The EV Takes The Lead In This Summer’s Road Trip

The 2021 Audi e-tron makes a great travel partner

***This content is sponsored by Audi Atlanta***

I’m headin’ down the Atlanta highway… maybe to the love shack… or the beach… or the mountains. But it’s summer and that means it’s time for a summer road trip. Whether you’re planning a road trip with some friends, with the family or just you and Fido, summer vacations in America are synonymous with a road trip.

But with the automotive industry quickly heading down the electric highway, is the ubiquitous summer vacation in danger? The short answer is “no.”

Overall, there are many benefits to going with an electric vehicle (EV). Not only is opting for an EV a good environmental choice, in many places driving an EV allows you to use the HOV lanes. You’ll save on gas and time, plus since EV’s don’t have a traditional engine taking up space under the hood, most come equipped with a handy “frunk” for additional cargo. An EV such as Audi’s e-tron SUV has 28.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats, which is comparable to gas alternatives, but it also has an additional cargo space up front, large enough to fit a small carry-on sized piece of luggage. If you’re hauling the family, this additional cargo space will certainly be welcomed.

EV’s also come packed with the latest safety equipment, so you’ll have peace of mind that your family is in safe hands. In fact, the 2021 Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback have earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The rating from the IIHS was awarded for a multitude of driver assistance features that come standard in the Audi which are designed to keep occupants safe in the event of a collision, and more importantly, prevent the collision from ever happening. For 2021, these include Audi pre sense, Audi side assist, lane departure warning, Adaptive Cruise Assist, Top view camera system and more.

But the real question is “What about range?” Again, using the Audi e-tron as an example, the 2021 e-tron has an estimated range of 220 miles. On a road trip from Buckhead to Savannah that won’t get you all the way on one charge, but the e-tron is equipped with industry-leading 150kw charging. What does that mean? Basically, you can get an 80% charge, or about 160-mile range, in 30 minutes.

Afraid you won’t be able to find a charger? Don’t be. On that road trip to Savannah, there are dozens along the way. Maybe pull off I-16 and stop in Metter, Ga., where ChargePoint fast chargers are available. While you’re waiting for a charge, walk across the street to JoMaxx BBQ to try some old fashion country cooking with a modern twist. Serving everything from BBQ, ribs, and chicken to freshly fried and grilled foods, everyone will find something to nosh.

With a fresh charge and full bellies, it’s just a short dash into Savanah, where like most cities, you’ll never be far from a charger. In fact, stay at the classic 1964 Savannah roadside motel Thunderbird Inn, a pet-friendly hotel that is only a few minutes’ walk from River Street. The Thunderbird Inn offers free Wi-Fi, free Baker’s Pride donuts, complimentary coffee and juice every morning… and fast-charging right on the property.

The bottom line? With a growing network of charging stations across the country, technological achievements in charging capabilities and range, as well the comfort, power and style of modern EV’s, owning an EV doesn’t mean the end of the summer road trip, it just makes it a bit more electrifying.

About Audi Atlanta – Audi Atlanta is a Jim Ellis Family Dealership servicing the Atlanta area and beyond since 1983. The facility delivers about 1,800 new and 1,000 Certified Pre-owned Audis annually with a robust inventory to meet the demand. Audi Atlanta is the nation’s #1 Certified Pre-owned Audi dealership for 12 of the previous 13 years and 2019 and 2020’s #1 Audi Sport dealer in the nation. This Audi Magna Society dealer has been awarded that title for 15 years total and 4 of those prestigious honors were Audi Magna Elite. Learn more about the Audi e-tron by visiting: audiatlanta.com