You ever sit there thinking

“Can I really make it across the country in an EV”
“Will I spend more time charging than driving”
“Am I about to regret not just renting a petrol car”

I thought all those things too
Until I actually did it

So here’s the real guide on how to plan a cross country road trip in an electric car
Straightforward
No jargon
No silly optimism
Just what works

I’m Myriam
Makeup artist
Serial road tripper
And queen of finding chargers when the dash says 3 miles left

Why This Is Different From a Normal Road Trip

Because you actually have to think
✅ Charging takes planning
✅ Range matters
✅ Not every stop has a charger waiting for you

But it’s not hard — if you plan right
You’ll save money
See more
And still get there with time for a pint

How to Plan a Cross Country Road Trip in an Electric Car Step by Step

Step 1: Know Your Car’s Real Range

✅ Ignore the brochure number — that’s fantasy land
✅ Test your car at motorway speeds before you go
✅ Plan assuming about 80% of your max range — because hills weather and heat all drain it faster

Step 2: Get The Right Apps

✅ Download at least one or two good charging apps
✅ PlugShare
✅ Zap–Map
✅ A Better Routeplanner
✅ They show where chargers are, how fast, and if they’re working

Step 3: Map Your Route With Charging Stops

✅ Plan where you’ll stop to charge before you set off
✅ Aim for every 100–150 miles
✅ Always have a backup stop in case one’s busy or broken

I always look for stops with:
✔ Food
✔ Toilets
✔ Shade if it’s hot

Because you’re there for 20–40 minutes — might as well enjoy it

Step 4: Get Comfortable With Charging Times

✅ At home I don’t care if it takes hours
✅ On the road you want rapid chargers (DC fast chargers)
✅ Adds about 150–250 miles in 30–40 minutes depending on your car

Pro tip:
✅ If your battery is below 20% or above 80% — charging slows down
✅ So don’t wait until it’s at 1% to plug in

Step 5: Pack Smart

✅ Keep charging cables and adapters in the boot
✅ Bring snacks and water — some stops are just a lonely charger in a car park
✅ Have entertainment ready in case you need to sit longer than expected

My Own Road Trip Story

Drove from London to Edinburgh in my EV
Planned every stop
Hit traffic and missed one
But because I had a backup plan — no panic
Stopped at a random farm shop charger
Had the best scone of my life while charging
Arrived happy and smug that I didn’t spend a penny on petrol

Quick Tips To Make It Even Smoother

☑ Always start the trip fully charged
☑ Don’t just rely on one app — check more than one
☑ Avoid peak hours if you can — chargers get busy
☑ Carry a Type 2 cable even if you don’t think you’ll need it
☑ If you’re staying overnight — pick a hotel with chargers

FAQs About How to Plan a Cross Country Road Trip in an Electric Car

Is it really cheaper than petrol?

Usually — even public charging costs less overall.

How long does it actually take?

Add about 30–60 minutes to your normal trip per 300 miles for charging.

What if I can’t find a charger?

That’s why you plan backups — and worst case, many car companies offer roadside help.

Do I need a special account or card?

Sometimes — register with major networks ahead of time so you don’t get stuck.

Can I use a regular plug if needed?

In an emergency, yes — but painfully slow.

Final Word On How to Plan a Cross Country Road Trip in an Electric Car

If you follow this guide on how to plan a cross country road trip in an electric car
You’ll save money
You’ll actually enjoy the journey
And you won’t sit on the hard shoulder crying into a packet of crisps

Plan smart
Drive happy
And tell your petrol–driving mates it wasn’t even hard