Built-in nav vs 3rd party app for route planning

[RussC]

I will soon be taking my first big road trip in my 2025 Kona Electric SEL, which I've always charged at home in the 6 months I've had it. For regular navigation I use Google Maps on my phone via CarPlay ('cause I'm familiar with the interface & it already knows many places I've visited). Seeking advice on the pros/cons of using the built-in nav system vs other apps (PlugShare, ABRP, etc.) for trip route/charge planning. Thanks in advance!

 

[Wattson]

One advantage of using the built-in nav system...it will automatically start redirecting you to and EV charger when the charge is low and give the option of turning on battery conditioning. I like that it can be set up to show the speed limit with your current speed just over the top of the posted speed limit.

I like both PlugShare and ABRP.

 

[Chris Alemany]

When we did our cross country trip in 2019 we started out using ABRP (even using a Bluetooth dongle for the data port for live data). It was great, but sometimes a little more than we really needed as far as information. Once we got into the groove of things, we ended up just using PlugShare. It is definitely the most reliable in terms of knowing what stations are in use, available, or broken. The ratings are a life saver!

 

[duende]

Here in Europe I get along fine with the built-in nav system. In addition I use the PUMP app, because it'll send me a push message when a chosen charger is free.

 

[JoeS]

I will soon be taking my first big road trip ...

@RussC, where are you located and where's your trip from/to?

I find trip planning actually fun. If you're not in a hurry and want to be a tourist, try combining L1/L2 charging with visiting points of interest (e.g., Grand Canyon) and be sure to carry your own EVSE with a handful of adapters and a long #10 or #12AWG extension cord. Electricity is everywhere.

I find Plugshare invaluable, and be sure to join them and leave comments on the app whenever you stop and charge. I've successfully used ABRP and a few times it provided options 'better' than my own, especially off the beaten track.

Always have at least one or more alternatives for every distant charging destination. On a road trip we try to never stop anywhere (especially for meals) without actually plugging the car in, the goal being to never ever have to wait for the car to charge.

Best of all, treat your road trip as a fun puzzle and adventure and not a nail-biting marathon. (Disclaimer: my wife doesn't necessarily share this opinion)

PS. To answer the OP's original question, I find my navigator's inability to play "what if's" with our Kona's Nav while I'm driving to be frustrating (to say the least).

 

[RussC]

@RussC, where are you located and where's your trip from/to?

I find trip planning actually fun. If you're not in a hurry and want to be a tourist, try combining L1/L2 charging with visiting points of interest (e.g., Grand Canyon) and be sure to carry your own EVSE with a handful of adapters and a long #10 or #12AWG extension cord. Electricity is everywhere.

I find Plugshare invaluable, and be sure to join them and leave comments on the app whenever you stop and charge. I've successfully used ABRP and a few times it provided options 'better' than my own, especially off the beaten track.

Always have at least one or more alternatives for every distant charging destination. On a road trip we try to never stop anywhere (especially for meals) without actually plugging the car in, the goal being to never ever have to wait for the car to charge.

Best of all, treat your road trip as a fun puzzle and adventure and not a nail-biting marathon. (Disclaimer: my wife doesn't necessarily share this opinion)

PS. To answer the OP's original question, I find my navigator's inability to play "what if's" with our Kona's Nav while I'm driving to be frustrating (to say the least).

Thanks, @JoeS for your thoughts. I like your "fun puzzle" framing (better than the "nail-biting" one!). My upcoming trip is from near Burlington, VT to the Finger Lakes region of NY, around 300 miles each way (with a few days of very local driving around the destination). So not huge, and I don't think there will be major challenges of big areas with very sparse options. So it should (hopefully!) be fun!

 

[JoeS]

My upcoming trip is from near Burlington, VT to the Finger Lakes region of NY, around 300 miles each way

Piece of cake! Don't necessarily be put off by low PlugShare scores because if there's a station like that right on your route then check out the PlugShare comments as the rating might be based on comments made before the charging station was repaired or upgraded. Have a great trip!

PS Since we're on the topic, does anyone know how to defeat, um, live with the Kona Nav's 'safety feature' which prevents the passenger from entering destinations while the car is on the road?