EV Charging

For most EV drivers in the US, EV charging couldn't be more convenient. One can plug into a regular 110V 20A electric outlet to charge an EV overnight when the vehicle is  not used and the electricity rate is the lowest.

The challenge may arise for long speedy road trips. However, for casual slow pace road trips, EVs are superior to  ICEs.

If one travels less than 500 km a day with an EV, he needs to charge the EV probably only once with a level III charger during the day. Level 3 charging rates usually is much higher than level 2 charging rates. Level 3 charging usually costs about $0.5/kwh and it can be as high as $1.5/kwh. Level 2 charging usually costs $0.2 to $0.3/kwh and there many free level 2 stations with free charging. Level 2 charging stations often occupy the prime locations of a parking lot or garage in prime locations of cities, so an EV driver can park his car at the best spot to charge his EV while touring a city. For example, Ohio Statehouse parking garage in Columbus, St Louis City Hall parking lot, Minneapolis Zoo parking lot all are in great locations and all have their level 2 EV chargers at the prime spots.

Many lodging places have level 2 charging stations. If you bring your charging kit, a campground with RV hookups are the best. You can uses its 380V outlets to have level 2 charging overnight. 

A leisurely road trip with an EV looks like this:

You start out in the morning with the EV fully charged. 

You stop at a major attraction site and park your EV at a prime location with a level 2 charger, and then have a walking tour of the place while your EV is charged. You can repeat this at multiple locations.

Find a lodging place with level 2 charging stations or a campground with RV hookups, stay there overnight while your EV is charged.

Start another day with the EV fully charged.