I’m considering trading my 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Prestige for an EV6. My main concern is whether it’s feasible to manage my 170-mile round trip commute to work, which I do 3 times a week. I work 12-hour shifts and have about 8–8.5 hours at home between shifts for charging.
I plan to install a Level 2 charger at home. Do you think this will provide enough charge overnight to handle the trip without needing to rely on public charging stations? There’s a Tesla Supercharger in the town where I work, but I’d prefer not to depend on it if possible.
Imani said:
Yes, with a 40-amp Level 2 charger, you’ll be fine. Just aim for an efficiency of 2.5 mi/kWh or better to ensure you don’t run out of charge.
Efficiency? Do you mean the relationship between speed and power consumption?
@zendaya
It’s measured as mi/kWh, which you’ll see on the dash. Think of it like mpg for EVs. The EV6 has a 77.4 kWh battery, and its range is determined by efficiency. For example, if you get 3.5 mi/kWh, you’d have a range of about 270 miles. Uphill driving will lower efficiency, but you’ll regain some energy going downhill.
@zendaya
Think of it as miles per gallon equivalent for EVs. A 40-amp charger will easily recover enough range during your 8–8.5 hour downtime. You could also consider plugging into a 120v outlet at work to add about 40–50 miles during your shift.
It’s doable but depends on your home charger’s amperage. A 40-amp charger will definitely get the job done, but make sure your house’s electrical system can handle it.
I have a 48-amp charger but usually charge at 24 amps. Charging 170 miles worth overnight is simple. At 3.5 mi/kWh, you’d need about 51 kWh. At 24 amps, it’ll take 9 hours; at 36 amps, just 6 hours. It’s efficient and cost-effective.
I have solar panels, so charging costs won’t be a concern. I’m mostly worried about whether I can fully recharge overnight. The route is somewhat uphill on the way to work. I drive the 395 North to Lone Pine, CA.
@zendaya
You’ll be fine. A Level 2 charger can add about 11 kW per hour, meaning you can recharge around 15% of the battery each hour. If you’re still unsure, consider renting an EV6 for a week to test it out.
@zendaya
Since it’s uphill one way, you’ll use more energy going up but recover it on the downhill. The overall efficiency will balance out. If you can charge at work, even using a regular outlet, it’ll make your routine much easier.
Unless the Tesla Supercharger in your town has MagicDocks, you won’t be able to use it until Kia completes its integration with Tesla’s charging network. Check PlugShare for other options near Lone Pine.
Michael said:
You’d likely need a 48-amp charger to comfortably recover the charge needed for 170 miles in 8 hours. At 40 amps, you might cut it close.
I drive around 70 mph most of the way. Would higher charging amperage affect battery life or power consumption?