Just Drove 860 Miles in My Chevy Bolt, Charging Was Easy, but the Costs Were Shocking

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain traction across the automotive market, many drivers are venturing out for longer trips. With the expanding network of fast charging stations, EVs have become increasingly viable for road trips. But as one recent post reveals, even with the conveniences of fast charging, the costs and time commitments involved may still surprise you.

Micheal A. Johnson, a Chevy Bolt EV owner, took an 860-mile road trip and shared his experience with the "Chevy Bolt EV and EUV Owners Group" on Facebook. His trip was largely uneventful in terms of charging convenience, but there was one key element that left him reeling: the cost. According to Micheal, "We just went on a pretty decent road trip, 860 miles one way. Fast charging, while mostly convenient, was exorbitantly expensive at one stop, costing $76. However, we were able to find EVSEs well-placed along our route, though the cost and charging time, 45 minutes at most locations were frustrating. It’s also a shame that most hotels do not offer overnight charging."

For those unfamiliar, EVSE stands for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, which refers to the stations used for charging EVs. Micheal’s journey exemplifies the challenges still facing EV owners: the cost of charging, the wait times, and the limited infrastructure for overnight charging. Though charging stations have become more ubiquitous, the cost and time spent at each station are factors that many new EV owners might not anticipate when planning a long trip.

The Charging Experience: Convenience vs. Costs

Micheal’s comment about the $76 charge definitely hits home for many in the EV community. At first glance, this price seems astonishing, especially when compared to fueling a traditional vehicle. However, the cost of EV charging varies by location and provider, and some fast chargers, like those operated by Tesla, can be more expensive than others. The convenience of fast charging stations positioned along highways is undoubtedly a perk, but with that convenience comes a hefty price tag that can quickly add up, especially on longer trips.

In addition to the costs, Micheal notes that the time spent waiting to charge can also add to the frustration. “45 minutes at most locations were frustrating,” he shared. For those used to a quick pit stop to refuel a gasoline-powered car, the wait times for an EV may feel like a significant inconvenience, especially when traveling long distances. While charging an EV takes longer than filling up a tank of gas, it’s essential to remember that the infrastructure and technology are still improving. Companies are investing in faster charging technology, and this problem may lessen over time.

Micheal also highlights a key issue that many road-trippers might overlook: hotels without charging stations. “It’s also a shame that most hotels do not offer overnight charging.” Hotels with EV charging stations are not yet the norm, although some chains are beginning to offer the service. This issue can make a road trip feel more difficult for EV drivers, as they may need to make extra stops to charge overnight, limiting the number of places where they can stop for the night.

The Comments: Other Drivers Weigh In

The post received a variety of responses from fellow EV owners, each contributing their own experiences and insights. Some offered advice, while others shared their own frustrations with the challenges of long-distance EV travel.

Harvey Payne, a seasoned EV traveler, suggests that drivers should avoid focusing on one expensive charging stop and instead look at the overall cost of a trip. "You can't just look at one expensive fill-up. Maybe counteract that with a free charge. Look at your total cost for a trip versus what it would cost in an equivalent gas car," Harvey commented. He also emphasizes the importance of considering memberships, like Tesla or Electrify America, which can help reduce the cost of charging on the go. “That $65 charge above would have been $80 had I not joined Tesla just before the charge,” Harvey explains. His point raises an important factor for potential EV buyers and road-trippers: memberships can make a significant difference in the overall cost, but this is something that should be factored in before embarking on a long trip.

Derek Cahill took a more practical approach, asking whether Micheal had considered reviewing charging options before hitting the road. “Did you preview your options for stopping on PlugShare before you went? Did you ultimately choose a hotel with charging?” Derek asks. PlugShare is a popular app that helps EV drivers locate charging stations along their route, allowing them to plan their journey more effectively. While some drivers may still be learning the ropes of long-distance EV travel, others like Derek suggest leveraging technology to make the trip easier. This approach could help alleviate some of the stress of finding charging stations at critical points along the trip.

Mark Richards, however, made a bold statement regarding the Chevy Bolt EV’s road trip viability. He said, “The Bolt is not a road trip car. It is an around-the-town car. I'd never take my Bolt on a road trip, always taking the Tesla or the Ioniq (when I had it).” Mark’s view points to an important consideration: not all EVs are created equal when it comes to long-distance travel. While the Bolt may be a great option for city driving, it lacks the range and charging network that some of the more established long-distance EVs, like the Tesla Model 3 or Rivian R1T, provide.

The Road to Better EV Travel

Despite these concerns, the future of long-distance EV travel is bright. As more EVs hit the market, automakers are increasingly investing in improving both the range and the charging infrastructure. Notably, the introduction of electric pickups, like the Rivian R1T and Ford Lightning, signals a shift toward more robust road-trip-capable vehicles. You can read about how the Rivian R1S, a similar vehicle, handled a long trip using all Tesla chargers in my article “How I Had a Very Long, Successful 1,300-Mile Trip in My Rivian R1S Using All Tesla Chargers” here.

In the meantime, a few key solutions could improve the EV road-trip experience for the majority of EV drivers. First and foremost, improving fast charging times would significantly ease the long wait times at charging stations. It’s also clear that there needs to be a concerted effort to ensure that more hotels offer overnight charging for guests. For those looking to explore the possibilities of a more long-range EV, understanding the differences between the Chevy Bolt EV and other models could be critical in choosing the right vehicle for your needs. If you want to know more about the Bolt and why it might be a good city car, check out my review on Chevy’s 2020 Bolt EV and EUV here.

A Moral Lesson: Is EV Road Tripping for You?

The experiences shared by Micheal A. Johnson and the commenters in the group highlight that road-tripping in an EV is possible, but it requires a level of preparation and adaptability. The days of driving an EV like a gasoline car without planning ahead are behind us, but with the right research and tools, EV owners can have a great road trip experience. The key is understanding the cost structure and charging infrastructure so that you are not caught off guard when it’s time to plug in.

Ultimately, the moral of this story is that while EVs are undoubtedly the future of transportation, transitioning to electric driving requires patience, planning, and an understanding of how things work in the new landscape. If you’re willing to adapt and embrace the changes, you can make your EV road trip not only feasible but enjoyable.

For those considering an EV for their next long trip, make sure to read more about what makes the Chevrolet Bolt EV a great car here and explore how EV makers could easily address concerns over batteries and charging issues in my article about it here.

Questions for You, the Reader

What has your experience been like on a long road trip with an EV? What steps did you take to ensure a smooth journey?

Have you faced any similar challenges with charging, costs, or time during your travels? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.