Electric vehicle (EV) owners know that planning an EV road trip involves more than just driving range; charging plays a crucial role in the journey. Unlike filling up a gas vehicle, charging an EV can be more complex in terms of time and planning. Fast charging EVs require strategic route planning to ensure they are connected to chargers at the ideal state of charge to achieve the fastest charging speeds. While some automakers like Tesla provide advanced in-vehicle route planners, others are working to catch up and improve their route-planning interfaces.
## Importance of EV Route Planning
EV owners understand that efficient charging is essential for long road trips.
Charging an EV requires strategic planning to achieve the fastest charging speeds.
Automakers are improving their route-planning interfaces to provide better charging options.
Tesla was one of the first automakers to offer smart route planning over a decade ago with the Model S, revolutionizing EV road trip planning. Other automakers like Ford and VW have followed suit by enhancing their route-planning interfaces. However, not all automakers provide the tools necessary for EV owners to maximize their range and charging options. Independent route-planning apps like Chargeway, A Better Route Planner (ABRP), PlugShare, Apple Maps, and Google Maps offer alternative solutions for EV owners looking to plan efficient road trips.
## Chargeway: Simplifying Route Planning
Chargeway offers a color-coded visual language for finding the right charge connector for specific EVs.
The app provides route-planning functionality based on charger information to minimize charging time.
Chargeway also offers a premium tier with connected-EV features for real-time state-of-charge info and charging control.
Chargeway provides a user-friendly interface that caters to multiple EVs, allowing owners to plan customized trips efficiently. The premium tier offers additional features like real-time pricing, activation, and payment for charging, making it a comprehensive app for EV owners.
## A Better Route Planner: Optimizing EV Routes
ABRP offers basic EV route planning for free, incorporating the best charging options along the way.
A premium membership allows users to utilize ABRP with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, juggle multiple vehicles, and integrate weather and traffic conditions into the planning process.
ABRP has gained a loyal following among EV drivers seeking efficient route planning options. The app’s premium membership offers additional features like vehicle telematics connection and real-time charging progress, enhancing the user experience.
## PlugShare: Finding Charging Stations
PlugShare provides a map-interface-driven charging finder for EV drivers, allowing them to locate charging stations and filter them based on connector type or power needs.
The app offers route planning functionality along with crowdsourced ratings, user reviews, and payment options.
PlugShare remains network-agnostic, offering a user-friendly interface for EV owners to plan their road trips effectively. With compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, PlugShare is a convenient option for finding charging stations on the go.
## Apple Maps and Google Maps: Native Navigation Options
Apple Maps and Google Maps offer EV route planning options when used with Apple CarPlay or Android devices.
Both apps provide route-planning guidance based on the anticipated range of the vehicle, helping EV owners navigate efficiently.
Google Maps has improved its interface over the years, offering dynamic EV routing and differentiating charging stations by power level.
Apple Maps and Google Maps provide native navigation options for EV owners, helping them plan their road trips based on their vehicle’s range and charging needs. With continuous improvements in their interfaces, both apps offer reliable route-planning solutions for EV drivers.
In conclusion, efficient EV route planning plays a key role in maximizing the driving range and charging experience for EV owners. While automaker apps are improving, independent route-planning apps offer additional solutions for planning efficient road trips. By utilizing apps like Chargeway, ABRP, PlugShare, Apple Maps, and Google Maps, EV owners can streamline their route planning process and ensure a smooth journey with minimal charging stops.