Unlock the Secrets: When to Charge Your EV This Thanksgiving for a Stress-Free Trip

As Thanksgiving approaches, many families are gearing up for holiday travel, and electric vehicle (EV) owners are no exception. This weekend could see up to 8.5 million hours spent at charging stations across the country, according to Paren, a firm that specializes in EV charging data. While the beauty of EV ownership is that you can typically recharge overnight at home, the reality during busy travel periods is that charging stations can become incredibly crowded, leading to long wait times and added stress.

So, how can you ensure your holiday travel is smooth and efficient? Understanding the best and worst times to charge your EV during this hectic period can significantly reduce your downtime at the charger, allowing you more opportunities to enjoy time with loved ones. Let’s dive deeper into these insights and tips for navigating Thanksgiving travel with an electric car.

The State of EV Charging This Thanksgiving

Historically, the public EV charging infrastructure has had its fair share of complaints. Many EV owners can attest to broken plugs or chargers that simply aren’t available when needed. However, recent projections show a much improved landscape, with 1,100 new public charging stations boasting four ports or more opening since last Thanksgiving. Charging networks are also focusing on reliability, with overall successful charge rates landing at about 85.5% across analyzed stations.

Despite the nearly 1.8 million public EV charging sessions expected, Paren asserts that America’s charging infrastructure is up to the challenge this Thanksgiving. The key to a more enjoyable journey lies in understanding peak charging times and making informed choices about where to stop.

Best and Worst Charging Times

According to Paren data, the best times to charge will be overnight, between midnight and 6 a.m. The lesser-known afternoon periods, particularly Thursday afternoon, can also offer a rare opportunity to charge efficiently, as most travelers are busy preparing or setting off their own trips. Unfortunately, if you find yourself at the charger between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., you may encounter considerable competition as fellow travelers make their pit stops.

It can help to plan your charging times around these peak hours. After all, arriving at a crowded station only to find all the plugs occupied can ruin a carefully laid travel itinerary.

Avoiding Charging Pitfalls

With the advent of non-Tesla vehicles accessing Tesla’s Supercharger network, EV drivers now have around 18,000 more plugs to consider. However, not all charging stations are created equal. Paren’s research found that charging stations at dealerships often have the lowest reliability. These stations typically suffer from outdated infrastructure, and their usage patterns don’t generate enough revenue for adequate maintenance.

The best stations tend to be along major corridors known for their reliability and higher occupancy. However, keep in mind that these locations may also see the most traffic during the holiday season. Consider scouting charging stations that are less frequented on your route, but proceed with caution: isolated stations can be a gamble.

Bonus EV Charging Tips

In addition to knowing when and where to charge, there are a few more critical tips that can help make your EV Thanksgiving road trip smooth and delightful:

• Charge to 100%: Before setting out for your road trip, ensure your vehicle is fully charged. If your charging habits typically cap at 80% for daily convenience, adjust that setting ahead of time.
• Precondition Your Cabin: Warm up your EV cabin while it's plugged in. This helps save battery life for your journey while ensuring a comfortable driving experience.
• Be Considerate: Many drivers are in the same situation as you, so only charge as long as necessary before moving on. Everyone will appreciate shorter wait times!

Final Thoughts

Charging your EV during Thanksgiving can be more than just a necessity; it can be a part of your journey’s enjoyment if approached thoughtfully. By planning your charging around non-peak hours, choosing reliable stations, and adopting best practices, you can minimize any inconveniences on your travels. As we move into the holiday season, all it takes is a little preparation and awareness of the landscape to ensure you have a wonderful time with your loved ones.

Wishing safe travels and a happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Luxury Car Deals!