Exploring Cross-Country Travel In A Volt

It is possible to travel cross-country in an electric car, such as a Volt. However, it is important to note that most people do not drive cross-country in their lifetime. For those who do, there are some challenges to be aware of when travelling in an electric car, such as the limited availability of charging stations and the potential for lodging operators to be unfamiliar with electric cars. Despite this, some Volt owners have reported successfully completing cross-country trips of up to 13,000 miles, with some even choosing to sleep in their cars.

Charging: There are 16 charging stops on the route from Seattle, WA to Miami, FL

It is possible to travel cross-country in a Volt, although charging can be a challenge. One user reported that they had only been able to plug in their Volt at a hotel or cabin a handful of times, as most lodging operators are unfamiliar with electric cars and worry about the cost.

If you are planning a cross-country trip from Seattle, WA to Miami, FL, there are 16 charging stops along the route. The longest interval between chargers is a 212-mile stretch between Trementon, UT and Rock Springs, WY. This route also includes a similar stretch between Rock Springs and Laramie. It is important to plan your charging stops in advance to ensure you do not run out of power.

Some Volt owners choose to tow a small travel trailer for longer trips, which can provide additional flexibility and comfort. Others opt for camping, using a canopy tent to sleep in the Volt or setting up camp at nearby National Parks.

Accommodation: It can be difficult to find places to plug in at hotels or cabins

It is possible to travel cross-country in a Volt, but it can be difficult to find places to plug in at hotels or cabins. Most lodging operators are not familiar with electric cars and are afraid that the meter will spin off the wall.

One option for accommodation is to sleep in the Volt. If you decide to do this, it is recommended to bring one of the 8x8 or 10x10 canopy tents that vendors use for farmers markets. This will provide more space and comfort than sleeping in the car alone.

Another option is to look for alternative accommodation options that offer electric car charging stations. These may include RV parks, campgrounds, or specialised electric car charging stations.

It is also important to plan your route in advance and identify any charging stations along the way. This will help you manage your charging needs and ensure that you have a place to stay each night.

Additionally, consider joining online communities or forums for electric car owners, such as the GM Volt Forum. These communities can provide valuable insights, advice, and recommendations for cross-country travel in an electric car.

Fuel: The Volt adjusts to any Octane

It is possible to travel cross-country in a Volt. One user on a GM Volt forum said they had driven their Volt cross-country and back at least three times. They typically travel on Interstate highways east of the Mississippi and back roads west of the Mississippi. Another user on the same forum said they had completed a 13,000-mile camping trip from New Mexico to Connecticut via Alaska.

Regarding fuel, one user observed that the Volt adjusts to any octane and that the electric motor insulates you from performance degradation. In the west, premium fuel is often 90 or 91 octane.

Route: The longest interval between chargers is a 212-mile stretch between Trementon, UT and Rock Springs, WY

It is possible to travel cross-country in a Volt, but there are some challenges. One user on a GM Volt forum reported that they had driven their Volt cross-country and back at least three times. They typically travel on Interstate highways east of the Mississippi and back roads west of the Mississippi. They also noted that most lodging operators are not familiar with electric cars and are afraid that the meter will spin off the wall, so they have only been able to plug in at a hotel or cabin a handful of times.

Another user on the same forum described a 13,000-mile camping trip from New Mexico to Connecticut via Alaska. They suggested that if you plan to sleep in the Volt, you should consider one of the 8x8 or 10x10 canopy tents that vendors use for farmers markets.

When planning a cross-country trip in an electric vehicle, it is important to consider the availability of charging stations along your route. One user on Reddit plotted an EV route from Seattle, WA, to Miami, FL, in a Tesla Model 3. The route was 3,347 miles and involved 48 hours and 35 minutes of drive time, plus 9 hours and 16 minutes of charging time. There were 16 charging stops along the route, with the longest interval between chargers being a 212-mile stretch between Trementon, UT, and Rock Springs, WY. This route highlights the potential challenges of long-distance travel in an electric vehicle, as the charging infrastructure may not always be conveniently located.

When travelling cross-country in a Volt, it is important to plan your route carefully and be mindful of the locations of charging stations. The availability of charging stations can vary depending on your location, and there may be longer intervals between chargers in certain areas. It is also important to be aware of the limitations of your vehicle's battery range and plan your charging stops accordingly. In addition, consider the availability of lodging options that accommodate electric vehicles, as some operators may be unfamiliar with the technology.

Sleeping: Some people sleep in their Volt, using a canopy tent

It is possible to travel cross-country in a Volt, although you may struggle to find places to plug in at hotels or cabins. One user who has driven their Volt cross-country at least three times says they typically travel on Interstate highways east of the Mississippi and back roads west of the Mississippi. They also pull a small travel trailer with a 2015 Chevy Colorado.

Some people sleep in their Volt, using a canopy tent. If you're planning on sleeping in your Volt, it is suggested that you use one of the 8x8 or 10x10 canopy tents that vendors use for farmers markets.

One user who has completed a 13,000-mile camping trip from New Mexico to Connecticut via Alaska said they saw a lot of "crazy rigs" during their three-month journey.

Another user plotted an EV route from Seattle, WA to Miami, FL in a Tesla Model 3. The route was 3347 miles and involved 48 hours 35 minutes of drive time plus 9 hours 16 minutes charging. There were 16 charging stops along the route, with the longest interval between chargers being a 212-mile stretch between Trementon, UT and Rock Springs, WY.

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