EV drivers say road trips still hinge on switching apps when chargers change mid-routeThe Cool DownJames NanzoThu, September 10, 2026 at 3:09 AM UTCAdd us on GooglePhoto Credit: iStockFor many drivers, taking an electric vehicle on a long trip still means doing a little extra homework before setting out.A discussion on Reddit shows that while some EVs can map out charging automatically, many owners still rely on a mix of apps to avoid chargers that are busy, broken, or poorly timed.Here's what to knowIn the thread on the r/ElectricVehicles subreddit, the original poster asked a simple question about visitors who use their EVs for long trips.AdvertisementAdvertisement"If yes, how do you plan charging stops, and which apps do you use? What problems do you face with busy, broken or slow chargers?" they asked.The replies largely fell into two groups. One set said long EV trips are manageable, but only with a two-step routine that uses A Better Route Planner, or ABRP, to pick charging stops and Google Maps to handle navigation."I tried ABRP subscription to connect with Android Auto, but wasn't too happy with the navigation," a top-voted commenter clarified on why they stick with the two apps.For some drivers, the weak spot is not choosing chargers but switching between tools when plans change mid-trip.AdvertisementAdvertisement"[It] leaves you a bit adrift if you need to change the plan on the fly," they explained. "But I guess it's the best option currently available."More backgroundSoftware has come a long way, but the experience still depends heavily on the vehicle and on how well its battery data connects with navigation tools.The other group of commenters pointed to EVs that can do most of this inside the car, using live battery information to predict range, estimate arrival charge, and add stops to the route automatically."Once I punch in my destination (or destinations if on a loop), my Renault 5 will tell me my SOC on arrival, and will call out nearby chargers along the route," a Europe-based commenter wrote. "It'll also calculate the fast route including chargers (sometimes two quick charges will be faster than one big one)."AdvertisementAdvertisementThat smoother experience seemed more common among Tesla drivers and some owners of Google-connected vehicles or newer EVs."Teslas just do it without you having to even think about it," a commenter suggested.A better road trip experience can mean less stress, more confidence on longer drives, and lower fueling costs compared to gas-powered travel, especially for drivers who can pair home charging with strategic use of lower-cost public stations.What can be done?A common workaround was to let ABRP choose the charging stops, then switch over to Google Maps or Waze for navigation and traffic.Drivers also shared ways to protect themselves from the less predictable side of public charging by mapping out a rough idea of food and charging stops ahead of time. That kind of flexibility can help travelers avoid both long waits and higher-priced chargers.AdvertisementAdvertisementSeveral commenters mentioned leaving a buffer of 20% charge to avoid hairy moments.Road tripping in an EV is getting easier, but software integration and not just battery range remains a factor when choosing a model.That helps explain one of the clearest hopes in the thread."I sincerely hope at some point Google Maps can connect to the car, know the battery's SoC and navigate you including the necessary stops," a commenter wrote. "One can dream."Where can I learn more?The questions in that Reddit thread come up in a lot of other places too, especially when charging feels fragmented, pricey, or unreliable. Would-be EV drivers can look to advice from other drivers, as well as considering how new infrastructure can affect whether an EV trip feels smooth or frustrating.AdvertisementAdvertisement• Across the U.S., drivers still face eight charging apps, two adapters, and mystery prices.• On Reddit, shoppers considering EVs heard what experienced owners had to say.• General Motors-backed plans mean a TON of EV charging has hit rural America in recent years.• In Boston, officials are installing EV chargers along city streets.Overall, EV road trips hinge on more than range alone. Charging access, clear pricing, and better software still make a major difference.Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
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