Here’s a cliche we all need to understand. Don’t stop to charge but charge when you stop.
On long journeys mist normal humans have a bladder that can’t last 250 miles at 70mph. So, we stop after a couple of hours or so. On a motorway flowing fairly normally you’ll get to your first stop around half ‘tank’. So wherever you plan to stop, there’s usually chargers available. Most Motorway Service Areas will have at least one provider (Gridserve/Tesla/other?). If you’ve thought ahead, use whichever works out cheaper for you. If you’re pitching up unplanned, Gridserve are usually quicker but can be quite expensive. However, plugging in before going for your comfort break, plus maybe getting a coffee or lunch, should see the ‘half tank’ boost to 3/4 or more. That’s usually up to your car, some precondition to charge faster, some will only charge to a relatively low rate above 50% some just go for it. (I’ll touch on charging curves later).
Now you can carry on your journey knowing you’re getting beyond your bladder’s range.
Charging Curve: All EVs claim a maximum rate of charge, all state they’ll get from 20% to 80% in a certain time, mine states 16 minutes but it’s never done it yet. The max rate will be at the optimum point, usually between 25% and 40% but may only be for a few seconds. Some cars, however go up to a lower maximum rate but can keep going at that rate for longer. Then there’s what happens beyond 70%. Some cars slow their charging to as low as 5kW after they’ve hit 80%. Watch what happens, I had a ZS which charged to 90% at a relatively steady 35kW then drops dramatically to below 10%. The Ioniq hits 50kW by 80 and keeps dropping to sub 10% by 90 and even less later.
These are necessary to know because there’s going to be a point where sticking around for that one extra percentage point could take as much time as it takes to get back to the motorway and get off at the next charging stop. There’s also a certain etiquette where sticking around to squeeze in that little bit while there’s people waiting is just a little selfish. Unless you need that to get to the next charger (used to be quite common when the LEAD managed 80 miles from absolutely full) then be kind, unplug and move away, even if you’re going back in where you’ve parked.
So, if you’re putting a little boost in every time you stop and leaving before you’re trickle charging, you’ll be charging when you stop and will not need that emergency detour to charge as the battery runs dangerously low.
I'm Autistic, if I say something you find offensive, please let me know, I can guarantee it was unintentional.
I'll try to give my honest opinion but am always open to learning.
Mark