Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and for many electric vehicle (EV) owners, this holiday weekend will be one of the few times they need to visit a fast-charging station. The convenience of EVs lies in the fact that for daily use, owners can charge their vehicles at home and wake up to a full battery each day. However, during busy holiday weekends like Thanksgiving, when everyone is out on road trips to visit family, EV drivers flock to a limited number of charging stations, causing long lines and potential frustration.
According to Paren, a data firm specializing in EV charging data, drivers are projected to spend a collective 8.5 million hours charging at fast-charging stations during Thanksgiving week. The firm estimates 1.8 million public EV charging sessions during this holiday period. To make your EV road trip smoother, it’s essential to follow some best practices recommended by Paren’s experts.
Public EV charging infrastructure has historically faced challenges, with broken or unavailable plugs being common issues. However, there have been improvements in the charging network, with 1,100 new public charging stations with four or more ports coming online since last Thanksgiving. Charging networks like Electrify America are also focusing on upgrading old sites and improving reliability, with a success rate of 85.5% at travel-oriented stations.
When it comes to the best times to charge your EV during Thanksgiving, Paren’s data suggests that overnight charging, from midnight to 6 a.m., will have the least competition. Afternoons, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., are considered the worst times to charge. However, Thursday afternoon may be an exception and could be one of the best times to charge before heading back home.
For EV drivers hitting the road this Thanksgiving, it’s essential to choose the right charging stations. Many non-Tesla EV drivers now have access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, providing more options for charging. Charging stations along major corridors are recommended for their reliability, while stations in more remote locations may be less reliable. It’s also advisable to avoid fast chargers at car dealerships, as they tend to have lower reliability scores.
Some bonus tips for EV owners include charging your vehicle to 100% before your trip, preconditioning your car’s cabin while it’s plugged in to conserve range, and being respectful of other EV drivers by minimizing your charging time. By following these tips and best practices, EV owners can make their Thanksgiving road trip more efficient and enjoyable.