Summary
- Thanksgiving is a busy time for EV charging, with drivers projected to spend 8.5 million hours charging on road trips
- During Thanksgiving, EV drivers swarm a limited number of charging stations, leading to long waits and frustrations
- Public EV charging infrastructure has improved slightly with 1,100 new charging stations since last Thanksgiving
- The best times to charge an EV are overnight, from midnight to 6 a.m., while afternoons are the worst
- Non-Tesla EV drivers now have access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, providing additional charging options
Article
The Importance of Thanksgiving for EV Charging
Thanksgiving is a crucial time for EV charging, with drivers projected to spend 8.5 million hours charging on road trips during the holiday weekend. The worst times to charge are between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., highlighting the need for strategic planning to avoid long lines and delays. For many EV owners, Thanksgiving may be one of the few times a year they rely on fast-charging stations, making it essential to optimize charging times.
The State of EV Charging Infrastructure
Historically, public EV charging infrastructure has faced challenges such as broken or unavailable plugs, limiting access for EV owners. However, with the addition of 1,100 new public charging stations with four or more ports since last Thanksgiving, the charging landscape is showing improvement. Charging networks are focusing on reliability, with the overall success rate of charging stations reaching 85.5%, making holiday travel more manageable for EV drivers.
Best Times to Charge Your EV
To minimize competition at charging stations, overnight charging between midnight and 6 a.m. is recommended, while afternoons, with the exception of Thursday afternoons, tend to be the busiest times. Leveraging Tesla Superchargers can provide additional options for non-Tesla EV drivers, with 91% of Tesla deployments accommodating non-Tesla vehicles. It is advised to avoid unreliable charging stations at car dealerships and opt for more frequented locations along major corridors.
Choosing the Right EV Charging Locations
Selecting the right EV charging stations can significantly impact the smoothness of your holiday road trip. Avoiding underutilized stations in remote areas and opting for well-maintained stations along popular routes can help ensure a successful charging experience. Charging to 100% before departure, preconditioning the cabin while plugged in, and practicing courteous charging etiquette by limiting charging time are additional tips to optimize your EV charging routine.
EV Charging Recommendations for Thanksgiving Travel
To ensure a stress-free Thanksgiving road trip in your EV, consider the recommendations provided by EV charging experts at Paren. By utilizing fast-charging stations strategically, avoiding unreliable locations, and planning your charging sessions during off-peak hours, you can enhance your EV charging experience during the holiday weekend. With the growing focus on improving public EV charging infrastructure, EV owners can expect a smoother and more efficient charging process.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving presents a unique challenge for EV owners who rely on public charging stations during holiday travel. By following expert recommendations on the best times to charge, choosing reliable charging locations, and optimizing your EV charging routine, you can navigate the holiday weekend with ease. With improvements in EV charging infrastructure and a growing network of accessible charging stations, EV owners can look forward to a seamless Thanksgiving road trip in their electric vehicles.
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