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For many families planning a Labor Day road trip, an electric vehicle (EV) can be a practical and cost-effective choice, especially for shorter journeys under 100 miles. While concerns about charging infrastructure and range persist, 2022 survey data indicates a growing number of EV owners are confidently hitting the road for holiday travel, motivated by significant fuel savings and environmental benefits. The key to a successful EV road trip lies in careful planning, a factor that most experienced EV owners already prioritize.
The primary factors influencing 2022 Labor Day travel plans are convenience and gasoline prices, a shift from 2021 when pandemic concerns were more prominent. According to a recent survey, a vast majority—80%—of holiday travelers plan to drive to their destination. The steady decline in gas prices from a record national average of $5.02 per gallon in mid-June to approximately $3.87 by late August has encouraged more people to consider a road trip. However, 66% of those who are not driving cited high fuel costs as the deciding factor, suggesting that fuel efficiency remains a top priority for car shoppers. For those in the market for a new vehicle, a fuel-efficient gas model, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid can mitigate pain at the pump, while an all-electric vehicle offers the potential to bypass gas stations entirely.
Driving offers families with young children a level of flexibility and simplicity that air travel cannot match. The survey found that 21% of travelers chose to drive specifically because it is easier with kids, allowing for flexible pit stops and avoiding the stresses of airport security and confined airplane cabins. However, driving with small children requires a vehicle that can safely and comfortably accommodate car seats. Nearly half of the surveyed travelers plan to bring children, and 63% will have one or two kids in car seats. When selecting a vehicle, families should prioritize models known for excellent car seat accommodations. Contrary to popular belief, you don't necessarily need a minivan; many mid-size SUVs excel in this area. The 2022 Car Seat Fit Report Card highlighted models like the Acura RDX, Audi Q5 Sportback, and Ford Escape PHEV as top performers for safely installing child seats.
Yes, taking a road trip in an electric vehicle is increasingly realistic, particularly for regional travel. While range anxiety is a common concern, 10% of survey respondents planned to use an EV for their Labor Day journey. Most of these drivers are experienced; 79% have taken a previous road trip in their EV, and over 50% take at least three trips annually. The benefits are compelling: 65% of EV owners cited fuel savings as the primary advantage, followed by reduced environmental impact (58%) and a comfortable, quiet ride (56%). For the 64% of travelers staying within 100 miles of home, an EV's range is more than sufficient, minimizing or even eliminating the need for a mid-trip charge. For longer journeys, shoppers should consider models with a longer driving range—the distance an EV can travel on a full charge—such as the Kia EV6 (up to 310 miles) or Hyundai Ioniq 5 (up to 303 miles).
The major caveat for EV road trips is the need for more pre-trip planning compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. While refueling a gas car is a quick and ubiquitous process, charging an EV requires mapping out charging stations along your route. The good news is that most EV owners find this process manageable; 54% report it is "very convenient" and 44% find it "somewhat convenient." In fact, 74% of EV owners map out charging stations before a trip, a higher rate than the 55% of gas-vehicle owners who plan their fuel stops. Owners primarily use Level 2 charging stations (which provide a full charge in several hours) or faster DC fast chargers (which can charge a battery to 80% in about 30 minutes). However, flexibility is advised as public charging stations can sometimes be in use or out of service.
To ensure a stress-free Labor Day road trip, whether in a gas or electric vehicle, focus on these key preparations:
