In most U.S. zip codes, electric vehicles are cost-competitive with their gas-powered counterparts, according to a new study. And regarding emissions benefits of EVs, individual driving patterns matter as much as regional factors like the local electricity mix.
Yeah, I also really enjoy planning around the wait time.
On another trip, we stopped somewhere for a charge on a level 2, cuz I’m not a huge fan of fast charge prices if I can avoid them (plus not great for the battery, by my understanding) and I’m never really in a hurry to get places. So instead of rush rush to get back on the road, we walked 20 min to a nice lakeside bar and grill, sat outside on the deck, and took an hour or so for lunch. Then another 20 min back to the car for about 2 hours worth of charge (40 or so additional miles for $2, not a ton, but enough to get where we were going so we could drop it longer at another level 2 charger).
I actively enjoy how it slows your travel down to a more relaxing pace. Between needing to drive slower to increase range, and needing to wait for a charge, it really encourages experiencing the trip. It encourages getting out to stretch your legs. It encourages time to sit and enjoy food, and have a conversation. It encourages stopping in small towns because “hey this town has a free/cheap charger! Let’s see if theres any good food!”
I’m in a part of the midwest that doesn’t have a whole lot of EV infrastructure, so I go out of my way for stuff more. I’d prefer we had more chargers, but I’m totally fine with getting a bit off the standard path, taking back roads to small towns, and avoiding highways entirely. Its good for exploration!
Yeah, I also really enjoy planning around the wait time.
On another trip, we stopped somewhere for a charge on a level 2, cuz I’m not a huge fan of fast charge prices if I can avoid them (plus not great for the battery, by my understanding) and I’m never really in a hurry to get places. So instead of rush rush to get back on the road, we walked 20 min to a nice lakeside bar and grill, sat outside on the deck, and took an hour or so for lunch. Then another 20 min back to the car for about 2 hours worth of charge (40 or so additional miles for $2, not a ton, but enough to get where we were going so we could drop it longer at another level 2 charger).
I actively enjoy how it slows your travel down to a more relaxing pace. Between needing to drive slower to increase range, and needing to wait for a charge, it really encourages experiencing the trip. It encourages getting out to stretch your legs. It encourages time to sit and enjoy food, and have a conversation. It encourages stopping in small towns because “hey this town has a free/cheap charger! Let’s see if theres any good food!”
I’m in a part of the midwest that doesn’t have a whole lot of EV infrastructure, so I go out of my way for stuff more. I’d prefer we had more chargers, but I’m totally fine with getting a bit off the standard path, taking back roads to small towns, and avoiding highways entirely. Its good for exploration!