Road Tripping in an EV: Lessons,

Road Tripping in an EV: Lessons, Surprises, and Why It’s Still Worth It

Taking a road trip in an electric vehicle (EV) feels like the future — but the future still comes with a few surprises. Recently, on our own EV adventure, we learned firsthand that while the charging network is growing fast, there are still a few things drivers should know before hitting the open road.

Not All Superchargers Are Created Equal

If you’re driving a non-Tesla EV, you might be excited to see a Tesla Supercharger station pop up on your map — but not all Superchargers are open to all vehicles yet. Some banks of chargers within a parking lot are equipped to handle non-Tesla vehicles, while others are still Tesla-only. It’s worth pulling in and checking — you might find a separate group of chargers tucked away that you can actually use. Patience and a little exploration can save you from a lot of frustration.

The Remote Town Challenge

Another unexpected lesson: Tesla Level 2 “Destination Chargers” are popping up even in tiny, remote towns — a great sign for long-distance travel. However, in these more isolated spots, you might run into another problem: no cell service and no Wi-Fi. That’s a big issue, because many chargers require you to connect via an app to start the charge. No signal, no charge.

Pro tip: Always check ahead using apps like PlugShare, and when in doubt, call the hotel, restaurant, or business where the charger is located. It could save you from getting stuck without a way to power up.

Tesla’s Quiet Retreat from Destination Charging

It’s also important to know that Tesla has scaled back its support for many businesses that installed Destination Chargers. Business owners used to be able to set rates and manage their chargers through Tesla’s app. Now, some can’t adjust pricing, provide support, or even guarantee that the chargers are still functional. Again, calling ahead is crucial. Make sure the chargers are operational and ask about any fees — don’t just assume they’ll be free or working.

Despite the Bumps, EV Road Trips Are Getting Better

Even with these growing pains, there’s still a lot to celebrate. The EV network is expanding fast. It’s easier than ever to find chargers along major routes, and with a little planning, you can enjoy smooth, emissions-free adventures. New stations are popping up every month, and companies are racing to fill in the gaps that currently exist.

A New Charging Routine

We also noticed an interesting shift in how we spend our stops. Before, fueling up meant quickly pumping gas, moving the car, and then going inside for snacks or a restroom break.

Now? With EVs, we park, plug in, and then head inside while the car charges. The car stays right where it is. We use the restroom, grab a coffee, stretch our legs — and by the time we’re back, the car has enough juice to hit the road again.

In the end, the total time spent is about the same — but the experience feels a little more relaxed. No rushing to move the car, no juggling pumps and keys. Just a smooth pause on the journey.

In Conclusion:

Yes, there are still a few kinks to iron out. Yes, it helps to plan ahead and check your apps. But overall, road tripping in an EV is getting easier, more enjoyable, and definitely more practical. As more businesses and charging networks improve their systems, the open road is becoming wide open for electric adventures.

Happy travels — and don’t forget your charging cables!