Whatever you do, don’t just roll up to a crowded DC fast charger hoping for a free spot. You know what’s worse than a broken charger? Plenty of working ones being hogged by cars charging to 100%, stretching out wait times for everyone else. Especially on those scenic mountain drives where chargers are few and far between, waiting in line can turn an otherwise smooth trip into a frustrating stop-and-go exercise.
In my years driving electric vehicles through the Rockies, Sierras, and Appalachians, I’ve come to appreciate the value of meticulous planning—not just between charges but before you even hit the road. Today, I’ll walk you through practical strategies to avoid those painful charger queues, making your journey smoother and safer.
Why Charger Wait Times Happen (And What Makes Them Worse)
If you’re new to EVs, you might assume that finding a charging station is as simple as pulling up to any public charger anytime. Reality check: Charger occupancy and wait times aren’t random. Here’s what you’re up against:
- Limited fast charging infrastructure at popular mountain spots: Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint have done wonders expanding networks, yet in mountain towns and along passes, chargers remain scarce and highly utilized. Charging to 100% means longer sessions and longer lines: Charging slows down significantly after 80%, so some drivers hog the charger way longer than necessary. Peak charging times overlap with peak travel hours: Weekends and holidays mean crowds—often between 10am and 4pm—leading to charger bottlenecks. Not setting up charging accounts beforehand: Some chargers require an app or RFID card. Fumbling with sign-ups at the station wastes time others could use.
Ever notice how the range meter lies? Cold temps and high altitudes—common in mountain drives—can reduce your battery’s effective range by 10-30%. That unexpected range drop sometimes forces unplanned charging stops at busy stations, escalating wait times.
Pre-Trip Planning: Your Best Defense Against Charger Lines
So, what’s the actual plan? If you want to avoid spinning your wheels waiting, start planning. It’s part of the prep, just like making sure you have an extra tire inflator or a warm jacket in the car. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
This tool is a game-changer. Enter your vehicle model, starting point, and destination. It factors elevation changes and temperature estimates, showing realistic range expectations. It’ll highlight recommended charging stops and suggest charging time per stop, optimizing for your parameters.
Cross-check with PlugSharePlugShare isn’t just about where stations are—it includes live and recent charger status and user reviews. You can see if a charger has frequent downtime, is often overcrowded, or has limited parking spots. This intel helps you avoid notorious bottlenecks.
Identify Alternative ChargersDon’t put all your eggs in one basket. Know where nearby secondary chargers are, even if they’re Level 2. ChargePoint, Electrify America, and EVgo each have apps showing their specific stations’ status and payment options.
Pick the Best Time to Charge EVThe early bird gets the charger—and usually faster speeds. If you can schedule your stops for early morning or late evening, you’re less likely to encounter lines. Peak times often sync with meal breaks, so planning around those helps too.
Setting Up Charging Accounts Before You Leave
This one trips up many first-timers. Some chargers from Electrify America, EVgo, or ChargePoint require user accounts or RFID cards to activate, and some stations only accept app payments. Fumbling to create accounts or figure out payment at the charger means everyone waits.
Before your trip:
- Create accounts for each major network you anticipate using—Electrify America, EVgo, ChargePoint. Download the apps and save payment methods securely. Test activating a charger nearby at home, so you’re comfortable with the process. Set notifications and reminders for charging sessions if your car or app supports it, so you don’t linger longer than necessary.
Dealing with the Impact of Altitude and Cold—Why It Matters for Charging
Mountain driving isn’t your average commute. High elevation saps your battery, and cold temperatures reduce its efficiency. These factors can slash your EV’s range by up to 30%, which turns a 200-mile expected range into something closer to 140 miles. That uncertainty leads to more frequent charging, increasing your exposure to busy chargers.
Pro tip: If your car has a planning EV road trip colorado battery pre-conditioning setting, use it to warm the battery before you arrive at a charger, boosting charging speeds and reducing wait time per vehicle.
Practical Charging Etiquette to Keep Lines Moving
To help everyone,” including yourself, practice these habits at the charger:
- Charge only up to 80% unless you absolutely need more. This keeps chargers available for others quicker. Move your car promptly when charging completes. Sitting parked at a busy DC fast charger wastes valuable time for others. Use apps to check charger occupancy in real time. If the station looks busy, swing to a nearby alternative or adjust your timing. Report broken chargers in app reviews so others aren’t caught off guard.
Cost Considerations: Charging Prices Can Add Up
Charging isn’t always free or cheap—expect to pay around $30-80 per fast charging session, depending on the station and how long you charge. Knowing this helps you budget and may influence your decisions to top up a bit more or aim for fewer longer stops.
Final Thoughts: Planning, Patience, and Preparation Win the Day
If you want to enjoy your mountain road trips with an EV without wasting precious time waiting at chargers, remember this mantra: plan ahead, check often, be flexible. Use A Better Route Planner and PlugShare to map your journey with altitude and temperature in mind. Set up your accounts on Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint before leaving home. Choose charging times outside peak hours, aim for 80% charge sessions, and respect fellow EV drivers.
Running an EV in the mountains isn’t always simple, but with a bit of caution, prudence, and a solid plan, it’s absolutely doable and often more enjoyable than you might think. Just don’t be the person hogging the charger or arriving unprepared—you’ll thank me when you breeze through your next charging stop.
Drive safe, stay charged, and happy trails!