A writer recently took a 2,500-kilometer road trip in a Kia EV5 electric SUV, traveling from Paris to Montpellier and back. The journey included stops in Poitiers, Sarlat, Rocamadour, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Montpellier, and Nîmes. The EV5 has an 81.4 kWh battery and a claimed range of 530 km under the WLTP cycle, but the writer found that the vehicle required 16 charging stops over the trip, with a total of 7.5 hours spent recharging. To plan the route and charging stops, the writer used several tools, including Chargemap, ABRP, PlugShare, Ulys, Waze, and Google Maps. However, these tools sometimes struggled to predict traffic or other disruptions accurately. During the trip, the writer experienced moments when the battery dropped to as low as 6%, but was still able to find a charging station in time. The writer noted that France has seen a significant increase in public charging points, reaching 200,950 by the end of August, a 13% rise from the previous year. The reliability of the charging infrastructure was highlighted, with a technical availability rate of 90% and 94% immediate access. The writer described the charging experience as generally smooth, with minimal waiting times, although some stations remained unreliable. The writer compared driving the EV to a diesel vehicle, noting that the EV provided a comfortable and spacious ride, with instant torque and a quiet driving experience. The writer also observed that driving above 110 km/h significantly reduced the vehicle's range. To optimize energy use, the writer recommended using eco-driving modes and regenerative braking. The use of air conditioning was mentioned as having a minimal impact on battery range, as the energy used for cooling was small compared to the energy needed for high-speed driving. The writer noted that the cost of recharging varied depending on the charging station and payment method, with some stations being much cheaper than others. The total cost for charging during the trip was 265.60 euros, with an average cost of 0.58 cents per kWh. Home charging at 11 kW was found to be cheaper, at around 0.20 euros per kWh. Overall, the writer concluded that driving an electric vehicle on a long road trip was manageable, with the challenges of range anxiety and charging logistics largely overcome by the increasing availability of charging infrastructure and the use of planning tools. The writer found the EV to be a suitable option for long-distance travel, emphasizing the comfort, ease of use, and reliability of the vehicle.