ev charging trip planner

Electric Vehicle Trip Planner

Plan your next electric vehicle road trip and choose from more than 30,000 charging stations in Roadtrippers.

Select the Auto & RV Services category.

Click Filters and then select EV Charging.

Start planning your trip.

Choose a destination and then add charging stations along with your favorite road trip stops.

Start planning your trip

Classic American Road Trips

Explore the country in your electric vehicle. Here’s some of our favorite trips. Save them to your profile and start adding charging stations along your route.

A Highway 1 road trip along California’s Central Coast

The top things to do on a Route 66 road trip

The top things to do on an East Coast road trip

The top things to do on a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip

Get ready to hit the road.

Can you take a road trip in an electric vehicle?

Road trip tips: How to prepare for the road with snacks, apps, and entertainment

How to plan a road trip: 5 steps to get you ready to hit the road

• Trip guides
• Trip Planner
• Sign up Log in Sign out
• Log in Sign out
• ROADTRIPPERS MEMBERSHIP
• RV RESOURCES

Plan your journey, find amazing places, and take fascinating detours with our app.

If you used to sign in with Roadpass, you should now use the same username and password to log in directly with Roadtrippers above.

We couldn't find an existing Roadtrippers account using that service. Please try signing in with another option.

We need your email address to send you trip itineraries and other updates.

How do you want to plan your trip?

With just a few questions, our newest Premium feature, Autopilot, will plan your next adventure.

Oh no! It looks like JavaScript is not enabled in your browser.

Plan your journey by electric car

The Chargemap route planner is here to help you plan the ideal trip that corresponds to your EV and preferences.

Download the Chargemap app for free on your mobile phone

Scores based on more than 55,000 ratings.

Hit the road in all peace of mind , Chargemap takes care of everything.

Indicate your departure point and destination, the battery level at the start of the journey and the level you want at the end of it, plus any midway stages.

Enter the EV you are taking on the journey.

Prioritise or limit a charging network, avoid tolls and motorways or log in a maximum speed to save on energy. The planner takes your charging preferences on board.

Chargemap automatically calculates your route and selects the charging stations that match up with the information you have logged in. You can also visualise your route directly: distance, overall travel time and the necessary charging stop(s) along the way.

Calculate your journey and come back to it whenever you want. Save time with the Save option for the route you have selected.

Access information about the charging station on the details screen and launch the navigation tool for your next charging stop on your favourite GPS app.

Where are you going?

What car model do you drive, you want to prioritise a charging network on your journey, enjoy the optimum route adapted to your needs, save your route, you're on your way.

Consult the charging stations in the vicinity

You want to see all the charging stations available along your route? Tap on the “Stations” button to find all the charging stations available in your vicinity.

Fine-tune your search for alternative stations

You want to take a charging break near a restaurant or go for a pub lunch? Click on the “Stations” icon then on the “Filter” cursor to fine-tune your charging preferences on your personalised route.

Adapt the Chargemap route to your needs and wishes.

You want to stay a little longer at a charging stop or set off again with a specific battery level.

When you reach a specific point along your way, you want to stop for longer to have a lunch break or take a stroll in the surrounding area. You can modify either the duration of your break, or the battery level you want before resuming your journey.

You need to charge near a specific location?

You want to profit from a charging stop to do a bit of sightseeing or go and see friends and family and so you are looking for a charging station in the vicinity. The route planner allows you to select an alternative charging station along the way.

Want to stop at a different charging station than the one selected?

With Chargemap, plan your ideal route by selecting the charging stations of your favourite networks. The tool automatically calculates a new route based on your preferences.

Electric vehicle charging, made easy

No need to juggle between different cards or applications, charge on most European charging networks with the Chargemap Pass.

The leading community of EV drivers in Europe is at your fingertips.

pierre-piet

"So helpful!"

"Chargemap is undeniably THE app to have when you drive an EV. It’s accurate and stuffed full of information. It really is the go-to app so you’re never left by the wayside! And all for free!"

Michel Barré

"Great app"

"Oh, so practical!"

"Practical"

"Crucial for every journey!"

Roberto Lerobi

"A must-have"

"One of the best apps when travelling by EV. For me, it’s the main app I use when driving long distances."

• Montpellier
• United Kingdom
• BP Europa SE
• Shell Recharge
• TotalEnergies
• Tesla Superchargeurs

Plan longer electric journeys

Use our EV route planner to see where to stop on longer routes, what's available in those areas, and how long you’ll need to charge.

Find the best route for your car

With our ev route planner.

Zapmap’s route planner provides peace of mind and the confidence to drive any length of journey in your EV. With access to the widest choice of charging options and real-time availability status, our route planner helps you plot a journey that’s tailored to your needs, whether it’s a family adventure or a solo mission.

EV route planning

Different routing modes

to suit your preferences

Peace of mind

on longer journeys

Zapmap Premium

With a number of ways to quickly locate charge points tailored to your needs, Zapmap Premium helps you drive smarter. On top of filters for new charge points and multi-charger locations, Premium gets Zapmap into your in-car dashboard via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This means you can locate suitable charge points, view live charge point status and access route plans - all while on the move. What's more, with Premium you can save unlimited filters, route plans and EV models.

Sign up to the Zapmap newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest news, stats and guides on EV charging from Zapmap and the EV community.

The latest EV news & knowledge

The zapmap newsletter, want to learn about ev charging and zapmap product developments.

Keep up to date with the latest news, stats and guides on EV charging and lots more - receive fortnightly updates straight to your inbox

Download the Zapmap App!

Get started today.

Scan the QR code with the camera on your mobile device

We're happy to answer any questions you may have, just send us a message via this form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Best EV Trip Planner Apps

Taking the anxiety out of a road trip with an ev route planner.

• 3/8/2024 (updated 4/2/2024 )

For most people, the best EV trip planner is likely already in your vehicle since the navigation systems on modern electric cars offer the ability to plan a route that factors in charger stops along the way. That's just one of several EV trip-planning options that can help map out your ideal road trip while assuaging potential range anxiety from an inconsistent charging infrastructure. Let's take a look at some of the best EV trip planners available, ranked in no particular order.

Factory navigation system

Google maps, a better route planner, ev navigation, am i ready for an ev.

• EV ownership works best if you can charge (240V) at home or at work This typically means a 240V home installation, but you could also have a similar setup at your office or other places your car is already parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice unless you've got a plug-in hybrid, in which case overnight charging at home is feasible.
• If you can’t charge at home, charging at a charging station could take at least 10x longer than at a gas station With public charging infrastructure still in its infancy, the user experience can be maddeningly inconsistent. Tesla owners tend to rave about the reliability and speed of the company's proprietary Supercharger stations, but rival DC fast options have thus far been plagued by technical issues and overcrowding. It's an evolving landscape and our best advice is to do your research on the available options for the EV you want to buy.
• Adding a 240V home charging system could cost up to $1,600 or more If your existing electrical service can handle the additional demands of EV charging, you may be able to add Level 2 charging at home for less than a grand, including installation. But your costs will multiply if you need to upgrade your electrical panel or add a dedicated circuit.

Your first option is to use the built-in navigation that comes with your car. Most Tesla vehicles will insert recommended charging points along your route, taking a lot of the worry out of the experience. Teslas can also precondition your battery when you get close to a Supercharger station, which speeds up charging time and is better for the health of your EV's battery.

But not all vehicles come equipped with navigation systems, and the ones that do may not necessarily be your best option. Trying to map out your route ahead of time is more easily done on your phone or computer than by sitting in the driver's seat of your car. Luckily, you've got options.

You don't need to download a new app to get an EV-friendly route. Go to settings inside the Google Maps app, then select "Electric vehicle settings" and you'll have the option to select the compatible plugs for your electric vehicle. When you search "electric vehicle chargers," they will be filtered by the plug you selected in settings. This makes Google Maps handy for finding a charger you can actually use, but it cannot currently add charging stops to your route. It also can't tell you whether or not the charger is available, occupied, or in working order.

Google and Apple Maps are great for route planning on the go. But if you want to plan out your stops ahead of time, you may want to consider A Better Route Planner ( ABRP ). It's available on either your desktop computer or as an application for your smartphone. It allows you to provide information on your vehicle, including how full its charge is when you depart, and to filter out plug types based on your vehicle. ABRP offers a lot of information, including what it expects your vehicle's battery level will be when you arrive at your destination and how much energy you need to add at charging stops.

Unfortunately, ABRP can be a little clunky to use — especially on your phone. If user-friendliness is your top priority, you might want to consider using another application.

The EV Navigation planner is also available on your phone as an application and as a desktop site. It allows you to input the make and model of your vehicle, its battery level, the number of passengers in the vehicle, and the minimum state of charge you'd like your vehicle to have at your destination. Using those inputs gives you a route complete with charging stops. The app will provide estimates for how long you'll need to charge at each stop, what state of charge you should be charging to, and detailed information on the station. The app can be a little confusing and finicky for first-time users, and it's not great as a navigation app. However, it's a great tool for planning.

Edmunds says

The features and functionality of these EV trip planners can change over time, so make sure to try several of them to see which one works best for your needs.

Electric vehicle stories

Mercedes-benz eqs 450+ is the longest-range electric suv we've ever tested, jeep is racing tesla to the $25,000 ev, edmunds top rated kia ev9 joins our long-term test fleet, u-drag race: rivian r1t vs. ford f-150 raptor r | quarter mile, handling & more, is an ev right for me, join edmunds.

Receive pricing updates, shopping tips & more!

New ways to power up your electric vehicle adventures with Google Maps

Apr 17, 2024

[[read-time]] min read

In time for Earth Day, we’re making it easier to find information about EV charging stations, whether you’re planning a drive or already on the road.

• Bullet points
• Google Maps introduces new features to enhance electric vehicle (EV) charging experiences.
• AI-powered summaries provide detailed descriptions of charger locations based on user reviews.
• In-car maps display nearby chargers with real-time port availability and charging speed.
• Suggested charging stops and forecasted energy consumption for multi-stop trips.
• EV filter on Google Travel helps find hotels with onsite EV charging.
• Basic explainer

Google Maps has new features to help electric car drivers find charging stations.

You can now see detailed descriptions of where chargers are located, like "Enter the underground parking lot and follow the signs toward the exit. Just before exiting, turn right."

You can also see nearby chargers on the in-car map, with information like real-time port availability and charging speed.

If you're planning a trip, Google Maps will suggest the best charging stops along the way, based on your battery's charge level.

Explore other styles:

Electric vehicle ownership is on the rise, which means more people are looking for ways to charge their car — whether they’re on the go or planning their drive. To help EV owners access more helpful information about charging stations, we’re rolling out new features for Google Maps and Search. With these updates you can easily find specific information about the location of EV chargers, plan charging stops for road trips and more.

Easily find exactly where charging stations are located

Navigating to charging stations and finding exactly where the chargers are located — like the right area of a multilevel parking lot — can be tricky. In the coming months, we’ll start showing AI-powered summaries in Google Maps that describe a charger’s specific location based on helpful information from user reviews, so you can find exactly where to go. For example, when you’re headed to a charging station you may see a detailed description, like “Enter the underground parking lot and follow the signs toward the exit. Just before exiting, turn right.”

This information is possible thanks to the millions of reviews posted every day in Maps, which help provide accurate and up-to-date information about places like charging stations. To help make these even more useful, reviews about chargers now prompt you for additional details about your experience, like what type of plug you used and how long you waited.

Find the best charger for you while you're on the go

We’re also thinking about other ways we can give people helpful EV charging information at a glance. For example, if you’re low on charge while on the road or you need to top off while running errands, soon you’ll be able to see nearby chargers on the in-car map, with information like real-time port availability and charging speed. This update will roll out globally, starting with vehicles with Google built-in the coming months.

See suggested charging stops, forecasted energy consumption and more when you plan a trip

In addition to showing you where chargers are at a glance, we want to help you take more complex trips easily. Last year we announced that Maps suggests the best charging locations for vehicles with Google built-in. This capability is expanding to multi-stop trips. So if you're planning a multi-stop summer road trip to several national parks, Maps will suggest the best charging stops along the way, based on your battery’s charge level. This feature will be available globally in the coming months for vehicles with Google built-in.

And if you’re planning overnight stays, we’ve got you covered, because the last thing you want to do after a long day of driving is hunt around for a charging station. With our new EV filter on google.com/travel you can find hotels on Search that offer onsite EV charging.

Whether you’re planning a summer road trip or looking for a last-minute charge, Maps and Search can help you find the charging information you need.

Related stories

Mapping human activity at sea with AI

We’re launching a new coalition to scale nature-based carbon removal

Our first offsite heat recovery project lands in Finland

8 new accessibility updates across Lookout, Google Maps and more

See the winners of our Single-Use Plastics Challenge

How we're supporting watershed health in southern Nevada

Let’s stay in touch. Get the latest news from Google in your inbox.

• Popular Routes

Easy EV Trip Planner

Leave range anxiety in the dust.

All estimates listed are estimated and may not be 100% precise. Service brands are trademarks of their respective owners, and we are not affiliated with them. All rights reserved. Read our privacy policy. 2023 © AmpTrip - EV Trip Planner

• Easy to Use
• Dealerships
• Our Company
• Add Station
• Google Play

Your EV. Your Way.

Using a simple system of colors and numbers the Chargeway App shows you where you can charge your EV and how long it will take. No guesswork. You’re in control.

Download And Charge Up

With the Chargeway App, you charge simpler and drive smoother.

Charging Stations

Chargeway includes over 80,000 charging stations from over 40 networks throughout the US and Canada. Add your EV and automatically see stations that match your EV’s plug type, easily see different power levels, and discover where electric fuel awaits.

EV Charging Station Map & Features

Vehicle Profiles

With the Chargeway App you have all of your vehicle info at your fingertips. Simply add your vehicle of choice, select your color, add a custom name and then adjust your battery levels to estimate charging time at any station.

Vehicle Profile Features

EV Trip Planner

Every great road trip starts with a game plan. Dial yours in with the Chargeway App’s EV Trip Planner–automatically calculating charging stops along your route with factors like charge time, outdoor temperature, and desired speed.

EV Trip Planner & Features

Have Questions? Chargeway can help.

How To Plan an EV Road Trip With Google Maps' Charging Feature

Your EV’s built-in Google Maps app is designed to keep you charged.

For electric vehicles with Google Maps installed, road trips have become a lot easier. The popular navigation app can now manage vehicle charging along your route, meaning you won’t have to stress over making it to a station before your battery runs out.

What can Google Maps do?

Multiple modern EVs — like models from Volvo , Polestar , GM, and possibly even Rivian — come preinstalled with a specialized version of Google Maps that can directly tap into the vehicle’s systems to keep track of your trip.

Maps works directly with compatible EVs to keep track of your vehicle’s battery levels, energy usage, and other metrics to make sure you don’t run out of battery halfway through your journey. With this, Maps can also predict what your battery will be upon arrival.

Specifically, the app will generate real-time estimates of your remaining battery on arrival, and if you’re predicted to run out of power before reaching your destination, the app will prompt you to pick a charging stop to add to your route. If you need to stop more than once, the app will automatically add the necessary charging stops across the route, and these stops will be calculated into your trip duration.

Recently added Google Maps features focusing on charging will also help you find the right station to juice your EV at. The update allows users to look at a more detailed AI-generated description of where chargers are located (i.e. Enter the underground parking lot and follow the signs toward the exit. Just before exiting, turn right.) Hopefully, those summaries are accurate — AI has a habit of hallucinating information, and the last thing you need is to wander aimlessly in a parking garage looking for a charger.

The summaries should be rolling out to all Google Maps users in the coming months.

In addition to charger location summaries, Google Maps now shows nearby chargers on the in-car map and gives you real-time data on whether the charger is in use and charging speeds.

How do you access Google Maps’ EV charging feature?

Google Maps’ charging features are available for EVs like those made by Volvo which have Maps integrated into the car’s onboard computer.

Most of these features will engage automatically while driving, meaning you don’t have to do anything unless prompted to (like adding a charging station to your route when Google detects that you’ll need it).

However, searching for charging stations is pretty simple:

• Tap the “Search” button, and the search menu should open.
• Then, search for charging stations.
• From here, you’ll be presented with a series of filters to narrow down your search.
• You can search by charger type, payment network, or charging speed — including a filter for “very fast” speed that only shows 150 - 350kW chargers.

You can also manually add a charging station when creating a route:

• Search for a destination, and create a route
• Once the route has been generated, there should be a button labeled “Add charging stop”
• Tap this button, and select a charging station along the route.

Along with this, Maps’ voice recognition can be used to perform most of these functions without having to use a touchscreen while driving.

Currently, Google has not added an equivalent to the mobile version of Google Maps. However, the app can still be used to find electric charging stations. This can be done by typing in “electric charging station” into Maps — the same way you would search for a gas station — which will then show multiple stations in your area.

Tapping on these locations will provide additional information, including charging speeds, charger types, and availability of each.

However, because the mobile version of Google Maps can’t connect directly to an EV, it isn’t able to collect any information on battery levels or usage. As a result, it can’t accurately add charging stops to any trips.

This article was originally published on April 17, 2023

The Best 6 Apps for EV Route Planning

Planning a trip in your EV? Don't go without downloading one of these EV route planning apps.

If you're on a road trip in the US, you have access to over 100,000 gas stations across the country. That's more than double the number of public charging stations where you can charge an EV.

Because charging an EV takes longer than filling up a combustion car, you should know exactly where to find EV chargers along your route. For that, you need to use apps on your smartphone, so here are the best apps for EV route planning.

1. Tesla App

According to Statista , Tesla is the most popular EV brand in the world. If you drive a Tesla, you would be better suited to use its app for route planning because it grants you access to over 35,000 Superchargers across the country—this is the biggest EV charging network in North America.

Owners of non-Tesla EVs with the CCS charging connector can also use the Tesla app to access Tesla Magic Dock Superchargers, which you can find in a handful of locations in North America. Brands like Ford, Rivian, Polestar, Volvo, and GM announced their EVs will access the Tesla Supercharger network by early 2024, and they will be equipped with NACS ports and adapters. This means that if you’re driving a non-Tesla EV, you will have the privilege of having native access to Tesla Supercharger stations in North America.

But if you're driving a Tesla, you have the privilege to request roadside assistance and schedule service maintenance through the app. Another cool feature is being able to track your vehicle's location on your phone. If you're not a Tesla driver, you could use other apps to track your car .

Download: Tesla for Android | iOS (Free)

2. EV Hotels

If you want to sleep in a hotel and charge your vehicle overnight, the EV Hotels app can make it easier for you. Its map displays hotels that offer EV charging stations along your route. It also lets you know which levels of chargers are available in the hotels: standard, fast, or Superchargers.

If you can't find a hotel with EV chargers along your route, the app will recommend amenities with ample parking and chargers nearby. Subscribed members can reserve a hotel room and charging spot in advance and garner reward points in their favorite hotel brands across the country.

Download: EVHotels for iOS ($2.99)

3. A Better Route Planner

A Better Route Planner (ABRP) is available on the Google Play Store and App Store; you can also install it on your car's dashboard screen web browser. Unlike Tesla's app, which is limited to its Supercharger network, A Better Route Planner covers all the public EV chargers on your route. Better yet, you can connect it to your Tesla account to share your driving data to help improve accuracy.

If you're not driving a Tesla, you can include your car model details on the app to calculate your range, charging time, and energy consumption. Beyond that, the ABRP app also tells you the road conditions, wind, temperature, weather, and routes to avoid—basically, everything you need to know to plan your trip without any hiccups.

Download: A Better Route Planner for Android | iOS (Free)

4. PlugShare

PlugShare is one of the most popular EV route-planning apps. What makes it unique is that it doesn't require you to register an account to find nearby public EV chargers. However, if you set up an account, you can include your EV car model to predict your range and charging time accurately. The app will also tell you the compatible plugs for your EV at each charging station.

What's more, you can use the app to find locations with amenities lodging, dining, Wi-Fi, restrooms, valet parking, and shopping. The best part is that the PlugShare app is free and covers almost all countries worldwide.

One downside is that the Plugshare app doesn't automatically let you know which chargers are occupied. You have to manually check which charging stalls are free every time you’re approaching a charging stop.

Download: PlugShare app for Android | iOS (Free)

5. Charge Point

If you hate driving to a station and finding a charger you thought was available is occupied, the ChargePoint app can solve that problem. If a charging station is busy, the app will notify you using a blue pin, and if a charger is available, you will see a location with a green pin on the app.

Before using a charging station, you can use the app to calculate how much you will spend to top up your EV. It also lets you know the charging status of your EV and the estimated charging time.

Besides that, you can use the ChargePoint app to access over 31,000 charging points in North America, including chargers located around major US university campuses . This makes it the second-largest EV charging network provider in the U.S. after Tesla. You can charge any EV brand at ChargePoint stations, and the service provider is also adopting Tesla’s NACS connectors.

We also like that ChargePoint has partnered with hotels and convenience stores to offer exclusive discounts to its app customers. Better yet, you can integrate this app into your home charger so that you can monitor your EV anytime you want—but you first need to make your home EV ready .

Download: ChargePoint app for Android | iOS (Free)

6. Google Maps

Even though you can't use Google Maps to estimate the range of your electric vehicle, it can tell you the speed and type of port supported by nearby charging stations. If you're living in the US or UK, Google Maps will provide real-time data on available charging stations, so you don't have to line up.

But what gives Google Maps an advantage over other apps for EV routing is that it can show all the amenities along your route—from garages, restaurants, and hotels to convenience stores. In addition to that, you can activate Google Assistant Driving Mode by using Google Maps.

Download: Google Maps for Android | iOS (Free)

Find the Best EV Route Planning Apps for You

If you're planning a trip in your EV, it's best to use several of these planning apps simultaneously. Yes, you read that right. For instance, if you want to find the most convenient hotels for charging EVs, your best options would be Google Maps and EV Hotels.

But if you want a route planner that can accurately tell you everything about your EV battery's status, you should consider A Better Route Planner and the Tesla app.

Similarly, the PlugShare app has one of the largest databases of public EV chargers in the world, and the Charge Point app will tell you if a charging station is busy. It's up to you to find the most suitable app for your EV route planning.

Best EV Route Planner in 2024 (According To EV Owners)

Last Updated on March 7, 2024 by Rose Morah

Searching for a good EV route planner can be confusing.

So, we recently took a deep dive into EV route planners.

First, we researched the most recommended EV route planner apps by EV owners who:

• Own an EV and have used different route planner apps.
• Have planned long road trips with EV route planners.

We then planned road trips to different locations in North America (both in cities, rural areas, and on cross-country trips) using the most recommended route planners in order to come up with best app for EV route planning.

But before we dive into the findings, let’s first find out what really makes a good EV road trip planner.

What makes a good EV road trip planner ?

• It should be close to perfect

This means it gives you a close to accurate charge for your next destination. This is great, especially for new EV owners because it minimizes the range anxiety when going on long road trips. 

Additionally, it should provide users with accurate information about the types of chargers and how fast they really are.

• It should allow you to filter the charging stops based on the connector, charging speed, and the number of available chargers.

It should be able to plan a route that has multiple chargers and not just gives you what it thinks are the routes with the most convenient chargers.

Some of these routes may turn out to be ‘chargeless’ or you may end up skipping several high-power chargers.

• The app should be fast, user-friendly, and with very few bugs .

Smart Tips for Planning A Road Trip With An EV .

How to use Tesla J1772 Adapter at non-Tesla public charging stations .

The most recommended EV trip planners by EV owners

The pie chart below shows the most recommended EV route planners by EV owners:

• A Better Route Planner (ABRP)

Summary of the best EV apps in public charging stations:

• 45% of the EV owners recommended PlugShare, while 47% recommended ABRP.
• Some EV owners enjoy using PlugShare in conjunction with ABRP when planning long road trips.
• Only 6% of EV owners recommended Chargeway.
• 2% recommended other EV route planner apps.

NOTE: 70% of Tesla owners recommended the Tesla in-built trip planner. I have not included it in the above data as it is only applicable to Tesla cars.

Best Tesla Trip Planner App In 2022 (According To Tesla Owners) .

How‌ ‌to‌ ‌Use‌ ‌A ‌Better‌ ‌Route‌ ‌Planner‌ (With Illustrations) .

Our experiences with the most recommended EV trip planner apps

As mentioned earlier, we then took the top 3 most recommended EV trip planner apps (PlugShare, ABRP, and Chargeway) on a 2-week cross-country road trip across different cities/towns. 

The data below shows our most recommended EV route planner based on our experience with different EVs.

Summary of the findings:

Based on our experiences with the 3 apps, ABRP emerged as the top app followed closely by PlugShare, and the least recommended was ChargeWay.

Let’s begin from the bottom: our ChargeWay experiences:

• ChargeWay is not that great for cross-country road trips. However, it is a great app if you are touring big cities.
• It lacked some important features that can be found on ABRP and PlugShare apps.

ABRP and PlugShare were the best EV route planner apps, based on our experiences. These two apps have been in the game for quite a while and seem like they are here to stay!

Additionally, you can use them together for a better road trip experience.

For instance, we used A Better Route Planner (ABRP) to plan our trips, and PlugShare to find better-charging options by browsing the charging stations, places to sleep while you charge overnight, restrooms, shopping, WIFI e.t.c along the route.

You might also like:

How‌ ‌to‌ ‌Use‌ ‌A ‌Better‌ ‌Route‌ ‌Planner‌ ABRP (With Illustrations) .

6 Must-Have EV Accessories (Best EV Accessories) .

ABRP VS PlugShare

The table below shows a comparison between ABRP and PlugShare

Related : ABRP Vs Plugshare: Which is The Best EV Trip Planner App?

In conclusion, apps are constantly being updated and new features are always coming out all the time. Therefore, be sure to always keep an eye on PlugShare and ABRP websites for future updates so you don’t miss out on any of them.

Hello there! My name is Rose. I’m passionate about electric cars and clean energy. My adventurous spirit and journalistic pursuits make each day fascinating and far greater. I consider traveling not just about the grandeur moments, but the little elements that transform the whole experience.

Related Posts

How To Sleep In The Car Overnight (Best Tips & Hacks)

How To Quickly Fall Asleep In The Car

How To Sleep In A Small Car (Best Tips & Hacks)

• Car Buying Tips
• Destinations
• Car Road Trip
• Motorcycle Road Trip
• Travel Tips

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

EV Charging Trip Planner

Use our tool below to calculate the charging time and charging cost for your next journey with your electric vehicle.

Set your starting point and choose your destination on the interactive map, the trip planner will find the fastes route for you and estimate:

• how long you need to charge to make your trip on one charge
• how much the trip will cost you

Charging route planner map

The tool calculates the estimation based on the distance of your trip. The distance is given by the route provided by the navigation map.

EV trip charging time calculator

Travel distance from map

Charging power

EV energy consumption

Insert the charging power of your home charging station or the charger you are planning to use, as well as the energy consumption of your vehicle.

EV trip cost calculator

Charging cost

Select the type of any additional cost

No additional fee will be added to the cost

Enter the charging cost for the station you are planning to use. The cost calculator allows you to enter the costs for multiple pricing options, like one time fees, a hourly rate and/or kW price.

What will your next trip be?

Your next trip might be the drive to your workplace, to go shopping or visit the family. No matter if it’s a short drive or a longer trip, our tool helps you understand the charging needs for EVs.

How long does it take to charge for a trip from the airport to the city center?

A common trip is from the airport into downtown. Find here a quick overview of charging times and charging costs for trips from four airports to downtown.

Settings for our example trips :

• Charging Power: 11kW
• Energy consumption: 15 kWh /100 Miles
• Charging Cost: 13 Cents / kWh

EV charging trip planner step-by-step guide

Define your trip, from where to where are you planning to go?

• Step 1: Starting Point – Enter the adress of your starting point similar to all other common maps or select the starting pont by clicking in our interactive map.
• Step 2: Destination – Enter the destination just as you entered the starting point.

Calculate the charging time for your trip:

• Step 3: Distance Unit  – Select the distance unit, you want the results to be displayed in. By default miles are selected.
• Step 4: Charging Power  – Insert the charging power output from the charger you are planning to use. By default the charging power will be set in KW, you can also change the power entry to Ampere. We are assuming a voltage of 240V to calculate the charging power for you in the background.
• Step 5: Energy Consumption  – Enter here the energy consumption of the vehicle (kWh/100). The energy consumption depends on the design of the vehicle and your driving style. (If you don’t know the Energy Consumption of your car, check our charging tools for individual vehicles, in which we list the standard energy consumption of many brands such as Tesla, Nissan, Audi, BMW, VW, Ford, KIA).

Great!  You’ve now calculated the charging time of the vehicle.

Estimate the charging cost for your trip:

• Step 6: Currency  – Select the currency you are using.
• Step 7: Charging Cost  – Enter the cost per kWh. If you are planning to charge at home, you might want to insert your energy price here. If you are charging at a public charger, you can insert the kWh price of the operator.
• Step 8: Type of additional costs – When charging at a public charging station, often additional cost occur, such as a one time fee, a hourly parking cost or a minutely parking cost. Select an additional cost type here, if it applies to your situation.
• Step 9: Additional cost – Insert here the price for the additional cost. The insertion will adjust according to the additional cost type selected in the prior step.

Awesome!  You´ve estimated the charging cost for your trip.

We hope our tool enables you to get a better feeling for the charging time and the cost for charging need for your trip.

If you need further assistance or would like to help us improve our EV route planner, please contact us at [email protected].

Important legal information

homechargingstations.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and links to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate We earn from qualifying purchases.

© 2023 homechargingstations GbR | Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy | Imprint | Sitemap

Find out when — and how — to retire the way you want with the AARP retirement calculator.

AARP daily Crossword Puzzle

Hotels with AARP discounts

Life Insurance

AARP Dental Insurance Plans

AARP MEMBERSHIP 

AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

Get instant access to members-only products, hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

• right_container

Work & Jobs

Social Security

AARP en Español

• Membership & Benefits
• AARP Rewards
• AARP Rewards %{points}%

Conditions & Treatments

Drugs & Supplements

Health Care & Coverage

Health Benefits

Staying Fit

Your Personalized Guide to Fitness

Get Happier

Creating Social Connections

Brain Health Resources

Tools and Explainers on Brain Health

Your Health

8 Major Health Risks for People 50+

Scams & Fraud

Personal Finance

Money Benefits

View and Report Scams in Your Area

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

Free Tax Preparation Assistance

AARP Money Map

Get Your Finances Back on Track

How to Protect What You Collect

Small Business

Age Discrimination

Flexible Work

Freelance Jobs You Can Do From Home

AARP Skills Builder

Online Courses to Boost Your Career

31 Great Ways to Boost Your Career

ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Tips to Enhance Your Job Search

Get More out of Your Benefits

When to Start Taking Social Security

10 Top Social Security FAQs

Social Security Benefits Calculator

Medicare Made Easy

Original vs. Medicare Advantage

Enrollment Guide

Step-by-Step Tool for First-Timers

Prescription Drugs

9 Biggest Changes Under New Rx Law

Medicare FAQs

Quick Answers to Your Top Questions

Care at Home

Financial & Legal

Life Balance

LONG-TERM CARE

​Understanding Basics of LTC Insurance​

State Guides

Assistance and Services in Your Area

Prepare to Care Guides

How to Develop a Caregiving Plan

End of Life

How to Cope With Grief, Loss

Recently Played

Word & Trivia

Atari® & Retro

Members Only

Staying Sharp

Mobile Apps

More About Games

Right Again! Trivia

Right Again! Trivia – Sports

Atari® Video Games

Throwback Thursday Crossword

Travel Tips

Vacation Ideas

Destinations

Travel Benefits

Outdoor Vacation Ideas

Camping Vacations

Plan Ahead for Summer Travel

AARP National Park Guide

Discover Canyonlands National Park

History & Culture

8 Amazing American Pilgrimages

Entertainment & Style

Family & Relationships

Personal Tech

Home & Living

Celebrities

Beauty & Style

Movies for Grownups

Summer Movie Preview

Jon Bon Jovi’s Long Journey Back

Looking Back

50 World Changers Turning 50

Sex & Dating

Spice Up Your Love Life

Friends & Family

How to Host a Fabulous Dessert Party

Home Technology

Caregiver’s Guide to Smart Home Tech

Virtual Community Center

Join Free Tech Help Events

Create a Hygge Haven

Soups to Comfort Your Soul

AARP Solves 25 of Your Problems

Driver Safety

Maintenance & Safety

Trends & Technology

AARP Smart Guide

How to Clean Your Car

We Need To Talk

Assess Your Loved One's Driving Skills

AARP Smart Driver Course

Building Resilience in Difficult Times

Tips for Finding Your Calm

Weight Loss After 50 Challenge

Cautionary Tales of Today's Biggest Scams

7 Top Podcasts for Armchair Travelers

Jean Chatzky: ‘Closing the Savings Gap’

Quick Digest of Today's Top News

AARP Top Tips for Navigating Life

Get Moving With Our Workout Series

You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

Go to Series Main Page

4 EV-Friendly Road Trips for Summer

These byways offer ample charging stations to keep range anxiety at bay.

Gigi Ragland,

Road-tripping season is upon us. Every summer, the call of the open road beckons to millions of Americans. This is especially true for older adults. A recent  AARP report  found that 63 percent of travelers 50-plus are planning a road trip this year.

If you drive — or want to drive — an  electric vehicle (EV) , the good news is that roadways have become increasingly accommodating to EVs.

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

Since inception, EV drivers planning a road trip have been concerned about the number of available charging stations, also known as range anxiety. But the EV charging infrastructure is improving. Travel destinations such as hotels and restaurants are adding EV charging stations across the U.S. and the Department of Transportation plans to build nearly 500,000 charging stations by 2030. 

In addition to the increase in charging stations, improvements in battery technology have boosted EV range. For example, EVs could travel 73 miles per charge in 2011. Today, an EV gets about 270 miles per charge. 

This summer, EV drivers may want to consider taking a road trip on one of America’s Byways. Charging stations are available along  national scenic byways  and All-American Roads across the country. These routes thread through small town communities and  historic sites  and showcase the heritage and beauty of the land.

To keep any range anxiety in check, a number of smartphone apps can help you pinpoint charging stations, including PlugShare, ChargeFinder, ChargeHub and A Better Routeplanner.

Here are four EV-friendly scenic byways and places to stay where you can charge your car overnight.

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT

San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway, California

All-American Road (57 miles)

California leads the nation in the number of public EV charging stations, which makes road-tripping easy. You’ll find most EV charging stations spaced no more than 60 miles apart along the route.

Holland America Line

Up to $200 onboard credit on select cruises

Although the distance might seem short, you’ll want to spend several days taking in the uncrowded beaches, historic landmarks and scenic beauty along this portion of the Pacific Ocean. Stroll the easy coastal trails for  ocean views  at Estero Bluffs State Park. Look for sea otters on a kayak tour in Morro Bay. Spend an afternoon exploring the Hearst Castle in San Simeon and spot elephant seals at the viewing area 4.5 miles north of the castle. Take a docent-led tour of 19th-century historic Point San Luis Lighthouse. 

Stay:  The Sea Otter Inn in Cambria is near Hearst Castle and overlooks Moonstone Beach. Also consider Hotel Avisa in Morro Bay and Avila Lighthouse Suites in Avila Beach. 

The Natchez Trace Parkway, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi

National Scenic Byway (444 miles)

The Trace is a great byway for EV road trips for two main reasons: Many of the chargers are free, and some chargers are level 3 (the maximum speed). Also, you’ll find charging stations within the 20-plus communities along the route.

The centuries-old historic drive runs from the southern Appalachian foothills of Tennessee to the lower Mississippi River with plenty of gorgeous terrain and historic sites to see in between. View  Civil War  battlefields in each state. Visit Americana Music Triangle hot spots near Muscle Shoals, Alabama. See the traditional homelands of the Natchez, Choctaw and Chickasaw American Indian nations. You can see more than 350 archaeological sites and 22 burial and ceremonial mounds along the parkway. 

Stay:  Recharge in luxury at the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville. Also consider the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa in Florence, Alabama, and the Hilton Garden Inn Tupelo in Mississippi — the town where  Elvis Presley  was born. 

Stevens Pass Greenway, Washington

National Scenic Byway (90 miles) 

In 2011, Stevens Pass Greenway became the first EV-friendly scenic byway in the country. Charging stations are spaced along major destinations on the route near the coastal communities of  Puget Sound  and past the peak of Stevens Pass.

The Great Northern Railway route offers stunning views of the Cascade Mountains. It traces the rail line from ocean beaches, leads up and over one of the  Cascades’  highest mountain passes and then descends through central Washington orchards and into the valley where the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers meet. Peruse antiques in Snohomish. Hike the easy 2.8-mile trail (one way) in old growth forest to glimpse the 265-foot waterfall at Wallace Falls State Park. Experience railroad history with a stroll on the 3-mile Martin Trail, a segment of the Iron Goat Trail. The wide-packed, dirt-and-gravel loop passes by tunnels, wooden bridges and small creeks and offers interpretive signs that tell the rail story along the way. As you near the end of the byway at Wenatchee, you’ll see why it’s the self-proclaimed “Apple Capital of the World.”

Stay:  Stevens Pass Mountain Ski Resort allows you to charge at the highest point on the route while enjoying peak views. Also consider Hotel Indigo  Seattle  Everett Waterfront and the Obertal Inn in Leavenworth.

Top of the Rockies, Colorado

National Scenic Byway (115 miles)

The state of  Colorado  has a goal to electrify all of its 26 scenic byways. As of February 2024, there are 17 EV-friendly scenic byways, including the Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway. That means dual-port DC (direct current) fast chargers must be available every 100 miles of a route; if a route is less than 100 miles, a dual-port DC fast charger must be available within 15 miles of the start or end of the byway.

You can start the route in Aspen, drive toward the historic ghost town of Independence Pass and then head toward Leadville, a 19th-century silver mining town and National Historic Landmark District. It’s possible to drive this route in a day but this is high mountain driving where the route is surrounded by mountain peaks of up to 14,000 feet. You’ll cross the Continental Divide three times and zigzag up a few of the highest mountain passes in the nation. The byway is rich with silver mining lore and small towns. Walk around the remaining buildings and read interpretive signs to learn about the history. As you cross Tennessee Pass, consider a stop to see Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument. The rugged terrain of the area was the training ground for the 10th Mountain Division soldiers, the Army’s only mountain infantry division during World War II.

Stay:  Historic Hotel Jerome in Aspen opened during the silver boom of the 1880s. Also consider cabins or  camping  at Sugar Loafin’ Campground in Leadville and the boutique Hotel Minturn in the town of Minturn. (Note: The nearest charging station may be at Town Hall.)

Gigi Ragland is a Colorado–based travel and food writer whose work has appeared in  National Geographic Traveler, Hemispheres, Sierra, AFAR, American Cowgirl  and many other publications.  

Discover AARP Members Only Access

Already a Member? Login

MORE FROM AARP

7 Must-See Stops Along Florida's Route A1A

Great spots to sightsee, relax, and immerse yourself in nature and history along this picturesque road

Best Budget Tips for Your Next Road Trip

AARP Smart Guide to Cleaning Your Car

45 tips to properly clean your vehicle — inside and out — like a pro

Or Call: 1-800-675-4318

Enter a valid from location

Enter a valid to location

Enter a valid departing date

Enter a valid returning date

Age of children:

Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats:

+ Add Another Flight

Enter a valid destination location

Enter a valid checking in date

Enter a valid checking out date

Occupants of Room

Occupants of Room 1:

Occupants of Room 2:

Occupants of Room 3:

Occupants of Room 4:

Occupants of Room 5:

Occupants of Room 6:

Occupants of Room 7:

Occupants of Room 8:

Enter a valid date

You didn't specify child's age

There are children in room 1 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age for room 1

There are children in room 2 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age in room 2

There are children in room 3 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age in room 3

There are children in room 4 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age in room 4

There are children in room 5 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age in room 5

You have more than 6 people total

Please select a trip duration less than 28 days

There must be at least 1 traveler (age 12+) for each infant in a lap

Enter a valid From location

Enter a valid start date

Enter a valid drop location

Enter a valid drop off date

Select a valid to location

Select a month

Enter a valid going to location

Enter a valid from date

Enter a valid to date

AARP Value & Member Benefits

HX: Hurtigruten Expeditions

5% off cruise fares and a €100 per person onboard credit

AARP Vacation Ideas

Ideas for every type of trip – from cruises to road trips

AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia: Car Rentals

Up to 30% off select car rentals

AARP® Staying Sharp®

Activities, recipes, challenges and more with full access to AARP Staying Sharp®

SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS

DC Fast Charging: Know Before You Go in Your Electric Car

P lanning your first big roadtrip in your shiny, new electric car is easier than ever before. Modern EVs can go further between charges and can recharge their batteries more quickly than previous generations could. DC fast charging networks have also gotten faster, more reliable and more widespread. And there are better tools available to help drivers find those stations wherever they are.

But if you're new to electric cars, learning the ins and outs of DC fast charging can keep your great American road trip running smoothly and anxiety free. Here's what you need to know before you go.

What connector type does your vehicle use?

The first thing you'll want to know is what DC fast charging connector type your electric car uses. This will dictate, for the most part, what type of fast charging stations you'll have access to. For most non-Tesla EVs, you're most likely looking at a Combined Charging System, or CCS port that you can connect to networks like Electrify America (EA) or EVGo. Meanwhile, Tesla cars use their own North American Charging Standard (NACS) port that works with its Supercharger network.

Recently, Tesla has opened its charging standard and a portion of the Supercharging network to EVs outside of its brand. This led a wave of automakers (and even one electric motorcycle builder) to  announce compatibility via an adapter with many going as far as announcing plans to outright switch to Tesla's NACS port in their future EVs -- something to keep in mind over the next few years.

Additionally, there's a third DC fast charging standard to be aware of, ye olde ChaDeMo connection. Today, the chunky port is only found on the aging Nissan Leaf EV and, when that model is phased out over the next few years, ChaDeMo will leave with it.

How fast does your EV charge?

The next thing you'll want to suss out is the charging rate supported by your EV's onboard charger. Every electric car has a sort of electronic speed limit, measured in kilowatts, that dictates how quickly its battery pack can absorb energy from a DC fast charging station. This number isn't constant across the entire state of charge -- it's more of a charging curve that varies based on multiple factors -- but that's OK. All you really need to know is the theoretical maximum charging speed, which will dictate what stations will deliver an optimal charging experience close to what the automaker advertises. 

For example, in order to take advantage of the fastest 225 kW charging on the Porsche Taycan to zip from 10% to 80% in 21 minutes or the Kia EV6 's 233 kW 18-minute charge, you'll need to connect to a charging station that can reach their maximum speed. That means looking for a 350 kW EVGo or EA station. Charging at a 150 kW plug will add minutes to your charging time -- though, in practice not so much that I'd avoid them.

Most EVs on the market tend to hang out in the 120 to 150 kW sweet spot where most of the network chargers also happen to live. However, some older or cheaper EVs may charge more slowly. The Chevrolet Bolt -- the cheapest EV you can buy today -- has a maximum DC charging rate of around 55 kW, which is essentially the minimum to be considered "fast charging." Almost any station on the grid will saturate that 1 hour 10-80% speed, so there's no benefit to seeking a faster 350 kW plug.

How much to charge?

You'll notice that I'm giving 10-80% charging times rather than 0-100%. That's for two reasons. First, ideally you'll never find yourself coasting into a charging station with a totally flat battery. Also, as I mentioned, the charging rate for most EVs varies across the state of charge and, for most cars, charging outside of the 10-80% sweet spot is significantly slower. 

An EV that takes 30 minutes to charge to 80% may take up to an additional hour to reach 100%. That's why many automakers and most charging station operators recommend getting back on the road at 80% as the most efficient use of your time.

Where to charge?

Now that you know what connector your car uses and what charging speeds to look for, you have what you need to search for and filter DC fast charging stations along your route. This can sometimes be done with the software built into your electric car's dashboard, with the most advanced systems able to automatically plan and suggest routes based on your destination and driving habits and the best of them offering live info about the charger's status and availability. 

Tesla, for example, is able to offer a deep level of integration between its vehicles and Supercharger network, giving its drivers the confidence to just hit the road and trust the car and the network to coordinate to let them know when and where to charge. Mercedes-Benz also offers detailed live charger data, but the consistency of that data can vary across the multiple charging networks it supports.

Becoming familiar with your chosen charging network's mobile app (whether EA, EVGo, Blink or Tesla) is also a great way to find stations. Apps like PlugShare and A Better Route Planner, which I'll discuss later, can be helpful to aggregate station data for multiple charging networks, but you'll probably need each network's native apps regardless, to authenticate and start your charging session, and which should guarantee the most up to date info about charging rates, availability and cost.

How much will it cost?

The good news is that many new EVs include some sort of discounted or subsidized DC fast charging plan. So if you stay within the supported network, charging could be completely free . Ford, for example, offers 250 kilowatt-hours of free Electrify America charging sessions with its Mach E and Lightning, Kia offers 1,000 kWh, and Mercedes-Benz offers unlimited free 30-minute sessions for the first two years of ownership. 

But what about beyond the free trial or for EVs that don't qualify? In some states, charging networks charge by the kilowatt-hour; in others, laws require charging by the minute. Either way, rates can vary by region, network or even by time of day. EVGo, for example, has different prices for on-peak, off-peak and early bird periods. Additionally, some charging networks also charge a small fee at the beginning of each session and an idling fee if you leave your EV plugged in for an extended period post-charging (usually after around 10 minutes).

My home of California is a per-kWh state with Electrify America prices in my region averaging around $0.48/kWh -- quite a bit more than the state average of around $0.30 I get at home. Which means a 20-to-80% charge in our long-term Kia EV6 test car is around $26. 

Or at least, it was before I started taking advantage of EA's membership program. Some charging networks offer subscription services that, for a monthly fee, grant access to discounted charging rates. So, for $4 per month, the Electrify America Pass Plus program knocks the cost down to $0.36 per kWh or around $18 per 20-to-80% charge in the same Kia, paying for itself in just one session. EVGo has multiple membership tiers that eliminate session fees and unlock discounts and the ability to reserve a charger.

A Better Route Planner

If you're the kind of person who likes to plan before hitting the road, I also highly recommend checking out A Better Route Planner . 

Available either as a web or mobile app, ABRP allows users to input their vehicle type, state of charge, starting point and destination, returning a detailed route map complete with where and how long each charging stop should be. Users can customize how low their charge can go, how much range they'd like to arrive with and what charging networks they prefer. 

The basic functions of the service are free, but a paid premium subscription tier enables even more advanced route planning features and compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, bringing its excellent EV road trip planning to the dashboard. As a frequent long-hauler, I think the ease of use and peace of mind is well worth the 5 euro monthly or 50 euro annual cost (around $5.43 and $54.30 at time of publication) -- especially if you only sub for the months you'll be traveling.

Armed with what you need to know about DC fast charging, you should be ready to hit the road in your electric car. Check out our list of the best EVs you can buy today and our guide to maximizing your range for more info.

This was originally published on Roadshow.

Over 50 locations across Wisconsin selected for federally funded EV charging stations

First round of funding puts fast EV chargers in each region of the state

More than 50 locations across Wisconsin will host new federally funded high-speed electric vehicle stations.

Gov. Tony Evers announced Thursday the state Department of Transportation awarded $23.3 million out of more than $78 million in federal funding to support 53 fast charging projects. The number of charging stations at each site will vary.

Construction could begin this summer, with the goal of having most projects completed and operational in 2025.

Stay informed on the latest news

Sign up for WPR’s email newsletter.

The recipients in the first round of funding , selected from more than 260 applicants, include 24 Kwik Trip stores, Oneida Casino, Potawatomi Fire Side Market, several other gas station chains, hotels, box stores, restaurants and other businesses.

The sites are located along the state’s Alternative Fuel Corridor , a linkage of interstate highways, U.S. highways and a state highway that connects the eastern and western parts of Wisconsin. The locations selected in this first round of funding vary from suburban communities, like Wauwatosa, to rural communities like Rhinelander.

“We really wanted a Wisconsinite who lives in the southern third of Wisconsin or someone who lives up north to be able to travel the entire state with an electric vehicle and not have concerns about where they’re going to be able to travel,” said Kaleb Vander Wiele, transportation electrification project manager for the state DOT.

Officials said the chargers will support the more than 23,000 electric vehicles registered in the state, along with people visiting from out of state.

Ben Behlke, clean technology manager for RENEW Wisconsin, said the sites selected in this first round of funding will go a long way toward addressing the “range anxiety” many EV owners have. He said he was happy DOT’s site selection was “expansive across the state.”

He said many EV owners plan their trips around where they’ll be able to charge their vehicle, and the time it’ll take to charge. He said most of the publicly available chargers in Wisconsin are relatively slow and these 53 sites with fast charging will help address that.

“Having this infrastructure soon to be put in place, I think, really alleviate some of that stress for people where they can really make a better decision for themselves of if electric vehicles make sense,” he said. “I think this is just a really big step forward to EV adoption. It’s really going to make it a lot easier for people.”

A DOT spokesperson said in January that Wisconsin had 578 publicly accessible stations with 1,373 total ports, 90 of which have high-speed chargers. Using federal funds to expand that network required a state law change to prevent the government-funded stations from being regulated as utilities.

The state DOT said the new projects have an estimated total cost of $33.8 million, including $23.3 million in federal funds and $10.5 million in private funding. The federal program requires applicants provide at least a 20 percent match to the government dollars.

During the application process, DOT considered multiple factors when choosing which projects would receive funding. Some of the criteria included their potential for future development, parking availability and extended business hours to account for longer refueling times.

Vander Wiele said so many Kwik Trips were selected in the first round of funding because the company was “very cost efficient” in its estimates of the money needed to build charging stations at their locations. He said the company’s “substantial footprint across the state” also factored into its awards.

“One of the things we looked for, again, in our application process was placement in disadvantaged communities,” Vander Wiele said. “We looked for how those entities were going to engage communities in the process of developing these projects, and Kwik Trip was very strong in those portions of their applications as well.”

Kwik Trip spokesperson Ben Liebl said the company is excited to partner with the state DOT and is thankful to have been selected for the program.

“We are thrilled to bring EV charging to our guests,” he said in an email. 

Vander Wiele also said the charging stations planned for Oneida Casino in Green Bay and Potawatomi Fire Side Market in Crandon were the first tribal nations to receive funding through the federal program. The two projects will receive more than $800,000.

“We wanted to be able to effectively serve communities in that region of the state,” Vander Wiele said. “Tribal organizations have been an active part of our stakeholder engagement, understanding that they can be key partners in helping us serve some of those communities.”

Wisconsin will receive $78 million over five years from the federal government for expanding electric vehicle charging. The state Department of Transportation says it is evaluating opportunities to invest the remaining $55 million.

Behlke said the first round of funding touching each region in Wisconsin will help state leaders better plan for where they place additional chargers.

“We can look at the data and see which chargers are being used and which chargers aren’t, and where they’re more needed and where they’re not more needed,” he said. “I think that we’re gonna get to a point where we can be very strategic about where we put the funds.”

Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2024, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.

Related Stories

Wisconsin is closer to building out an ev charging network.

Wisconsin inches closer to high-speed EV charging stations

Bipartisan effort to unlock federal funds for EV charging stations moves forward

Wisconsin trails most of its neighbors on EV charging stations, requiring careful planning from travelers

GOP lawmakers circulate bills that would allow Wisconsin to access federal funds to build EV charging stations

5 tips to avoid getting stranded on an EV road trip this summer

With a little planning, you can pull off a summer road trip in an EV without stressing about battery range or finding a charger.

The summer road trip season is here, and — with some careful planning — drivers of electric vehicles don’t have to be left behind.

Road trips are one of the main obstacles for Americans considering buying an EV. Drivers worry about electric cars’ battery range and the stress of finding a charger, according to a Washington Post-University of Maryland poll .

“Road trips occupy so much space in the mind of a prospective EV purchaser because … people really don’t want to get stuck somewhere,” said Albert Gore, executive director of the Zero Emission Transportation Association, an industry group that promotes EVs. “The good news is, there’s a lot more charging out there than people generally realize.”

If you’re an EV driver planning a road trip this summer, Gore says it’ll probably be easier than you think — but he has some advice on how to make the trip go as smoothly as possible.

Plan your route around charging

Many EV models now come with built-in navigation systems that can help you find a charging station along the road on the fly. But for the most stress-free trip, it pays to plan your charging stops ahead of time.

While U.S. charging infrastructure has been growing steadily, the number of EVs on the road has been growing even faster. That means there’s more competition than ever for charging ports, so you won’t always be able to plug in at the first charging station you see.

There are plenty of apps that can help you find chargers along your planned route and keep you updated with real-time information about how many ports are available as you approach. You might try PlugShare, ChargePoint, EVgo or Google Maps .

It helps to build in a buffer and a backup plan, according to Gore. Don’t plan a charging stop at the absolute limit of your car’s range — have a Plan A that you can comfortably reach, and a Plan B farther down the road just in case the first charger is full or not working.

Make the most of charging stops

If you plan ahead, you can time your charging stops to line up with meals, bathroom breaks or scenic stops so that you’re not just waiting around while your battery fills up.

Gore says he’s taken electric vehicles on trips up and down Interstate 95, where there are often fast chargers at service plazas that can recharge most of his battery in less than half an hour. “I usually go in and get a bite to eat, use the restroom, grab a cup of coffee and by the time I come back to my car it’s been 20 minutes and I’m ready to get on the road,” he said.

That approach only works with direct current fast chargers, not level 1 or level 2 chargers that would take several hours to fill a battery.

There are also charging spots next to parks and hiking trails, including 140 chargers in and around U.S. national parks , meaning that you could take a break to stretch your legs or let your kids run around while your car charges.

Stay in hotels that have EV chargers

If you’re within 200 or 300 miles of the place you’ll be staying for the night, you may not have to stop to charge at all. Charging apps such as PlugShare and hotel booking websites including Expedia can help you find hotels with chargers, so you can just leave your car plugged in overnight and wake up to a full battery.

“That’s the best way to do it,” said Gore. “I get there in one shot, park, and when it’s time to go I have a full battery.”

Check the weather forecast

Extreme temperatures can seriously limit EV range. In cold weather, batteries lose their efficiency and drivers tend to crank up the heat, a combination that can cut range 41 percent in temperatures below 20 degrees, according to AAA. Hot weather can also limit range , although not as much, according to Kelley Blue Book. Both extremes can slow down charging.

Check the weather forecast before you leave to see if extreme temperatures might affect your trip. If it’s hot or cold out, you should “precondition” your battery before charging, a process that warms or cools the battery to its ideal temperature range and helps it charge faster and last longer. Depending on your car, you may be able to do this manually, or the car may take care of it automatically if you plug a charging station into the built-in navigation system.

Drive efficiently

You can eke out a few more miles of range by driving more efficiently. That doesn’t mean making major changes to the way you drive, according to Gore. It could be as simple as using cruise control to hold a steady speed, taking advantage of regenerative breaking, or putting your car in “eco mode,” which will stretch battery life by limiting acceleration and climate control.

“If you don’t need to absolutely torch anybody off the line at a stoplight, then eco mode will probably not be noticeable to you,” said Gore.