Do you plan routes based on chargers, views or other factors?

[electruck4x4]

When we first got our R1T, every trip was inadvertently mapped around Electrify America stations. (We all know how that goes…)

We got creative pretty quickly and started integrating RV parks and campsites into our route so we could spend less time on the highway and more time in places we actually want to be.

What’s your approach to planning your road trips? Has it changed at all since first getting your truck?

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[Dark-Fx]

We plan around what might be needed at the time. As fast as possible, grocery stops, or restaurant stops.

 

[Osyras]

I think the strategy changes based on the destination. If you are going somewhere that has a lot of chargers, then we go based on what we want to do. If we go to an area that does not, then you plan around the charger locations.

 

[beatle]

Most of the time I have destination charging arranged at a family member's house, so I only need DCFC. I prefer locations that have a nicer gas station like Sheetz, or those that have a fast casual or fast food restaurant that's open when I'll be charging. Some places have almost no amenities, or have some that are only open during business hours (malls, hotels) and I avoid those if I can.

If I'm not staying with family and a place has destination charging, I won't bank on it being available, but will use it for a free/convenient top up. I'll always have a DCFC stop as a backup plan.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

On the road, I'm trying to get to my destination as fast as possible, so charging is mapped around what will accomplish that goal. Once I get there it doesn't matter.

 

[Effopec]

My first EV road trip was over 6 years ago when chargers weren't nearly as prevalent here in the flyover states. At that time I planned my route on a spreadsheet, wrote down every charger, distance between them and amenities, especially restaurants. That worked so well my wife still wants me to do that for every trip. It gets harder now with the number of chargers, but I still like to know whether there is a good place to eat within easy walking distance while charging. I don't plan it with as much detail now, but I still look at ABRP, Plugshare or similar to get an idea of where we will be looking to charge and what the options will be in the area, or if Plugshare says that a certain charger should be avoided.

 

[kurtlikevonnegut]

I plan my trips around Buccees

 

[zefram47]

Sadly, due to time constraints most of the time I'm a get to the destination the most efficient way possible kinda person. Whatever chargers allow that the quickest is what I do. I still haven't managed to get off the beaten path and see the sights while dealing with charging, mainly because charging still takes long enough I want to find a bathroom and food at most stops to increase the time-efficiency of the required stop, made even worse while towing. For someone seeing the journey as important as the destination, I could see changing the route plan a bit...but that's not me.

 

[VandalSibs]

Input destination. Drive there, charge when I need to.

Maybe it's because I'm lucky to be in a state with decent charger coverage, but I can even ignore some of the charger stops the nav chooses for one that is further away.

 

[azbill]

Best view is the red rocks of Sedona.

 

[Anna Kelly]

I agree that it depends on the state you're in. California - no planning necessary, just enjoy the views, because there's a charging station about every 5 ft. Wyoming, not so. Charging stations are few and far between, with long stretches of nothingness. The state actively DIScourages EV's by making it illegal for charging companies to make a profit. Plan around charging availability. Maybe someday they'll realize how much tourist profit they're missing out on.

 

[Newtonrj]

Charge planning is often destination dependent. Meaning, the spouse doesn't like charging stops at all. So, the destination needs to have close-by destination charging where dropping her off to do something else is included for the quick side hustle to the nearest charger and back before being missed.

 

[JamuJoe]

When we first got our R1T, every trip was mapped around Electrify America stations (we all know how that goes…).

Pretty quickly, we started integrating RV parks and campsites into our route, spending less time on the highway and more time where we actually wanted to be.

What’s your approach to road trip planning?

We take long trips. I use inRoute app for planning, then the Rivian Nav for charging locations on the go. We plan for destinations, typically National Parks or events, take the ‘blue highway’ scenic routes, and find charging where needed, Plugshare photos are useful for scouting trailer accessible locations. When towing our travel trailer, campgrounds are great for convenience. Actually, EA has been pretty reliable, though not often trailer friendly in busy Walmart lots. I see charger availability increasing with every trip.

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