Hi-5ing the East Coast: An Electric Odyssey in a Hyundai IONIQ 5
The open road. The wind in your hair. The thrill of a new adventure. The stall of nature in the form of a line of baby raccoons. These are the hallmarks of the classic American road trip. But for us, this journey wasn’t fueled by gasoline fumes this time – it was powered by electrons and a healthy dose of wanderlust. We set out to conquer the East Coast, not in a roaring muscle car, but in a sleek and silent Hyundai IONIQ 5, affectionately nicknamed in the electric vehicle community as a “Hi-5.” For more specific milage, we drove from Wisconsin to the Carolinas, and back.
Our trusty Hi-5 isn’t your average road trip companion. This 2024 electric vehicle (EV) boasts a futuristic design and a surprising amount of cargo space. In fact, thanks to our inflatable camping bed, we transformed the back into a surprisingly comfortable sleeping haven – perfect for budget-friendly rest stops.
However, venturing into uncharted electric territory presented its own set of challenges. Gone were the days of impulsive gas station pit stops. Instead, we became well-acquainted with the world of charging stations – specifically those of Electrify America (EA), a popular network for EVs. This is mostly because of the two-year deal we got when we leased the vehicle. Using these specific charging stations was free for us, and most often the stations were located in the parking lot of a Sam’s Club or Wal-Mart. There are other charging companies with their own stations, but for the purpose of this blog we are only specifically talking about Electrify America charging stations. While the convenience of readily available charging stations is undeniable, consistency is a major hurdle. We encountered a surprising number of inoperable chargers at various EA stations.
Another unexpected discovery was the lack of uniformity in EA charging station layouts. Unlike gas stations, there wasn’t a clear queuing system. This led to some confusion and a touch of electric car etiquette improvisation. Occasionally, cars would park immediately behind our HI-5 and this would block incoming traffic to the parking lot in general. Sam thinks that carrying chalk in the car to write numbers on charging spots, creating a more visual queuing system for fellow EV adventurers could be her new habit when there is a queue at the station.
The biggest adjustment was undoubtedly the frequency of charging stops. Unlike gas-powered vehicles with their 300-mile-plus ranges, our Hi-5, under optimal conditions, could manage a respectable 200-250 miles. This translated into charging stops roughly every two hours, sometimes even more frequently depending on the distance between stations. While it undeniably added to the total travel time, the frequent breaks offered a surprising benefit. Unlike the marathon gas station sprints of traditional road trips, these shorter stops kept our bodies and minds refreshed, making the journey feel less taxing.
Speaking of charging times, topping off the Hi-5 to 100% at a fast-charging station, without waiting in line, typically took around 30-45 minutes. This also varied on the availability of the charging speeds – which we learned that there are three of: Hyper and Ultra-Fast. The third option is the slow trickle we get from a normal plug in. This downtime became an unexpected opportunity to explore local restaurants, grab a coffee, or simply stretch our legs and soak in the scenery. We even discovered a hidden advantage to visiting family on the route. Having access to a home outlet for a top-up overnight proved to be a lifesaver, adding valuable extra miles to our range.
Our electric road trip was an eye-opening experience. It challenged us to adapt to a new way of traveling, one that required more planning and flexibility. But the journey itself was just as rewarding, if not more. The quiet hum of the electric motor, the breathtaking landscapes that unfolded before us, the memories we made riding with the friends we visited, and the sense of accomplishment in conquering the East Coast in an EV – these are moments we’ll cherish forever.
This adventure wasn’t just about reaching a destination; it was about pushing the boundaries of electric travel and discovering its unique charm. It’s a testament to the growing capabilities of EVs and a glimpse into the future of road trips – a future that’s sustainable, exciting, and filled with friendly competition for the best charging spot (with chalk markings, of course!).
