Travelling with an Electric Car: Stress-Free Family Vacations

Don’t skip the pre-trip checkup

Before hitting the road, a quick checkup is essential. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, the brakes are in good condition, and the cruise control is functioning smoothly.

EV-specific checks you shouldn’t forget

When it comes to EVs, make sure your charging cable works, your adapters are in the trunk, and your vehicle software is up to date. It's also smart to check your estimated energy consumption based on your route, weather, luggage weight, and planned stops. A little planning goes a long way.

Every successful family road trip starts with a good plan. Today’s interactive maps and trip planners make it easy to find public charging stations along your route. Schedule regular breaks, every two hours is ideal, especially with young children. Frequent stops help everyone recharge and keep spirits high.

Make stops fun for the kids

Try to plan breaks at places with playgrounds or green spaces. That way, while your EV charges, your kids can stretch their legs and burn off some energy. It’s a win-win for the whole crew.

Match your stop to the type of charger

Level 3 DC fast chargers are perfect for shorter breaks, especially in commercial areas. Level 2 chargers are more common in public parking lots and downtown cores — ideal for longer meals or extended stops.

Use the ChargeHub app to find the best charging spots.

ChargeHub's app is a great tool for planning. Its interactive map helps you:

• Locate chargers along your route

• Filter by charging speed or network

• View real-time availability

• See connector types, power levels, and even nearby amenities

• Pay directly through the app at participating stations

  It’s your go-to resource for planning a worry-free electric road trip.

Tips to save energy while driving

To get the most out of your battery, reduce your speed, avoid sudden acceleration, and use cruise control. If you drive a Tesla, Leaf, or E‑tron, their onboard navigation systems can help you find the best charging stations along your preferred network.

Distribute luggage efficiently

A heavy or unevenly loaded vehicle can increase energy consumption. Try to distribute the weight evenly and keep essential items, like pillows, a cooler, or a first-aid kit, close at hand. That way, you won’t need to rummage through the trunk at every stop.

Smart activities for a smooth ride

Keeping kids entertained on a long trip is an art. Pack fun activities like travel-sized board games, coloring books, and audiobooks. A fully charged tablet with downloaded shows and a great playlist can work wonders. A tablet holder also helps keep little hands free.

Another tip? Pack a surprise box with new toys or books and reveal them one by one to keep the excitement going throughout the drive.

Smart snacks for the whole family

Breaks aren’t just for charging your EV, they’re also key for staying fueled and hydrated. Bring a cooler filled with snacks: sliced fruit, granola bars, sandwiches, and water bottles. That way, you won’t have to rely on limited options at random stops.

Pro tip: Let the kids help prep their own snack boxes before the trip, it keeps them involved and excited to hit the road.

Use a reliable charging app like ChargeHub

Public charging infrastructure has grown rapidly across Canada and the U.S. Today, there are more options than ever along major routes, which makes planning an eco-friendly road trip easier, but also a bit more complex.

That’s why it’s essential to use a reliable app to navigate the charging landscape and filter stations based on your needs.

With the ChargeHub app, you can easily find all public charging stations across Canada and the U.S., check real-time availability, and plan your stops with confidence. No more surprises, just a smooth, efficient charging experience from start to finish.

Know your connectors and adapters

In Canada and the U.S., most Level 2 chargers use the J1772 connector — compatible with all EVs, including Teslas (with an adapter). But Level 3 DC fast chargers come in different types: CHAdeMO, SAE Combo (CCS), or Tesla Superchargers.

Some stations offer only one type, which may not work for your car. Before you hit the road, check our Connector Compatibility Guide to ensure you're fully equipped.

A slower, more meaningful way to travel

Family road trips in an electric vehicle aren’t just doable, they’re a chance to travel differently. EV travel encourages you to slow down, discover hidden gems between charging stops, and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

You’ve got everything you need for a great EV trip.

With the right tools, a little planning, and the help of the ChargeHub app, your next electric road trip can be smooth, affordable, and fun for everyone.