Review

This Thanksgiving road trip report details a 1268-mile journey from Boston to Southwest Pennsylvania and back in a 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 AWD. The reviewer highlights the benefits of destination charging and flexible route planning, particularly during a busy travel period. While the trip encountered some busy charging stations, especially with Electrify America, the overall experience was deemed successful. The reviewer notes that ambient temperatures in the 40-50°F range only slightly impacted charging times, and they achieved a peak charging rate of 241kW in State College, PA, debunking concerns about cold weather performance. A key takeaway is the importance of utilizing multiple charging networks and apps like PlugShare and the Electrify America app to identify available and less congested stations. The report also touches on the potential need for higher state-of-charge charging to avoid problematic stations and the ongoing infrastructure challenges, suggesting that current networks may not suffice as EV adoption grows. The reviewer concludes that while the infrastructure has limitations, it is capable of supporting long-distance travel with smart planning.