The Shocking Costs of Road-Tripping in an Electric Car: A Chevy Bolt EV Owner’s 860-Mile Journey

For many electric vehicle (EV) owners, the idea of taking a road trip across long distances can be a daunting one. Despite the growing network of charging stations, range anxiety and the logistics of finding reliable, fast chargers still present challenges. Michael A. Johnson, a Chevy Bolt EV owner, recently shared his experience with the Chevy Bolt EV and EUV Owners Group on Facebook after completing an 860-mile road trip, and his journey revealed some surprising costs and frustrations that could reshape how we think about long-distance EV travel.

A Mostly Smooth Journey, But With a Price Tag

Michael's trip was largely uneventful in terms of the actual driving and charging experience. Thanks to a well-established network of electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) along his route, finding places to charge was not an issue. However, as he mentioned in his post, there was one key factor that took him by surprise: the cost of charging.

While charging stations were strategically placed, ensuring he had access to power whenever needed, the prices at some fast-charging stations were shockingly high. At one stop, the fast-charging session cost him $76, a price that left him reeling. With gas prices having a significant impact on traditional road-tripping, it’s understandable why many potential EV owners still hesitate to make the switch, especially when the cost of charging during long trips can rival—or even exceed—the cost of refueling a gasoline-powered vehicle.

Long Charging Waits and Frustrating Delays

Beyond the cost of charging, Michael also highlighted another common frustration among EV road-trippers: the long charging times. While many EV owners enjoy the convenience of charging at home, the reality of road-trip charging is different. Even at fast-charging stations, charging times were typically around 45 minutes, which can feel like a significant delay when you’re trying to cover long distances. Although these charging stops offer the opportunity to stretch, grab a snack, or use the restroom, they still add considerable time to a trip, making it challenging for drivers who are accustomed to the relatively quick refueling process of gas stations.

This waiting time also raises concerns for travelers who are trying to make the most of their time on the road. While many charging stations offer amenities like food and rest areas, these stops are often far from ideal when you're eager to continue your journey. For drivers used to the fast pace of road trips in gas-powered vehicles, the extra wait times at charging stations can quickly add up, turning a road trip that might take several hours into a much longer journey.

The Hotel Charging Dilemma

Another issue Michael brought up was the lack of overnight charging options at most hotels. While some hotels offer charging stations for electric vehicles, the majority do not provide this service. This means that during long road trips, EV drivers have to rely on public charging stations during the day, rather than being able to charge overnight at their accommodation.

The absence of charging infrastructure at hotels is a major gap in the convenience of EV road trips. It’s common for traditional vehicles to refuel overnight at a hotel, allowing drivers to begin their next day’s journey with a full tank. But for EV owners, the lack of charging options at hotels forces them to plan their trips around public charging stations, which may not always be conveniently located or have fast-charging capabilities. This adds another layer of complexity to EV road trips, making them less flexible compared to their gasoline-powered counterparts.

What This Means for the Future of EV Road Trips

Michael’s experience offers a snapshot of the current reality of EV road trips. While the infrastructure for EVs is improving, it still has significant shortcomings that can make long-distance travel difficult and expensive. As more people transition to electric vehicles, these challenges will need to be addressed to make EV road trips as convenient as traditional driving. The cost of fast charging, long wait times, and the lack of hotel charging options must be addressed if EVs are to become a mainstream solution for road travel.

For electric vehicle manufacturers, this feedback is important in shaping the future of EV design. Charging technology and the expansion of fast-charging infrastructure will need to evolve to reduce the cost of charging and make it more accessible. Additionally, partnerships with hotels and lodging chains to provide overnight charging could greatly improve the convenience of EV road trips, helping drivers to feel more confident in their ability to travel long distances without facing logistical headaches.

For now, EV owners who want to take road trips must remain prepared for the realities of higher charging costs, longer wait times, and limited charging availability, especially in more rural areas.

However, with continued investments in charging networks and advancements in technology, it’s likely that these challenges will lessen over time.

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