EV charging station reviews: Where tech meets travel adventure
EVs are becoming increasingly popular.People are opting EVs for long road trips too.Mainly because of their low operating cost and zero tailpipe emission.In this article we will see some real reviews and things to keep in mind when planning an EV adventure.
2000 km road trip in MG ZS EV
Route-This EV user has planned a 2000 km road trip from Pune, covering Surat, Udaipur, Ujjain and back to Pune.
preparations-EV Owner Using the 'PlugShare' app, identifying the fast charging stations in the route, check the location and availability on their respective apps by their service providers (Jio Pulse, Charge zone, etc), downloading and registering your details in the app.He also took precautions like he never charge beyond 90% on a fast charger, as the charging speeds drop drastically. Always consider a backup charger and a decent amount of range to drive to that charger while planning.
Reviews after the trip
The charging infrastructure and speed is getting better each year. Long drives are absolutely possible with EVs in 2024. The time spent for fast charging the car does not matter if you plan your stops well. There are multiple EV CPOs operating and hence multiple charging stations. There's at least one every 50 km and even more on popular routes. At the end he is concluding the review saying… Being an EV enthusiast, buying an EV has been one of my best decisions!
2000 km plus road trip in Tata Tiago EV
Route-Palakkad (via Kozhikode) - Madurai(via Palani) - Chettinad - Thanjavur - Trichy - Mahabalipuram - Kanchi - Bangalore (via Krishnagiri) -Back to Palakkad
Review after the trip
Tamil Nadu and Kerala have the best charging infrastructure.
Chargers were reliable and experienced power outage only once which were restored within minutes.
EV owner managed to achieve an average of 93Wh/km, factoring the average cost of electricity across all charging sessions, cost per km was 1.95 rupee.
Coastal road trip from kerala to Goa in Nexon EV
EV owner has done planning before this road trip like…updating with multiple EV apps that hosts different charging stations, identifying working charging stations along the route,make sure that your EV is fully charged before trip , pack the EV essentials like an extension cable, a chain and lock to secure my charger, an extra earthing rod (if the slow charging point doesn't have proper earthing)
Review after the trip
Overall trip cost very less compared to ICE vehicle .In Kerala, the place where EV adoption is very high when compared to other states.The problem is most cars charge after 85% and by 95% it's just slow charging.User also giving suggestion that charging companies should work out a system where EV users are incentivized to stop charging before 85%.
Autocut off at 85%.Higher tariffs should be applied when charging above 85% are a few measures charging companies can adopt.
Trip from Bengaluru airport to Madikeri, Coorg in Nexon EV prime
This is a self drive EV rental trip . Trip was from Bengaluru airport to Madikeri,Coorg in a Nexon EV prime.
Review after atrip
Very nice infrastructure on BLR-MYS highway.Overall it was a great experience and running cost for the entire trip was less compared to ICE vehicle.But was impressed with the charging infrastructure in a place like Madikeri!
Summing Up
few things to keep in mind when planning an EV adventure:
Charging infrastructure: Make sure to plan your route carefully so that you can find charging stations along the way. There are several apps and websites that can help you find EV charging stations
Range: Consider the range of your EV and make sure to factor in charging stops when planning your trip.
Online reviews:You can find reviews of specific charging stations on Google Maps and other online directories.
If you are considering taking an EV on an adventure, be sure to do your research and plan your trip carefully. With a little planning, you can have a great experience.
