The EV Road Trip Dilemma
When it comes to long EV drives, one question keeps coming up: is it better to drive slower for range or faster to save time—even if it means more charging? As electric cars become more common and fast charging stations more available, this debate is heating up among drivers. Surprisingly, the numbers show that driving faster—within reason—can actually get you to your destination quicker.
Speed vs. Efficiency
On paper, driving slower boosts your efficiency. For example, driving at 65 mph might give you up to 4 miles per kilowatt-hour, while 80 mph could drop that to around 2.5 mi/kWh. However, when factoring in how fast today’s EVs charge—many adding hundreds of miles in under 20 minutes—those efficiency gains may not translate to real-world time savings.
Using a 500-mile trip example, one analysis showed that driving at 80 mph (and charging more often) could shave about 12–60 minutes off total travel time, even after accounting for slower charging speeds and minor detours. The key is charging speed: if your EV charges faster than it burns energy, higher speeds win.
Real Drivers, Real Results
In a real-world test with a Kia EV6, driving at 80 mph used more energy but reduced overall trip time by almost an hour compared to cruising at 65 mph. Even accounting for extra charging stops, the faster pace came out ahead.
The caveat? Not all EVs charge equally fast. Owners of older or slower-charging models like the Chevy Bolt might find that fewer stops, not faster speeds, save time. Charger reliability and availability also play a role—especially in less-developed regions.
What’s the Smart Play?
If your EV supports rapid DC fast charging and you’re driving on well-equipped highways, there’s little reason to crawl. Driving at higher (legal) speeds and making brief, efficient charging stops might be your fastest path forward. Still, every EV has its sweet spot, and trip planning tools like A Better Route Planner (ABRP) help tailor your strategy.
Bottom line: In the age of fast charging, the old “slow and steady wins the race” might be outdated—especially when your EV can recharge faster than it drains.
