Navigation option for “cheapest” route?

[medmondson]

Just completed my first road trip with my Lightning. 283 miles each way. Used Ford Pass to plan the route and went to the chargers it suggested. Each one was .56 per kw. I’ve not done the math, but this can’t possibly be any cheaper that when I would do road trips in my ICE.

The app offers Fastest, Shortest and Eco options but could really benefit from a “cheapest” routing option as well. I’d take a little longer and/or go a little bit out of my way if it got me to more affordable chargers.

is there a 3rd party app that might do this? Any tips for tracking down the cheapest chargers along a route?

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[TaxmanHog]

I'm not aware of any that focus on the retail cost of charging, but you're likely to get an economical advantage to driving and eco route, maybe a little slower pace would burn fewer electrons saving you money at the expense of time.

 

[RickLightning]

Just completed my first road trip with my Lightning. 283 miles each way. Used Ford Pass to plan the route and went to the chargers it suggested. Each one was .56 per kw. I’ve not done the math, but this can’t possibly be any cheaper that when I would do road trips in my ICE.

The app offers Fastest, Shortest and Eco options but could really benefit from a “cheapest” routing option as well. I’d take a little longer and/or go a little bit out of my way if it got me to more affordable chargers.

is there a 3rd party app that might do this? Any tips for tracking down the cheapest chargers along a route?

EA chargers? Using your free charging?

EA offers a 25% discount with Pass+, $7 per month. Sign up, then downgrade and it hits on 30 days. Pays off in first charge or so.

Charging rates vary across country and even across states.

 

[Yellow Buddy]

Just completed my first road trip with my Lightning. 283 miles each way. Used Ford Pass to plan the route and went to the chargers it suggested. Each one was .56 per kw. I’ve not done the math, but this can’t possibly be any cheaper that when I would do road trips in my ICE.

The app offers Fastest, Shortest and Eco options but could really benefit from a “cheapest” routing option as well. I’d take a little longer and/or go a little bit out of my way if it got me to more affordable chargers.

is there a 3rd party app that might do this? Any tips for tracking down the cheapest chargers along a route?

Welcome to EV ownership. A couple of tips and tricks for you..

1) A better route planner allows details charging cost in its route planning, but it requires a subscription fee for active routing.

2) If you’re going to be charging at any branded charger 2x or more within the month, sign up for their highest tier of subscription. It will save you money in the long run.

3) Unless it’s a route you know and can optimize unfortunately public charging is likely within 10% of the cost of using gas.

4) The sweet spot is about 450 miles in a day. You can push for 500 or more but the easiest is 450. Start full from a L2, one L3/DCFC stop up to 80% and end the day at a L2. I look for hotels with a free L2 for my over night stays.

5) When route options are within 5 min of each other, select the shorter distance one even if the displayed travel time is longer. It will end up saving time and money on the charging front. You’ll spend 5 min sitting in traffic and consuming significantly less energy vs 5 min moving faster and charging. I’ve cut out 25% of my charging stops this way before.

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