I Let My EV Decide When to Charge, Then Stressed About Something Else

Last summer, while traveling to the East Coast in my electric vehicle, I constantly worried about finding charging stations along unfamiliar routes. This year, on a similar trip, I realized the power of trusting my EV’s charging decisions. Letting my car handle the route planning software reduced my range anxiety significantly.

Instead of relying on various apps and planning my own charging stops, I allowed the car’s intelligent software to map out our journey. Initially, I had concerns. What if my Hyundai Ioniq 5 led us to an empty lot with no charger in sight? However, the software demonstrated its reliability by guiding us efficiently across the 3,400-kilometre trek from Toronto to Nova Scotia and back. It did so with fewer stops than I anticipated, even managing the battery levels more boldly than I would have dared.

My experience underscores an important realization: range anxiety can diminish when you trust your EV’s route planning capabilities. This insight could broaden the appeal of electric vehicles if more people are aware of it.

Trusting EV Route Planning Software

Using the navigation software in my electric vehicle made the trip far less stressful. It identified fast-charging stations and planned our stops precisely. This method differed immensely from my previous attempts where I factored in a significant buffer to avoid running out of charge. The software’s accuracy and efficiency allowed us to maintain a much lower safety margin, operating confidently with just a 10% buffer.

Invisible Charging Infrastructure: A Barrier

Despite my positive experience, it became evident that many potential EV owners are unaware of the available charging options. This invisible charging infrastructure creates a barrier for those considering the switch from gas-powered vehicles. Road signs and increased visibility of charging networks could help ease these concerns.

For instance, on our trip, we relied on fast-chargers around three times a day. Thankfully, provinces like New Brunswick have expanded their networks substantially. Since 2023, New Brunswick Power Corp. has increased its chargers by 60%, funded by Ottawa’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program. They now boast 48 public chargers across 36 sites, facilitating worry-free travel.

Outstanding Charging Locations

One standout location recommended by our planning software was at the visitor information center in Sackville, N.B. This site featured three fast-charging ports that easily met the demand. While our car charged, we enjoyed local crafts and homemade treats without the noise and fumes typical of gas stations.

Another notable spot was the parking lot of the Amsterdam Inn & Suites near Potato World in Florenceville-Bristol, N.B. Equipped with three charging ports, it efficiently catered to EV drivers, enhancing the local business benefits as we shopped and snacked during the 30-minute charge.

Although it’s natural that gas vehicle drivers don’t look for charging stations, increased signage could inform potential EV buyers about the robust infrastructure that exists. Road signs like those for fuel and food services would make a significant difference in public perception and could encourage more people to consider electric vehicles.

While my route planning software is irreplaceable, greater awareness through road signage could bridge the knowledge gap and show EV skeptics what they’re missing.

Click Here For More Personal Finance tips and strategies.