My wife and I were early adopters of electric vehicles, becoming proud owners of one of the first Chevy Bolts available in Colorado back in 2016. We enjoyed its zippy performance and eco-friendly nature for six years. However, our travels were primarily confined to local landscapes, with a trusty gas-powered SUV handling the longer hauls.
So, the prospect of a long-distance electric road trip felt a bit daunting. Fast-forward to this past year, a move to Portland, the sale of the Bolt and a trade-in of the SUV for a new electric car, our only vehicle. A looming wedding invitation in New York state sparked both excitement and a touch of nervousness.
Could our sleek new Hyundai Ioniq 6 handle the journey entirely on electric power? As it turned out, our worries were unfounded. Joe Peraino , PhD, is a Portland resident. Planning the route from Portland to Lake Placid (with a scenic detour through the heart of New Hampshire) revealed a delightful surprise: a wealth of charging options.
No more picturing ourselves stranded at the side of the road with a depleted battery. From the lightning-fast Level 3 chargers that could top off the battery in a mere 20 minutes to the convenient Level 2 chargers ideal for overnight stops, the network was extensive. These charging stations, often strategically located near shopping centers or restaurants, became welcome rest stops.
They provided a much-needed break to stretch our legs and grab a bite to eat, making the journey feel more like an ad.