Planning your EV road trip this Thanksgiving? The best times to charge are between midnight and 6 a.m. Avoid peak hours like 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to save time…Read ahead…

Best and Worst Times to Charge EV During this Thanksgiving: Thanksgiving is a busy time for charging electric vehicles (EVs). Many families travel long distances, creating a high demand for charging stations.

According to Paren (a data firm), EV drivers will spend 8.5 million hours charging during Thanksgiving week.

With limited fast chargers, understanding the best and worst times to charge EV during this Thanksgiving can save you time and frustration.

The State of EV Charging This Thanksgiving

Public EV charging infrastructure has seen improvements.

According to Paren, 1,100 new charging stations with four or more ports have been installed since last Thanksgiving.

networks like Electrify America have upgraded their sites for better reliability.

However, challenges remain. Across major charging stations, reliability is 85.5%, meaning 15% of visits may face issues.

Tesla Superchargers offer higher reliability and are now accessible to many non-Tesla vehicles.

Despite increased reliability, planning your charging times can make your trip smoother.

Best and Worst Times to Charge EV During This Thanksgiving

Check the best and worst times to charge your EV this Thanksgiving and avoid delays.

Best Times to Charge

Paren’s data reveals that the least crowded times for charging are midnight to 6 a.m. Charging during these hours ensures minimal competition at stations.

Additionally, Thursday afternoon is a surprising sweet spot for charging before the ride home. Taking advantage of these times can save you from long waits.

Worst Times to Charge

The busiest hours are typically between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Avoid charging during these hours to prevent delays.

On busy travel days, even well-placed chargers along highways may face congestion.

Best Charging Stations to Use

The best charging stations to use during the thanksgiving are the following:

Tesla Superchargers

Many non-Tesla EVs can now use Tesla Superchargers. These stations offer 18,000 additional plugs, increasing options for EV owners.

Over 91% of Tesla chargers are compatible with non-Tesla EVs, making them reliable and widely available.

To use these, ensure you have an approved adapter. Tesla’s “Magic Dock” chargers even work without an adapter.

Highway Corridor Stations

Charging stations along major highways are reliable. Operators maintain them regularly because they generate revenue. Using these can help you avoid downtime.

Stations to Avoid

Avoid chargers at car dealerships. These often have low reliability, blocked access, or outdated technology.

Stay cautious with small, remote stations. They may have less usage and unknown reliability.

These stations can cause unnecessary delays if you are traveling to isolated areas.

Tips for a Smooth Charging Experience

Follow these tips to ensure smooth charging during Thanksgiving:

Charge to 100% before your trip. Many cars stop at 80% by default. Adjust the settings to maximize your range.
Precondition your car’s cabin. Warm your car while it charges to save battery power for your trip.
Respect other drivers. Charge only as much as needed and move promptly. This helps everyone save time.

Also Read: Zerova Innovative Charging Solutions at the London EV Show 2024

The Current Demand for Charging

Paren projects 1.8 million public EV charging sessions this Thanksgiving. Most drivers will use fast chargers at stations with four or more plugs.

Planning when and where to charge your EV can help you spend less time waiting and more time with your family.

Conclusion

Knowing the best and worst times to charge EV during this Thanksgiving is key to avoiding delays.

Midnight to 6 a.m. or Thursday afternoon are your best options. Avoid charging from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on busy travel days.

Choose Tesla Superchargers or highway corridor stations for reliable charging.

Avoid dealership chargers and remote locations whenever possible. Plan wisely, charge smartly, and enjoy your Thanksgiving road trip with less hassle.