EV Trip Planning Made Easy With Our 10 Practical Tips

Electric vehicles are becoming popular as a way to spend less money on refueling and maintenance. And they can be powerful thanks to instantaneous torque from the electric motors. We invite you to see our inventory of Hummer EVs and GMC Sierra EV pickups on our lot at Thompson Sales.

When you’re heading to grandma’s house or going on your next summer vacation, our EV trip planning guide makes it easier to prepare for a long drive in your electric vehicle. Keep reading to learn more.

Maintenance Check Before Road Tripping

EV trip planning begins with a maintenance check before you head out, just like any other long-distance excursion. Electric vehicles don’t need as much maintenance as gasoline-powered models. However, they should still get a once-over ahead of a road trip.

Our service center will look over these items as part of your EV trip planning:

• Overall EV battery health
• EV battery coolant level
• Brake fluid
• Windshield washer fluid
• 12-volt battery health
• Tire pressure and condition
• Brake pad wear

EV batteries have coolant to help them perform better when the temperatures get warm. An EV has an ordinary 12-volt battery to power electrical components like the AC and windows.

Brakes and tires are vital parts of any car, truck, or SUV. Because EVs are heavier than gasoline-powered models, our service technicians will keep a close eye on these parts during every visit to our repair bay.

Mapping Out a Route for EV Trip Planning

There are many route planners to choose from when determining the best way to travel with an EV. There are around 160,000 gas stations in the United States. Meanwhile, there are more than 71,000 electric vehicle charging stations in America. 

Mapping a route becomes vital because there are more than twice as many gas stations as EV charging stations. Take into account your EV’s estimated range and how many accessories you plan to use in the cabin. The more accessories you use, the faster your EV battery drains. This is because the larger battery pack recharges the 12-volt battery.

Another thing to consider is how long it takes to charge your EV. Stopping at a gas station can take 10 to 15 minutes. However, EV charging can take 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the charge level you use and how many miles of charge you want to add to the battery. So, make sure to factor in some extra time during your trip to account for longer charging times.

Consider using your in-vehicle GPS to plan your route. Chances are good that your infotainment screen is already pre-programmed to find the easiest and most efficient way to find public charging stations. Your vehicle should also alert you when you’re getting low on charge and adjust the route accordingly.

EV Charging Apps to Use During Your Journey

Yes, your in-car GPS is probably the best way to find the nearest charging station while planning your EV trip. But there are also some great apps to use on your smartphone.

EV Connect includes a vast network of charging stations in the United States. The five charging ports at Thompson Sales are part of this network. We have four 50 kW plugs and one 19 kW plug. Keep in mind that many public charging stations charge a fee. However, they are still cheaper compared to gasoline.

Google Maps lists charging stations, allowing you to plan a route that includes Level 2 and Level 3 chargers. Just request directions from one destination to another. Then, add a stop. Search for “EV charging stations” to view the stops between the start and end points.

PlugShare has an easy-to-use trip planner that provides route options based on the shortest and fastest routes with charging stations.

ChargePoint is great in that it can tell you what stations are currently in use when you need to find a place to recharge your EV. It’s also a convenient way to pay if you use a ChargePoint station. The route planner can find the best charging stations based on your vehicle, the charging level you want, and the plug type you have. This app only shows ChargePoint stations along the route.

EVgo is similar to ChargePoint in its functionality. It has a large network of public charging stations in the United States.

Stick to Major Highways for EV Trip Planning

As you might expect, most of the public charging stations are centered around urban areas. However, there are some along major routes in between cities, such as along interstate highways and U.S. highways. 

For example, you’ll see about a dozen charging stations between Springfield and St. Louis along I-44. When traveling along U.S. Highway 60 to the east, there is a lone DC Fast Charging station between Springfield and Poplar Bluff, located in Cabool (as of March 2025).

DC Fast Charging vs. Level 2 Charging at Public Stations

Another aspect of EV trip planning is which charging level to use on the road. Selecting your charge level depends on how much time you can spend charging and how much farther you need to travel.  

How Many Miles Does a DC Fast Charger Add in 30 Minutes?

A DC Fast charger (level 3) at 50kw, like four of the ports we have on the lot at Thompson Sales, adds about 75 miles of charge in 30 minutes.

What Are Typical Level 2 Charging Times?

A 19 kW Level 2 charger, like one of the charging ports at Thompson, can add 30 to 40 miles of charge in about 30 minutes. This depends on your EV’s battery.

Is Level 2 or Level 3 Charging Better for Your EV?

We recommend Level 2 charging when possible. That’s because Level 3 charging generates more heat. Heat is the enemy of EV batteries. It makes batteries less efficient over time, shortening their lifespan. However, we recognize that traveling long distances and trying to reach a destination by a certain time means charging your EV faster. 

Using Level 3 charging sparingly, like on long trips, is the best way to preserve your battery’s lifespan.

Take Care of Other Tasks When Charging in Public

Just like buying supplies at a convenience store when filling up a gas tank, you can do the same when charging your EV in public. What can you do in 30 minutes? Here is a list:

• Check reservations for lodging at your destination
• Plan the next EV charging stop on your route
• Walk around and take a stretch break
• Handle work tasks if you’re on a business trip, like responding to emails
• Call relatives to check in with them
• Listen to your favorite podcast or audiobook while you wait

What Shortens the Range of an EV?

Several factors can shorten the range of an EV. Some of these aspects you can control, while others you cannot. For the ones you can control, make sure to optimize your EV driving on every long trip.

1. Cold Weather – Low temperatures reduce battery efficiency and increase energy consumption for heating.
2. Hot Weather – High temperatures force the battery cooling system and air conditioning to work harder and drain power faster.
3. High Speeds – Driving at high speeds increases aerodynamic drag and energy consumption.
4. Aggressive Driving – Rapid acceleration and hard braking use more energy than smooth driving. 
5. Frequent Stops and Starts – Stop-and-go traffic leads to higher energy usage compared to steady highway driving.
6. Heavy Loads and Towing – Carrying extra passengers or cargo increases the vehicle’s weight, requiring more energy. Towing a trailer behind you also uses more electricity.
7. Roof Racks and Aerodynamic Drag – Roof-mounted cargo carriers or bike racks increase wind resistance, reducing efficiency.
8. Underinflated Tires – Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, making the motor work harder to move your vehicle forward.
9. Using Many Accessories at Once – Features like heated seats, defrosters, and infotainment systems consume additional battery power. If you use them all at once, your EV battery will drain faster.
10. Battery Degradation – Over time, the battery’s capacity decreases, reducing the vehicle’s total range.
11. Regenerative Braking Inefficiency – If the regenerative braking system isn’t used effectively, it will recover less energy.
12. Driving Uphill – Climbing steep inclines requires more power, draining the battery faster.
13. Strong Headwinds – Driving against strong winds increases resistance and energy consumption.
14. Inefficient Route Planning – Taking inefficient routes with frequent stops, hills, or rough terrain can waste energy.
15. Effects of DC Fast Charging – Frequent use of DC fast chargers can degrade battery health over time, reducing range.
16. Battery Preconditioning Issues – Not preconditioning the battery in extreme temperatures can reduce efficiency.
17. Old or Faulty Battery Management System (BMS) – A malfunctioning BMS can cause inefficient energy use. Having a factory-trained service center look over the battery system can help you keep the EV in top shape.
18. Use of Low-Quality Tires – Tires not designed for EVs can increase rolling resistance and reduce range. EVs weigh more than comparable gasoline-powered counterparts, so high-quality tires are a must.
19. Software or Firmware Issues – Bugs or outdated vehicle software may cause inefficiencies in power management. We highly recommend setting your car to automatically update firmware for the best results.
20. Parasitic Drain – Leaving the vehicle in standby mode for long periods can drain the battery due to background systems running, like an air conditioner running when you’re in a store.

How to Optimize EV Driving

There are several practical ways you can maximize the range of your EV while making the battery pack as efficient as possible:

1. Drive Smoothly – Avoid rapid acceleration and sudden braking to conserve energy.
2. Use Eco Mode – Activate your vehicle’s eco-driving mode to optimize power usage.
3. Coast When Possible – Let off the accelerator early to slow down instead of using the brakes aggressively.
4. Maximize Regenerative Braking – Adjust regen settings to recover more energy when slowing down.
5. Maintain a Moderate Speed – Driving at highway speeds (but not too fast) reduces aerodynamic drag.
6. Plan Efficient Routes – Avoid heavy traffic, unnecessary hills, and frequent stoplights to minimize energy waste.
7. Use Cruise Control – Helps maintain a consistent speed, reducing unnecessary acceleration.
8. Precondition the Cabin While Plugged In – Heat or cool the car while charging to avoid using battery power for climate control.
9. Precondition the Battery in Extreme Weather – If your EV supports it, warm or cool the battery before driving for better efficiency.
10. Limit Use of HVAC Systems – Use heated seats and steering wheels instead of blasting the heater. In summer, use ventilation instead of AC when possible.
11. Keep Tires Properly Inflated – Check tire pressure regularly and keep it at the recommended level to reduce rolling resistance.
12. Use Low Rolling Resistance Tires – Choose EV-specific or energy-efficient tires to improve range.
13. Reduce Vehicle Weight – Remove unnecessary cargo or accessories that add extra weight.
14. Minimize Aerodynamic Drag – Remove roof racks, bike carriers, or open windows at high speeds.
15. Charge Smartly – Maintain battery charge between 20% and 80% for longevity and efficiency.
16. Avoid Unnecessary Fast Charging – Use DC fast charging only when necessary, as frequent use can degrade the battery.
17. Park in a Garage or Shade – Reducing exposure to extreme temperatures helps maintain battery efficiency.
18. Limit Idling – EVs consume power even when stationary, so turn off unnecessary systems when parked.
19. Use Scheduled Charging – Some EVs allow charging to be timed when the battery is at an optimal temperature to improve efficiency.
20. Keep Software Updated – Regularly update your EV’s software to benefit from efficiency improvements and bug fixes.

What Is the Most Efficient Temperature for an EV Battery to Operate?

Just like humans dislike extremely cold and extremely hot weather, so does your EV battery. The most efficient temperature range for EV batteries to operate is between 68°F and 86°F, where they can deliver the best performance. The ideal temperature is around 70°F.

Most EVs have thermal management systems to maintain the optimal battery temperature. This is because EV batteries are high-tech but also very expensive components. You want your EV battery to last as long as possible.

Find Hotels With EV Charging Stations Nearby

When traveling and optimizing EV trip planning, look for hotels with EV charging stations nearby. As you might expect, national hotel chains are the most likely candidates for EV chargers. Campgrounds might also offer EV charging stations, especially if they have facilities for pop-up campers and RVs. You can easily find these items in the EV charging and route-planning apps we mentioned earlier.

EV Charging Station and EVs on the Thompson Lot

We invite you to stop by our lot on East Independence in Springfield to see our electric vehicles for sale. We also have five EV charging stations.Contact us or call (417) 763-6811 to schedule a test drive with our team. We’re happy to help in any way we can!