EV Road Trip: A Journey of Challenges and Triumphs
Embarking on a 1,700-mile electric vehicle (EV) adventure from Omaha, NE to Portland, OR, a convoy of four EVs tackled a mix of terrain, weather, and technical challenges. This real-world test underscored the intricacies of planning and executing a long-distance journey in an EV.
Details of the Trip
🐶 Mission: Transporting Frodo the dog from Omaha to Portland
🚙 EV Fleet: Cadillac Escalade IQ, Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 9, and Lucid Gravity
🛣️ Distance: Approximately 1,700 miles through five western states
📍 Route Challenges: Included high-speed highways, mountain climbs, headwinds, and remote stretches
🔋 Charging Stops: Planned every 150 to 170 miles
⚡ Charging Networks: Utilized EVgo, Electrify America, Walmart, and Pilot Flying J travel centers
🌬️ Biggest Range Factor: Speed and headwinds significantly impacted projected arrival charge
🏔️ Mountain Lesson: Regenerative braking added range downhill, extra planning needed for climbs
✅ Outcome: Successfully completed the trip without any battery failures
Challenges on the Road
The convoy faced aerodynamic challenges as the route included states like Nebraska, Wyoming, and Idaho, where speed limits reached 80 mph. This high-speed travel, combined with strong headwinds, reduced the range of the vehicles. Charging stops were strategically planned every 150 to 170 miles, allowing drivers to manage battery levels effectively.
Unplanned Charging Hiccups
During a stop in Ogallala, Nebraska, the Cadillac Escalade IQ experienced charging issues, failing to charge above 60 kW at an Electrify America station. A change of cables revealed a cooling issue, and switching to a different connector allowed the vehicle to charge at 270 kW. The incident highlighted the importance of understanding and troubleshooting charging equipment.
Adapting to Mountainous Terrain
Adjustments in the charging plan were necessary due to the elevation changes encountered after Salt Lake City, Utah. Despite the regenerative braking benefits when descending into the Salt Lake Valley, climbing back into Idaho required an additional stop in Snowville, Utah, to ensure sufficient charge to reach the next scheduled stops.
Final Stretch to Portland
Despite planning a single stop for the final leg to Portland, strong winds necessitated an additional charging stop in Island City, Oregon. However, by maintaining a safe distance behind a large delivery truck using GM’s Super Cruise, the Escalade IQ managed to conserve energy, ultimately skipping the extra stop and arriving in Portland with a 10% state of charge remaining.
Insights for Future EV Road Trips
The journey demonstrated the importance of meticulous planning, flexibility, and the growing availability of charging infrastructure across the U.S. The team leveraged partnerships and charging credits, prioritizing stations that offered reliable service and amenities. For everyday drivers, the expanding network of nearly 18,000 DC fast-charging locations across North America makes long-distance EV travel increasingly feasible.
For further guidance on planning EV road trips, consider exploring these resources:
How to Plan the Perfect EV Road Trip – Read More ➜
Tips for Long-Distance EV Travel – Read More ➜
One Big EV Charging Barrier Is Starting to Fade – Read More ➜
Original Story at www.greencars.com