{"id":1038,"date":"2023-01-17T02:09:27","date_gmt":"2023-01-17T02:09:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chargenet.studiopublica.co.nz\/?post_type=knowledge-article&p=1038"},"modified":"2023-04-19T10:25:19","modified_gmt":"2023-04-18T22:25:19","slug":"road-trip-tips","status":"publish","type":"knowledge-article","link":"https:\/\/chargenet.studiopublica.co.nz\/knowledge-article\/road-trip-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"10 tips for your EV road trip"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n

Are you ready to hit the open road and embark on a classic Kiwi tradition? With its 93,000km of roads, New Zealand is a road-tripper\u2019s paradise, and with an EV, you can experience the beauty of the country in a sustainable and eco-friendly way.<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ve compiled 10 tips to help you plan a successful and stress-free road trip in your EV. Not only will you save money on fuel costs and reduce your carbon footprint, but you\u2019ll also enjoy quieter and smoother rides through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.<\/p>\n

From planning your route and packing essentials to maximizing your vehicle\u2019s efficiency and connecting with the EV community, we\u2019ve got you covered.<\/p>\n

So, buckle up, charge your battery, and get ready to hit the road!<\/p>\n

1. Plan your trip in advance<\/strong><\/p>\n

Plan your road trip around public charging points on the way to your destination. While EV charging takes a little longer than filling up with petrol, many charging stations are located next to facilities that allow you to grab a bite to eat, rest, recuperate, or explore the local shops and parks. Before taking your EV on a long-distance road trip or on new routes, plan ahead so that you know where the closest public charging points are and how much time you\u2019ll need to wait while your vehicle charges. Helpful apps, such as the\u00a0Power Trip route planner<\/a>\u00a0can predict your charging needs and schedule charging stops that optimize the amount of time you spend charging your EV while you\u2019re travelling.<\/p>\n

2. Shorter charging sessions are often better<\/strong><\/p>\n

Charging your electric vehicle for 15-20 minutes every two hours allows you to stretch your legs, take a bathroom break, stock up on your favourite snacks, and get back on the road faster than one longer charging break. When road tripping in an EV, you don\u2019t really have to charge up to 100%, unless you need the range to get to your next destination. It\u2019s worth remembering that shorter charging stops can result in a faster trip and less time spent charging overall. That\u2019s because it often takes the same time to charge from 80% to 100% as it does to charge the battery from 0-80%. Most fast-charging stations will only let you fill up to 80% to ensure more electric vehicles can utilize the facilities.<\/p>\n

3. Charge up where you\u2019re staying<\/strong><\/p>\n

Level 2 chargers are becoming more popular in New Zealand as our EV fleet expands. Take advantage of overnight charging by booking accommodation with EV charging facilities, this way you can park the car when you\u2019re done for the day and power it up overnight. New Zealand has more than\u00a0900 hotels<\/a>\u00a0around the country with electric charging services. Many of these facilities are free for guests or charge a small parking fee. Camping grounds are also a great option for budget travellers, and there are now more than\u00a054 holiday parks<\/a>\u00a0around New Zealand offering EV charging. Charging your EV with your portable 3-pin cable can be a useful backup option. Just remember to ask your host first.<\/p>\n

4. Download useful EV apps to plan your trip effectively<\/strong><\/p>\n

Apps can be helpful to ensure you don\u2019t find yourself stranded somewhere without a charge. Good map and weather apps are also a must-have for your trip. With these apps, you can plan your route, check for detours, and see real-time traffic conditions.<\/p>\n

Here are a couple of our favourite apps:<\/p>\n