How much does an electric car road trip cost?

Joint EVCD1 Double port EV car charger up to 48A can charge two EVs simultaneously

Electric vehicles (EVs) are attracting more and more attention because of their environmental and economic advantages. However, the cost of charging an EV on a road trip is a significant concern. As the demand for EV charging increases, a quality EV charging solution becomes critical in ensuring sustainable mobility. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the various factors that go into how much it costs to charge an EV on a road trip, including electricity rates, charging station costs, charging speeds, and the impact different types of chargers have on charging costs.

What are the types of electric vehicle chargers?

Different types of chargers have different impacts on charging costs. For the supply of chargers, specialized EV charger wholesalers play a key role in ensuring that high-quality and efficient chargers are available on the market.

Level 3, a DC fast charger, is a charging device designed for long journeys and rapid charging in public charging stations. It uses DC charging technology and is capable of charging electric vehicles in a short period.

As the key to fast charging solutions, DC fast charging stations can deliver tens to hundreds of watts of charging power, but they are also relatively expensive. AC charging ports (Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers) are cheaper but slower.

Today, EV charger distributors produce DC EV charging stations in various power levels to meet different charging needs. These EV chargers charge at different levels, so you need to consider how the type of charger affects the cost when planning your charge.

EV Charging Cost Formula. 

The calculation of the cost of EV charging involves the amount of charging, the tariff rate, and possible additional costs.

The formula for calculating the cost of EV charging is: the cost of charging (in dollars) is equal to the amount charged (kWh) multiplied by the electric rate ($/kWh), plus any additional costs.

This formula provides a basic framework for EV drivers to calculate approximate costs before charging.

How much does an electric car road trip cost?

The cost of charging an electric car is affected by several factors, not the least of which is the electricity rate. Electricity rates are usually billed per kilowatt hour (kWh) and vary from region to region. In addition to the cost of electricity, the price of a charging station may include additional costs such as usage fees, membership fees, or parking fees. In addition, the vehicle’s charging speed also directly impacts the charging cost, as fast charging stations usually charge more.

Take the BYD Han pure electric vehicle as an example:

BYD Han pure electric model is equipped with a battery with a capacity of 76.9kWh. Considering the short parking time during travel, high-power fast charging equipment is required, so we assume that the car owner chooses the JointEVD100 DC charger (the power of this charger can reach up to 180kw). This example assumes that the average charging station electricity rate ranges between $0.30 and $0.60 per kilowatt hour.

Next, we use the charging cost formula to calculate the actual charging cost. By substituting the battery capacity and the electricity rate into the formula, i.e., Cost of Charging = 76.9kWh x $0.45/kWh, we get a result of $34.605. Therefore, the cost of charging a BYD Han pure electric model at a public DC charging station using a JointEVD100 180KW DC charger is roughly US$34.61.

This calculation is an approximation, and the actual charging cost may also be affected by additional costs, such as charging station service fees or membership fees. Therefore, when planning the charging process, users should also look for possible additional fees at charging stations to estimate the cost of charging more accurately.

How do I calculate the cost of charging my EV for a road trip?

Firstly, you need to find out the electricity rates in your area. You can usually find them on the official website of the power company or a related platform. Then, determine the amount and frequency of charging by considering travel plans and charging needs. In addition to the cost of electricity, there are additional costs to consider, such as usage and parking fees. Using charging apps makes it easy to find the most economical EV charging stations to minimize charging costs.

Ways to save money while traveling

Trying to save money on an EV road trip requires some smart strategies. First, you can charge when electricity rates are lower, which can help reduce the cost per charge.

Some EV charging providers offer professional charging apps to serve EV users better. One can easily find nearby charging stations and view real-time cost information using charging apps. In addition, some charging network operators offer membership plans or discounts to provide users with more economical charging options.

Conclusion

By understanding and considering factors such as electricity rates, charging station costs, and charging speeds, and by adopting money-saving strategies, we can optimize the cost of charging to the maximum extent possible during road trips. Using the charging cost formula as a reference and considering it, we can better plan our travel budgets and enjoy more cost-effective EV travel. Some EV charger distributors have developed intelligent apps to make it easy for EV owners to find EV charging stations on the road and keep track of charging data.

Electric vehicles represent an environmentally friendly and sustainable future and open up new possibilities in travel. They focus on providing convenient and reliable charging services for the best charging experience.