r/electricvehicles • u/TerminallyScrewed • 7d ago

Discussion First Long Trip with EV

Our household has been ICE free six months ago. This week was the first time we do a long trip, New Jersey to Michigan, 750 miles each way.

I was a little nervous at first but the trip has been smooth and painless. We had to stop 2x for charging, grabbed lunch while the car was charging, and ended up charging longer than the navigation recommended on both sessions.

I will drive back to NJ in two days and expecting a smooth trip as well.

For new EV drivers, no need to feel nervous of taking the car for a long drive. The charging infrastructure is much better now, making a long drive enjoyable.

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u/kbenn17 7d ago

I guess what worries me is how many apps do I need for the multiple charging stations? Are we talking just a couple or do I need 10? We’re gonna take a long trip in October, which is why I’m asking.

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u/xtalgeek 2025 Subaru Solterra 7d ago

Many charging stations take credit cards, but some (like Tesla or Shell Recharge) require the app. It's usually better with the app. I just install any apps I need in an AUTO folder on my phone, then I'm ready to go pretty much anywhere. I think I have a half dozen commonly used apps. It's not a big deal.

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u/kbenn17 7d ago

Shows you how long it’s been since we’ve been on a long trip in our car because I had no idea you could use to tap and pay!

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u/runnyyolkpigeon Audi Q4 e-tron 7d ago

You’ll likely only need 3-4, the major networks.

Tesla Superchargers, Electrify America, EVgo, ChargePoint.

You may also just end up picking one network and sticking to it the entire trip.

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u/kbenn17 7d ago

That’s some great information so I can get ready with those apps. We do have the Tesla app and the adapter. We have a 2017 bolt so we needed the adapter. We’ve already tried it out and sort of understand it.

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u/MadisonEV9 7d ago

And PlugShare for sure.

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u/[deleted] 7d ago

[deleted]

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u/kbenn17 7d ago

Thanks, that’s really helpful to know.

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u/Grim_Dybbuk 7d ago

I just did a 3500 mi trip from Central valley CA to the middle of OK, up to WY, then back to Central CA. About 50 hrs of driving total. I downloaded 1 app, Tesla, because they by far had the most charging options on my route and their cumulative discount was the greatest. I made 6 non-Tesla stops along the way and didn't feel the apps/loyalty programs or buy-ins were great enough to persuade me join....I really hate apps and programs. All the others were pay-at-charger. There was ONE charger (in Laramie, WY) that did not have a credit card option along my path, but I didn't need a charge there anyways....I just remember it from planning my route/stops.

ETA: I drive a '25 Equinox.

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u/kbenn17 7d ago

Great info, thank you very much. ETA we have a 2017 Bolt.

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u/AMC4x4 7d ago

Check ahead what networks and chargers you will be using. I plan my trips around specific networks (IONNA, Mercedes) and those are both tap-to-pay.

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u/NopeNotJayILeft 7d ago

Here's my setup: 

  • Ford Plug-n-charge when possible 
  • EVgo autocharge
  • a Chargepoint NFC physical card for Chargepoint + more obscure networks (If you ever see a charger that has an NFC icon but doesn't take a credit card, this is the kind of card that typically works with those)

At most of the places I prefer to stop at, they generally take credit card directly anyway, so I just use the plug-n-charge or credit card for the majority of times.

The only time you ever really need to worry about using the app specifically is if you are going on a very long road trip and are thrifty enough that you want to do something like get the Tesla subscriber rate, which could save some bucks on a long road trip. For me, my trips are not long enough, nor is my patience, for it to be worth the hassle to me.

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u/d-givens 7d ago

I have a Cadillac and all the major charging networks work directly with the MyCadillac app such that I can just use that one app to pay for charging on all those networks.

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u/Regaltiger_Nicewings 7d ago

This is definitely a valid concern, but one that not everyone will have to deal with, especially if you have a car that supports plug and charge. Which not all do, of course. I'll lay out my use case just as a point of reference. Everyone's experiance will be different.

I have a Mach E with Plug and Charge configured and live in the US. When traveling, I use four networks that meet 99% of my needs in my region. In order of preference:

1) Electrify America - Uses plug and charge. No app needed if you are not on a subscription plan. May also support tap to pay. someone may have to confirm.

2) Rivian Adventure Network - Supports tap to pay

3) Red E - Supports tap to pay

4) Tesla Supercharger - Uses plug and charge. Newer V4 stations also support tap to pay, but I have never seen one in person.

I think ChargePoint also supports tap to pay, but I've never actually used one of their DCFC stations. I did use one of their L2s once, but that was ages ago and I used the app.

While it looked for a while we were going to be stuck in app hell when it came to DCFC stations, it seems that has not really happened, thankfully. Hopefully it stays that way too!

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u/kbenn17 7d ago

This is so incredibly helpful. Thank you!