Owning an EV is exciting, but when it comes to long road trips, one of the biggest concerns is finding the right chargers along the way. Unlike petrol stations, EV chargers are still limited in many regions, so proper planning makes the difference between a smooth journey and range anxiety.
In this blog, I’ll share practical tips to find chargers, plan charging stops, and make your EV road trips stress-free.
1. Use EV Charging Apps and Maps
The first step is to use apps that show real-time charging stations along your route. Some popular apps in India are:
- PlugShare – a global EV charging map with user reviews (best for planning).
- Tata Power EZ Charge – shows chargers with availability and booking options.
- ChargeZone, Statiq, Jio-bp pulse – fast-growing networks in India.
- Google Maps – also lists EV chargers if you search for “EV charging station”.
- Tata iRA App – exclusive for Tata EV users, shows live charger status and availability.
👉 Tip: Always check whether the charger is fast (DC) or slow (AC) before planning your stop.
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2. Calculate Your Real-World Range
One of the best ways to plan your charging stops is to calculate your real driving range on the go. Here’s how:
- Let’s say your car is showing an average consumption of 120 Wh/km.
- Your EV’s battery size is 46 kWh (which is 46,000 Wh).
- Divide battery size by consumption: 46,000 ÷ 120 = 383 km.
👉 This means that based on your driving style today, your car can run ~380 km before empty. Plan your next charger according to this number instead of just trusting the display.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculation is only to make things simple. Actual range depends on road conditions, driving style, AC usage, traffic, and especially terrain (like hills). Always keep a safety buffer.
3. Plan Your Route Around Charger Locations
Instead of just entering the destination in Google Maps, plan your journey based on where chargers are available. For example:
- Look at the distance between chargers.
- Avoid routes with long stretches and no chargers.
- Prefer highways where fast charging stations are available.
👉 Example: If your EV range is 350 km, plan stops every 260–280 km to be safe.
4. Check Compatibility and Charging Speed
Not every charger is suitable for every EV. Before starting:
- Check your car’s charging port type (CCS2, Type 2, etc.).
- Confirm the charger’s output power matches your car’s maximum charging capacity.
- Prefer DC fast chargers for road trips to save time.
5. Have a Backup Charging Plan
Sometimes, chargers may be occupied, out of service, or offline. Always:
- Save at least 2 alternate charging stations on your route.
- Some apps also allow you to pre-book a charger. You can check your reaching time on Google Maps, book the charger for that slot, and once you arrive you get a 15-minute window to plug in your car. However, currently only a few chargers in India provide this facility.
- Carry your portable charger + extension board in case you need to charge at a hotel, dhaba, or someone’s home.
6. Optimize Charging Time
Instead of charging 100%, charge till 90% at fast chargers. This saves time because the last 20% is usually the slowest.
👉 Adding that extra 10% (from 80% to 90%) gives you more confidence, as it still charges faster than the last 10%.
7. Extra Tips from Experience
- Start your trip with 100% charge.
- Charge whenever you stop for meals or breaks.
- In remote areas, always keep in mind that there may be power supply issues, so plan your charging stops accordingly and keep a backup option ready.
- In remote areas, call the charger operator before reaching.
- Keep payment apps ready (PayTM, Tata EZ wallet, etc.).
Final Thoughts
With the right planning, EV road trips can be just as convenient as petrol/diesel ones—and a lot more eco-friendly. The key is planning chargers in advance, using reliable apps, calculating your real-world range, and keeping a backup option.
Once you get used to this habit, range anxiety disappears, and every EV trip becomes an adventure!
You can also watch this video for a practical understanding of EV charging during road trips.
