Using Mach-E for long trips

[sotek2345]

Road trip duties will be shared between our 2016 F150 and the Mach-e (when it arrives) depending on how long the trip is and how much cargo we plan to bring. We are planning a "grand Canadian tour" (Toronto - Montreal - Quebec City) next summer with the Mach-e.

Once my Lightning arrives, that will take over family road trip duties. Longer range, more comfort, and all the cargo you want.

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[BadgerGreg]

I seldom like to drive more than 500 miles in a day. For that distance, anyone is going to stop at least once or twice (once for gas at a minimum, but probably another stop for food and a bathroom break). Driving my MME that distance also requires two charging stops, and neither stop is much longer than I would normally stop with an ICE car. All said, road tripping with the MME is no less convenient than an ICE car; in fact, it's more convenient because I take a few extra minutes at each stop to walk around and get the blood circulating. I arrive at my destination 20 minutes later than the alternative, but I feel more refreshed.

 

[kennethjk]

I'm in sales, driving all over Michigan and Ohio, have put about 3,500 miles on my Mace E PER MONTH. My work car is my Mach E. It took me a whole week to get adjusted from never thinking twice about gas stations vs planning my routes looking for chargers. In fact I don't even think twice about looking for Chargers anymore as there always seems to be a charger somewhere for me to use at whatever city I visit if need be. The time I spend at chargers just gets put into answering emails or figuring out my next moves, really hasn't slowed me down in any sort of fashion nor prolonged my day. I do miss bathroom breaks at gas stations, I will say that, and my speedy rewards points, but that's about it ha.

People get too hung up on hard numbers for Charging, you only need enough charge to get home or your next charging point in the leg of your journey. And you very rarely enter a charging station at below 10% needing to get all the way to 80 for that full 40 min.

Obviously everyone is different, and time is money, but I feel like I'm a case study on switching to electric. If I can adapt easily I'm sure 95% of us all can without changing their day to day routines. the amount of money I save on gas vs electric has been a no brainer, and getting in my car everyday charged up is amazing

Your right about 95% of the the time but we do take long trips a few times a year, I am talking about minimum 5 hour trips and if chargers don’t work or are slow can add a fair amount of time and anxiety. Just something you have to get used to

 

[tdwatts]

My road trip limit is 3-1/2 hours, no matter the car or who is driving (This also happens to be the driving time to my in-laws). So, the most I need Is one charging break each way if I can't charge at my destination.

I love to travel, but not by car.

 

[bruceski88]

I seldom like to drive more than 500 miles in a day. For that distance, anyone is going to stop at least once or twice (once for gas at a minimum, but probably another stop for food and a bathroom break). Driving my MME that distance also requires two charging stops, and neither stop is much longer than I would normally stop with an ICE car. All said, road tripping with the MME is no less convenient than an ICE car; in fact, it's more convenient because I take a few extra minutes at each stop to walk around and get the blood circulating. I arrive at my destination 20 minutes later than the alternative, but I feel more refreshed.

Only when you have to travel more than 500mi in a day does an ICE become superior for almost all the reasons in the poll. Once we get the fast charge to 90% then I think the MME will be superior for any trip, but one into a charging desert

 

[phil]

I seldom like to drive more than 500 miles in a day. For that distance, anyone is going to stop at least once or twice (once for gas at a minimum...

My gas guzzler will go ~600 miles without stopping. I occasionally do drive 400-500 miles without stopping, or with one bathroom break only. I arrive with my knees a little stiff, and not very 'refreshed', but prefer to get home faster.

To each, his own.

 

[ChasingCoral]

I used to be a balls-to-the-wall road warrior. Get there as fast as you can, only stop for fuel and toilet.
I recently did that in my Explorer - couldn't take the Mach-E due to the cargo I was carrying. 735 miles in less than 11 hours, two stops. When I got home, I could barely walk and my back hurt so bad that I couldn't stand upright.
My next trip was 550 miles in the Mach-E. I charged four times (could have done just three), one of which was for lunch. I don't remember exactly, but I think it took me between 10-11 hours. When I arrived I felt so relaxed and not at all fatigued. It's definitely a more pleasant experience.
Even if I'm forced to take my Explorer next time, I'll stop more often and not push it.

Yep. I drove Cincinnati to DC on Wednesday in Marlin after my conference ended. Arrived 11 hours later feeling fine. I used to feel exhausted after that run.

 

[BMT1071]

Yep. I drove Cincinnati to DC on Wednesday in Marlin after my conference ended. Arrived 11 hours later feeling fine. I used to feel exhausted after that run.

Can you break that down for us? That much extra time is what scares people off of taking long trips in BEVs.

 

[seattledan206]

The only place I would take an ICE by choice is Montana and Wyoming.

 

[phil]

The only place I would take an ICE by choice is Montana and Wyoming.

Well, obviously you would't take one to South Dakota. That would be psychotic.

 

[breeves002]

Honestly I love road tripping this car. I didn't realize how refreshing it is. You just feel so much better when you get where you're going compared to an ICE car. I drove nearly 24 hours with charging stops this past week and it didn't feel long or tiring. I got home and was ready to go out and party. Maybe I'm just an animal

Either way what people say about EVs being less fatiguing is just true. It will take longer to get where you're going, but if you have the time it is totally worth the stops for your body/brain to rest.

I'm sure having features like BlueCruise and no engine to vibrate helps too.

 

[ChasingCoral]

Can you break that down for us? That much extra time is what scares people off of taking long trips in BEVs.

Sure. My point wasn't a time comparison, it was how much more relaxed we felt upon arrival.

1. 8 hours 16 minutes includes no stops at all for gas, bathrooms, food, etc. Even with minimal stops you are over 9 hours.
2. For those living in this part of the country, we are well aware that both WV and eastern KY are charging deserts. No L3 DCFC chargers other than Tesla. Only DCFC are 25kW Harley dealers. Requires taking the northern route (I-70/76 through OH and PA).
3. Accident in WV resulted in over 45 minutes delay if we had stayed on the interstate, we took a detour that included gravel and 1-1/2 lane roads. From the slow dribble of traffic when we got on the interstate, traffic was probably dripping through one lane only.
4. We stopped for lunch and dinner during charges. I had no interest in stressing myself in a cannonball, eat in the car drive. I wasn't racing a clock.

I can tell you that for road-tripping MD to FL and back, charging added about an hour during each day of driving.

 

[RockwallRick]

Eventually we would like to do a road trip out West but I will wait till some major improvements are made to the EA network!! For now our road trips will be for Florida only! I am planning one now that should not require any EA charging stops! Patiently waiting for Love Bug Season to be over with first!!! Lol

 

[Tampamike]

Eventually we would like to do a road trip out West but I will wait till some major improvements are made to the EA network!! For now our road trips will be for Florida only! I am planning one now that should not require any EA charging stops! Patiently waiting for Love Bug Season to be over with first!!! Lol

When did it start? They seem to be at home in quarantine here in Tampa - there’s none, seriously.

Just to keep on topic, we use our MME for all of our road trips, …. Because it’s our only car. I have been pleasantly surprised by the EA network. I kind of ordered and bought this car without really researching the road trip aspect. I just figured I’d be charging at home and I’d have another car. Well, early retirement and COVID jumbled things up a bit. We’ve been on two long and several shorter jaunts and I like it so far. My leg length is about 2 to 2 1/2 hours or 180 - 200 miles. The stops are welcome. There are some charger glitches but I’ve never not been able to charge at an EA station. There’s almost never another car. I do wish they were more amenities - like shade, weather protection, etc. but someday there will be and that will probably be when the stations aren’t empty anymore. Seat comfort is great and I love the adaptive CC with lane-keeping. Looking forward to to Blue Cruise.

 

[Timelessblur]

You missed a choice. I try to use my Mach E where possible but there are a lot trips I have to take where using an Electric car just sadly is not an option. Not an option as I could say get to my designations but getting home would not be possible. West Texas Sucks.

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