Traveling with an Electric Vehicle

Recharge and hit the road.

How do I travel with my electric Volvo vehicle in Lafayette, LA?

There are many perks that come with owning an electric vehicle (EV). You won’t have to rely on gasoline to fuel your car, and it won’t produce any emissions as you drive around town on pure electric power. Whether you already own a Volvo EV or you’re planning to purchase one from our new inventory here at Giles Volvo Cars, we’re here to help you have the best possible ownership experience. We’re sure you have some questions about owning an EV, and if one of those regards charging your vehicle on long road trips, we can help. Traveling in an EV is easier than you might expect, and below we’ve provided an overview of how to charge your Volvo EV while on the road.

All-Electric Range

The Volvo pure electric lineup currently includes four models: the C40 Recharge, the XC40 Recharge, the upcoming EX30 and the upcoming EX90. All four of these models can travel over 220 miles between charges1,2,3 — and, in fact, the seven-passenger EX90 has a manufacturer-estimated range of up to 300 miles.3 So no matter which one of these Volvo models you choose, you’ll own an EV with a truly impressive all-electric range.

Charging On-The-Go

A little pre-trip planning goes a long way when you own an EV. There are many public EV charging stations throughout the United States — and more are being constructed every day — but it’s still important to ensure that there are charging stations along the route of your next trip before you hit the road. Thankfully, Volvo has made this simple by partnering with Chargepoint, an EV charging network with over 100,000 public charging stations in North America. Once you download the Chargepoint app and create an account, you can use your smartphone to track your vehicle’s charging progress, view nearby charging stations on a map, schedule charging sessions and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to charge my EV?

How long will it take to charge my EV? The time it takes to charge your EV will depend on your specific model and your chosen charging method. In general, charging an all-electric vehicle from 10 to 80 percent at a public DC fast charging station takes just 37 minutes.4 At your home wallbox charger or a public AC charging station (which both provide Level 2 charging), you can expect it to take about eight hours for your EV to be fully charged.5 For this reason, Level 2 charging is the best option when you’re working, at school or when you can leave your car plugged in overnight. Another factor to keep in mind is the weather. Cold weather can cause EVs to charge more slowly, so plan to let your car charge longer than usual on frosty days.

Should I charge my EV to 100 percent?

You actually don’t need to charge your EV to 100 percent for a few reasons. When you’re charging at a DC fast charger, Volvo recommends that you stop charging at 80 percent, as this is better for the battery. It will also cut down your charging time, since that last stretch between 80 and 100 percent takes the longest. Similarly, it’s not recommended to let your EV’s charge dip below 20 percent, if possible — again, to keep your vehicle’s battery healthy in the long run.

Where can I charge my car for free?

Many public charging stations require payment, but you can find free options around town. Free charging is usually Level 2 (AC), and you can often find free charging stations at government buildings, libraries, universities, malls and parks.

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 is the place to do it. Visit our dealership today at 111 South City Parkway, Lafayette, LA 70503, and our sales team will match you up with the right Volvo for your needs. We’re located near Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Alexandria and New Orleans.

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.