From skeptical to convinced – our electric road trip through New England

My wife and I were early adopters of electric vehicles, becoming the proud owners of one of the first Chevy Bolts available in Colorado in 2016. We enjoyed its smooth performance and eco-friendly credentials for six years. But our travels were mostly local, with a reliable gas-powered SUV doing the longer distances. So the prospect of a long-distance electric road trip felt a little daunting.

Fast forward to the past year, a move to Portland, the sale of the Bolt, and a trade-in of the SUV for a new electric car, our only vehicle. A looming wedding invitation in upstate New York caused both excitement and a hint of nervousness. Would our sleek new Hyundai Ioniq 6 be able to make the trip entirely on electric power? As it turned out, our concerns were unfounded.

When planning our route from Portland to Lake Placid (with a scenic detour through the heart of New Hampshire), we were pleasantly surprised: a wealth of charging stations. We no longer had to imagine ourselves stranded on the side of the road with a dead battery. From blazing-fast Level 3 chargers that could top up the battery in just 20 minutes to convenient Level 2 chargers that are ideal for overnight stays, the network was extensive. These charging stations, often strategically located near shopping malls or restaurants, became welcome rest stops. They provided a much-needed break to stretch our legs and grab a bite to eat, making the journey feel more like an adventure than a chore.

The financial benefits of driving electric on this trip were also eye-opening. While relaxing at our hotel in Lake Placid, we plugged our car into a Level 2 charger. The four-hour charge provided enough power for 100 miles of driving, and the cost? Just $1.96! Let’s put that in perspective. To travel the same distance in a typical gas-powered car that averages 25 miles per gallon, you’d need 4 gallons of gas. At the current national average of about $3.50 per gallon, that works out to a whopping $14. The math is pretty straightforward. Electric vehicles offer significant cost savings, making them an attractive option for travelers on a budget.

After a wedding in the Hudson Valley, the drive back to Portland was a breeze. We even made an impromptu stop at the iconic Dairy Bar on the UConn campus in Storrs, where we enjoyed their legendary ice cream. But that wasn’t all. Thanks to the readily available charging infrastructure, we were able to charge up again at a nearby outlet mall, where I managed to pick up a new sports jersey. The ease of charging throughout the trip gave us the courage to hit the road again, to visit a relative in southern Massachusetts without any route planning. The flexibility and spontaneity that electric vehicles offer has truly enhanced our travel experience.

There’s a lot of negativity surrounding electric vehicles, particularly regarding limited charging infrastructure and long wait times. However, our experience in New England paints a very different picture. Compared to our days in Colorado, where wide-open spaces often meant limited charging, New England’s concentrated population centers have a network of readily available charging stations. Don’t let outdated information or fear-mongering keep you from exploring the world of EVs. Our experience is just one example of how smooth and enjoyable electric road trips can be.

New England, with its charming cities and towns nestled close together, is practically tailor-made for electric vehicle exploration. Range anxiety, a common concern for EV novices, simply doesn’t have to be a factor in this region. Electric vehicles offer a fun and responsive driving experience, require minimal maintenance, and can be easily charged at home overnight. Most importantly, they allow us to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to a cleaner environment.

So if you’re still on the fence about going electric, consider this: For two-car households, an electric vehicle is a great option as a second car. It’s a great option for everyday errands and regional road trips, while offering significant cost savings and environmental benefits. Take our lead: explore the beauty of New England in an electric vehicle. You might be surprised at how smooth, enjoyable, and guilt-free the journey can be.

Copy the story link

” Previous

Next one ”