It was time for an additional summer time street journey in New England, and this time our vacation spot was Waitsfield, Vermont, recognized for the Mad River Glen ski space. We deliberate to remain at a member of the family’s trip residence, however driving my 2017 Chevy Bolt EV posed a problem, as we might be ascending from Connecticut’s 627 toes to just about 2,500 toes on the peak of Roxbury Mountain. To handle this, we determined to interrupt the four-hour journey into two elements, specializing in quick charging choices alongside the way in which to mitigate the battery drain from the uphill climb.
### Half 1: Quick Charging Success on the Hilton in White River Junction
With over 5,000 miles on the brand new Bolt battery, I observed a full cost would point out round 250 miles of vary. Our plan included a pit cease for quick charging to make sure we might make the journey with out working out of energy. Quick chargers present a considerably faster cost than the Stage 2 chargers sometimes discovered at residence or work, permitting for about 80% battery capability in about half-hour.
My companion discovered a Hampton by Hilton in White River Junction, about two and a half hours from Connecticut. By the point we arrived, we used about 170 miles of vary. After navigating the lodge’s multi-level car parking zone, I used to be relieved to identify the Flo quick charger.
This ended up being among the finest charging experiences I had throughout my travels with the Bolt. The Flo app acknowledged my account seamlessly, and shortly, the charging course of started. Contained in the lodge, the workers have been extremely pleasant, providing entry to WiFi and scrumptious home made chocolate chip cookies. The clear restrooms and welcoming foyer supplied a welcome oasis throughout our journey.
After recharging, we acquired again on the street, feeling rejuvenated and able to sort out the scenic ascent into Vermont.
### Half 2: Stage 1 Charging as We Explored within the Chevy Bolt
Upon reaching Mad River Lookout, we parked the Bolt and unloaded our refrigerated objects. My companion found an exterior electrical outlet, which we utilized with a protracted extension twine for Stage 1 charging. Although sluggish, it was enough for our wants as we relaxed amidst the serene mountain backdrop, watching the shifting mild by means of the bushes.
We ventured out to discover the world, beginning with the Mad River Glass Gallery and the Artisan’s Gallery earlier than heading in direction of the Ben & Jerry’s Manufacturing facility. This colourful attraction featured a Scoop Store, Taste Graveyard, and a playground, alongside a free Stage 1 charging station. Though the close by Flo quick charger was in use, we plugged in, took a tour of the manufacturing unit, loved some scrumptious ice cream samples, and embraced the lighthearted environment.
Later within the week, we visited a brand new pal in Peacham, Vermont. His historic residence was an engineering marvel, fitted with a Stage 2 charger in his barn, the place we plugged our Bolt whereas we chatted and loved lunch on the native sandwich store.
As our trip concluded, we felt assured about our charging methods and loved our travels with out concern for battery life.
### Half 3: The Return Journey – Unexpected Charging Challenges
On our means residence, we deliberate to cease at a Flo station in Pomfret, Connecticut, recognized for its handy location on key routes. Having change into accustomed to utilizing the Flo app for finding charging stations, I took the time the day earlier than our return to map out potential chargers alongside Interstates 89 and 91.
We determined to intention for a charging station in Brattleboro, Vermont. After a easy drive, we arrived solely to come across difficulties find the charger, which was not even a Flo charger. As a substitute, we discovered ourselves bereft of choices as one other EV driver struggled together with his personal charger points.
Realizing we would have liked to pivot, we set our sights on one other supposed quick charger in Greenfield, Massachusetts. Nonetheless, upon arriving, we have been greeted by a ChargePoint Stage 2 station, leaving us with little selection however to plug in. Whereas the primary 45 minutes have been free, the following hour’s cost would price $3.00, which nonetheless meant a big wait to achieve only a fraction of our charging wants.
Confronted with restricted choices, we added simply 15 miles of vary, earlier than crawling again residence at 60 mph on the interstate, arriving with about 18 miles of cost left.
### Last Ideas on the EV Mountain Take a look at Journey
Upon returning residence, I took the time to delve deeper into the Flo app, realizing the restrictions of its filters. It’s clear that I must plan higher for future journeys to keep away from the complications we skilled. However, regardless of the challenges on our return journey, total, our summer time charging experiences have been way more optimistic than the earlier yr, and I stay optimistic for even smoother travels forward.
Specialists acknowledge the present limitations of the fast-charging infrastructure. As charging networks proceed to increase throughout the US, the evolution of EV choices is more and more centered round fast-charging capabilities. As new drivers enter the market, there stays a studying curve, however enhancements are on the horizon, bringing hope for an enhanced charging expertise sooner or later.
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