As electric vehicles continue to gain popularity, more and more drivers are opting to take long road trips in their EVs. But one major concern that many have is whether they will be able to find enough charging stations along the way. One couple, however, decided to take a gamble on their recent EV road trip and skip the traditional charging stations in favor of relying on their vehicle’s battery range.
John and Sarah Thompson, residents of Los Angeles, embarked on a road trip up the Pacific Coast Highway in their Tesla Model 3. The couple had meticulously planned their route, taking into account the range of their vehicle and the distance between charging stations. However, as they made their way up the coast, they realized that they were running low on battery power and were still several miles away from the nearest charging station.
Rather than panicking, the Thompsons made the bold decision to press on and see if they could make it to their next destination without stopping to charge. With the help of some careful driving techniques, such as coasting downhill and turning off the air conditioning, they were able to conserve enough energy to reach their destination.
“We were definitely nervous at first, but we knew that our car had the capability to go the distance,” Sarah said. “It was a bit of a gamble, but it paid off in the end.”
The Thompsons’ experience highlights the growing confidence that EV drivers have in their vehicles’ battery range. As technology continues to improve, EVs are able to travel longer distances on a single charge, making long road trips more feasible than ever before. And while traditional charging stations are still an important part of the EV infrastructure, some drivers are finding that they can rely on their vehicle’s range in certain situations.
But not everyone is willing to take that risk. Some drivers, like Greg Johnson of San Francisco, prefer to stick to the tried-and-true method of stopping at charging stations along the way.
“I just don’t have the nerve to skip the charging stations,” Johnson said. “I’d rather play it safe and make sure I have enough power to get to my next destination.”
Ultimately, the decision to skip the slots and gamble on battery range comes down to personal preference and comfort level. For the Thompsons, their successful road trip without stopping at a charging station was a testament to the capabilities of their EV and a thrilling adventure along the way. And as EV technology continues to advance, more drivers may find themselves willing to take that risk and trust in their vehicle’s battery range.
