For electric vehicle (EV) owners venturing beyond their daily commute, effective trip planning and real-time vehicle data are paramount. A popular tool for EV route planning is A Better Routeplanner (ABRP). To maximize its capabilities, especially for longer journeys, pairing ABRP with an OBD2 dongle is a highly recommended strategy. This combination provides enhanced insights and more accurate predictions for a smoother EV road trip experience.
Integrating an OBD2 dongle with ABRP unlocks a wealth of real-time data directly from your electric vehicle’s onboard diagnostics system. This connection offers several key advantages. Firstly, it delivers more precise state-of-charge (SOC) readings compared to relying solely on the car’s dashboard display. As EV drivers using apps like Car Scanner Pro for vehicles like the Ford Lightning have noted, the actual SOC can sometimes differ from the displayed value. Secondly, real-time data from the OBD2 dongle significantly improves ABRP’s routing and charging stop estimations. By having access to live battery levels, consumption rates, and other vital vehicle parameters, ABRP can dynamically adjust your route and charging schedule for optimal efficiency and minimal range anxiety.
For EV road trips, especially in areas with less developed charging infrastructure, precise planning is critical. Tools like Plugshare, mentioned in EV driving communities, are invaluable for finding reliable and available charging stations. Combining Plugshare with ABRP, and further enhancing ABRP with OBD2 data, creates a robust planning ecosystem. When setting up ABRP for long trips with an OBD2 dongle, it’s advisable to configure departure and arrival state of charge percentages carefully. A practical tip from experienced EV travelers is to avoid planning routes that would drop the SOC below 20%, providing a buffer for unexpected delays or changes in driving conditions.
It’s also important to acknowledge the real-world range considerations of EVs, particularly for longer vehicles or when traveling at higher speeds. As highlighted in reviews and long-distance EV tests, maintaining a moderate speed, around 65 mph, can significantly improve energy efficiency and overall range compared to driving at 80 mph or higher. The real-time data from an OBD2 dongle helps ABRP account for these factors more accurately, leading to more dependable route and charging predictions.
In conclusion, utilizing an OBD2 dongle in conjunction with ABRP elevates the EV road trip experience. By providing real-time vehicle data, this integration empowers EV drivers with more accurate state-of-charge readings, optimized route planning, and reduced range anxiety. For anyone planning extended journeys in their electric vehicle, investing in an OBD2 dongle to enhance ABRP’s functionality is a worthwhile step towards confident and efficient EV travel.
