EV (electric vehicle) is here, but is the technology to support it ready?

A lot of this answer depends on where you live. If you are planning long trip with your new EV here are a few things to know and hopefully will help take the EV PTSD out of your trip.

If your EV offers a very robust technology infotainment system you are already one step ahead of the game. If not, you might look into an app to help with your trip. One of the recommended apps is A Better Route Planner (ABRP). This app will do everything that the high end EV’s system can do to help plan out your trip. It works along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

After navigation you need to plan on payment. The US EV infrastructure is split between several major players: ChargePoint, Electrify America and EVgo are the biggest kids on the playground. Some chargers are able to accept card payments at the point of sale, but it's easier to plan ahead.

If you know what chargers you will encounter ahead of time (it's smart to plan backup chargers in the off chance your intended ones aren't functional) you can download their respective apps, register for free accounts and input payment methods ahead of time. Electrify America and ChargePoint can utilize Apple Wallet.

Some automakers (including Mercedes) also incorporate payment into the vehicle itself, so all you have to do is plug and charge. Hope this is helpful to all of you cutting edge EV owners!

Meet the Expert

Chris Kays founded F1 Computing Solutions, LLC, in July 2005. Having spent many years in the IT field and knowing just how difficult and frustrating it could be to find support in a timely manner, Chris decided his IT company would focus on high-quality, timely customer service.