An electric vehicle (EV) owner recently shed light on a little-known problem that can impact road trips. Lee, known as the MacMaster, emphasized that while EVs are the future of transportation, they bring a unique set of challenges for longer journeys.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Lee discussed the extensive planning required when traveling with an electric car. The necessity to carefully map out charging stations, ensuring not to charge above 80% or drop below 10%, can be time-consuming. Lee pointed out, “It’s not what we’re being sold on television, is it?”
Lee, who owns a Porsche Taycan, expressed frustration with the disparity between the ideal marketed image of EVs and the reality of owning one. He believes that EVs are being “pushed down our throats,” despite the infrastructure not adequately supporting long-distance travel.
To demonstrate this issue, Lee embarked on a 600-mile journey from John O’Groats in Scotland to Lands’ End in Cornwall, competing against his friend in a diesel BMW. Throughout the trip, Lee encountered delays and struggled to find functional public charging stations. Even when he did find one, the charging process took significantly longer than a typical fuel stop for a petrol or diesel car.
Additionally, Lee estimated that he had spent over £100 extra on his EV compared to his friend’s diesel vehicle for the same journey. This financial burden, coupled with limited roadside charging options, highlights the importance of planning ahead to avoid running out of range while traveling.
Ultimately, Lee concluded that EVs are not the ultimate future of transportation but rather a stepping stone toward other fuel sources and transport modes.
FAQs
What are the main challenges of road trips with electric cars?
The main challenges of road trips with electric cars include extensive planning to identify charging stations, limitations on charging above 80% and dropping below 10%, and longer charging times compared to refueling petrol or diesel vehicles.
How does the infrastructure for EVs impact long-distance travel?
The infrastructure supporting EVs is often inadequate for seamless long-distance travel. Limited availability of functional public charging stations and the absence of roadside charging in many areas can present significant challenges for EV owners on road trips.
Is traveling with an EV more expensive than traditional vehicles?
In some cases, traveling with an EV can be more expensive than using a petrol or diesel vehicle. Lee estimated that he spent over £100 extra on his EV compared to a diesel car for the same journey, mainly due to longer charging times and limitations in the public charging network.
Are EVs the future of transportation?
While EVs are part of the future of transportation, Lee believes they are not the ultimate solution. He sees them as a stepping stone to other fuel sources and modes of transportation.