They Feared the Worst on Their 900-Mile EV Road Trip, But a Rescue Dog and a Chevy Blazer EV Changed Everything

Electric vehicles and long road trips aren't always synonymous in people's minds. Often, range anxiety and charging concerns take center stage. However, one Chevy Blazer EV owner recently turned that perception on its head with a 900-mile round trip from Boston to Erie, Pennsylvania, proving that EV road trips can be both achievable and enjoyable.

The mission? A heartwarming one: picking up their recently adopted rescue dog. As the owner shared on the Blazer EV Forum, the journey began with a touch of trepidation. "We were a bit fearful given the history of the car and all the horror stories you keep hearing in the press (granted, the Conservative Press mostly)," they wrote. Despite the unease fueled by negative media coverage, the owner decided to forgo renting a gas-powered car and embark on the adventure in their new Blazer EV.

Success, they found, hinged on meticulous planning. The owner carefully mapped out the route, relying on PlugShare and the Electrify America (EA) app to identify charging locations. "Between PlugShare and the EA app, I calculated where we'd need to charge, using the check-ins from PlugShare as a guide to avoid a bad situation," they explained. To further mitigate any potential charging issues, they identified two backup charging options within five miles of each planned stop.

This proactive approach paid off. "We didn't need to use any of the backups," the owner reported. While there were "hiccups" with Electrify America, they were resolved with customer service assistance. The PlugShare check-ins proved invaluable in avoiding potentially vandalized locations. For a broader look at how vandalism has impacted EV charging infrastructure, a related TorqueNews article: “Anti-Musk Anti-Tesla Vandalism Spreads to Supercharger Network, Screaming at Teslas Driving By Becomes Normalized, And Canceling Ubers When They Are Teslas“ explores the rise of anti-Tesla vandalism at Supercharger stations, including incidents of graffiti and sabotage, as well as the social tensions surrounding EV adoption

While the trip clocked in about 90 minutes longer compared to a gas-powered vehicle, the owner characterized it as "mostly uneventful"—a significant victory in the EV road trip landscape. A conscious effort was made to maintain the battery charge above 30%, providing a buffer for unforeseen circumstances and ensuring flexibility.

The Blazer EV itself received glowing reviews. "The car itself was a dream to drive," the owner exclaimed. They lauded the comfortable seats, quiet highway ride, ample legroom, effective adaptive cruise control, and efficient HVAC system.

Based on their experience, the owner strongly recommends that EV road trippers equip themselves with all the necessary apps for various charging networks. They also noted the unreliability of Electrify America's card readers, advising users to utilize the app with preloaded funds.

Ultimately, the owner's journey underscores that EV road trips, while demanding some initial preparation, are not only feasible but also enjoyable. "Moral of the story is that it takes some good effort and planning on the EV owner's part, but a road trip is perfectly doable," they concluded. Most importantly, the rescue dog arrived safely at its new home, a heartwarming conclusion made possible by a Chevy Blazer EV.

Mikey Garcia has been passionate about cars and alternative fuels long before they were mainstream, from closely following the GM EV1 to running biodiesel in his Volkswagen Beetle TDI and Mercedes 300SD. As an early EV adopter, he drove a 2015 Fiat 500e and now owns a 2017 Chevy Bolt, showcasing his commitment to accessible electric mobility. With nearly a decade of tech experience at Apple, Mikey brings a unique perspective to the intersection of automotive innovation, sustainability, and technology. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn to follow him, or to send him news tips.