A 600-mile road trip (and data) proves EV charging doesn't suck anymore
News Source
β’Sat, 18 Jul 2026 14:32:00 +0000
π° What Happened
TechCrunch reporter Tim De Chant drove an Audi e-tron over 600 miles from Boston to Montreal to test EV charging infrastructure. The result was near-perfect. Using the A Better Route Planner app (now owned by Rivian), he found reliable fast chargers with no lines, plenty of food options, and working equipment. His only small issue was one slow charger in Canada.
The reporter had written a famous 'EV fast-charging bill of rights' in 2023 after a disastrous road trip. Back then, chargers were broken, crowded, or hard to find. In just three years, the situation has transformed. Rivian chargers, Tesla Superchargers opening to other brands, and better network maintenance have made long-distance EV travel much more practical.
π The Backstory
EV charging used to be the biggest reason people avoided electric cars. In 2023, a AAA survey found that over half of Americans saw charging infrastructure as a key concern. Chargers were often broken, in bad locations, or incompatible with certain cars. Range anxiety was real.
But the situation has improved dramatically. Tesla opened its Supercharger network to other brands. Companies like Rivian, Electrify America, and EVgo built more reliable stations. New apps made route planning easier. The Biden-era infrastructure bill helped fund new chargers along major highways. While there is still room for improvement, the days of 'charging anxiety' are fading for most drivers on major routes.
π― Why It Matters
A 600-mile EV road trip without problems is a big deal. It means electric cars are finally practical for everyday driving and long trips, not just short commutes. This could convince more people to switch from gas cars.
TechCrunch reporter Tim De Chant drove an Audi e-tron over 600 miles from Boston to Montreal to test EV charging infrastructure. The result was near-perfect. Using the A Better Route Planner app (now owned by Rivian), he found reliable fast chargers with no lines, plenty of food options, and working equipment. His only small issue was one slow charger in Canada.
The reporter had written a famous 'EV fast-charging bill of rights' in 2023 after a disastrous road trip. Back then, chargers were broken, crowded, or hard to find. In just three years, the situation has transformed. Rivian chargers, Tesla Superchargers opening to other brands, and better network maintenance have made long-distance EV travel much more practical.
EV charging used to be the biggest reason people avoided electric cars. In 2023, a AAA survey found that over half of Americans saw charging infrastructure as a key concern. Chargers were often broken, in bad locations, or incompatible with certain cars. Range anxiety was real.
But the situation has improved dramatically. Tesla opened its Supercharger network to other brands. Companies like Rivian, Electrify America, and EVgo built more reliable stations. New apps made route planning easier. The Biden-era infrastructure bill helped fund new chargers along major highways. While there is still room for improvement, the days of 'charging anxiety' are fading for most drivers on major routes.
A 600-mile EV road trip without problems is a big deal. It means electric cars are finally practical for everyday driving and long trips, not just short commutes. This could convince more people to switch from gas cars.