Traveling with an Electric Vehicle

How do I travel with my electric Volvo vehicle in El Paso, TX?

Owning an electric vehicle, or EV, comes with many benefits. Not only are you free to skip the gas pump, but your vehicle will produce zero emissions as it runs purely on electric power. If you’re the proud owner of a Volvo EV (or if you’re planning to purchase one from our new vehicle inventory soon), we’re confident that you’ll have an incredible ownership experience — but you may have some questions about traveling with your model. How far can you go between charges? How can you find a charging station? How long will it take to charge up? Don’t worry — we’re here to ease your mind. Road trips in an EV are a lot easier than you might think, and we’ve covered the basics below. Take a look to learn more, and if you have any further questions, contact us here at Giles Volvo Cars El Paso today.

All-Electric Range

Volvo currently offers four pure electric models — the C40 Recharge , the XC40 Recharge, the upcoming EX30 and the upcoming EX90 — all of which are capable of traveling over 220 miles between charges.1,2,3 In fact, the seven-passenger EX90 boasts a manufacturer-estimated electric range of up to 300 miles.3 This means that, no matter which Volvo EV you drive, you won’t have to worry about stopping often to recharge.

Charging On-The-Go

Before heading out on a road trip in your pure electric vehicle, it’s important to ensure that you’ll have access to charging stations along your desired route. Volvo has made both home charging and charging on-the-go easier by partnering with ChargePoint, and by downloading the ChargePoint app, you’ll have a variety of handy features at your fingertips. For instance, you can track your charging activity, view a map of charging stations and see which ones are nearby, schedule charging and more — all from your smartphone. You’d be surprised at how many public EV charging stations are available throughout the United States — and the number only keeps growing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to charge my EV?

Charging times will vary depending on the charging method you choose and your specific Volvo model. However, the typical time to charge a pure electric model from 10% to 80% (150kW) at a DC public fast charging station is just 37 minutes.4 When you plug into your home charger or visit a public AC charging station, it will take around eight hours to fully charge your EV,5 so it’s best to use AC charging overnight or while you’re at work or school. Keep in mind that the weather can also affect charging times, as it takes longer to charge an EV when its battery is cold. Plan to set aside more time to charge your EV in the winter.

Should I charge my EV to 100%?

Though it may seem counterintuitive, you don’t need to charge your EV to 100%. Volvo recommends charging to 80% at a DC fast charger, as this will help your battery last longer — and it will also reduce your charging time, since the final stretch of charging from 80% to 100% is actually what takes the longest. It’s also generally recommended to not let your EV’s battery drop below 20%. Staying between 20% and 80% will ensure your battery stays healthy for longer.

Where can I charge my car for free?

While there are many public charging stations where you can pay to charge your EV, there are some that offer free charging (though it’s usually AC charging, not DC fast charging). Government buildings, libraries, universities, shopping centers and parks are good places to check for free EV charging stations.

If you have additional questions about charging your Volvo EV on your next trip, don’t hesitate to contact us today and we’ll be happy to help. To learn even more about charging your model, visit the Volvo website . And if you haven’t upgraded to a Volvo pure electric vehicle yet, Giles Volvo Cars El Paso is the place to do it. Visit our dealership today at 6585 South Desert Blvd., El Paso, TX 79932, and our sales team will match you up with the right Volvo for your needs. We’re located near Las Cruces and Ruidoso, NM, Horizon City and Fort Bliss, TX.

1The figures are based on EPA data obtained under specific testing conditions. The real-life driving range and energy consumption achieved under real conditions varies depending on driving behavior and other external factors.

2The figures are preliminary and derive from estimates and calculations performed by Volvo Cars for the Volvo EX30 and these outcomes are not guaranteed. The driving range and energy consumption under real conditions vary depending on driving behavior and other external factors. Charging times can vary and are dependent on factors such as outdoor temperature, battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition and car condition. Vehicle certification pending.

3The figures are preliminary and derive from estimates and calculations performed by Volvo Cars for the Volvo EX90 and these outcomes are not guaranteed. The driving range and energy consumption under real conditions vary depending on driving behavior and other external factors. Charging times can vary and are dependent on factors such as outdoor temperature, battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition and car condition. Vehicle certification pending.

4Charging times will vary and are dependent on factors such as outdoor temperature, current battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition and car condition.

5Typical times to charge from 0-100% on 240 V 48 A. Charging times will vary and are dependent on factors such as outdoor temperature, current battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition and car condition.