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Automatic breaks Every X Minutes/Kilometers

Feature Requests

As an EV driver, I would like ABRP to support planned breaks every X minutes or kilometers, ideally at high-power charging stations. These breaks would not only provide a chance to rest but also allow for opportunistic charging.

Today, ABRP prioritizes efficiency by minimizing the number of charging stops, often leading to longer, less frequent sessions. However, many drivers prefer a more comfortable, realistic driving pattern: taking a short break every ~2 hours (~200–250 km), topping up the battery as needed.

Add a setting in trip preferences:

  • “Insert charging break every [X] minutes”

  • or “Insert charging break every [X] km”

Why This Matters:

  • Improves trip realism: matches how people actually drive (rest every X hours)

  • Encourages battery health: frequent shallow charges are less stressful than deep cycles

  • Enhances comfort and predictability on long trips

  • Helps families, elderly drivers, or regulated professionals who must stop regularly

This feature would add a lot of flexibility and user-centric value, especially for users prioritizing comfort, kids, safety, or battery care over time-optimized routes.

Posted by User ·
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Comments1

  • ABRP User #276516

    •

    Jul 17

    I would second this feature request and add some more details:

    Summary
    Introduce an optional, automated rest break planning feature in ABRP that synchronizes with charging stops. This feature would allow users to:

    • Enable/disable rest break planning.

    • Customize break duration (e.g., 10–30 minutes).

    • Set intervals between breaks (e.g., every 2 hours).

    • Filter rest stop locations by amenities (e.g., toilets, cafés, restaurants, rest areas).

    Background & Justification

    1. Safety & Comfort: Research by traffic safety organizations emphasizes that taking a 15–30 minute break every 2 hours significantly reduces fatigue-related accidents. For EV drivers, combining rest breaks with charging stops aligns with best practices for both safety and efficiency.

    2. EV-Specific Benefits:

      • Charging times for EVs often exceed 20–30 minutes, making them ideal for synchronized rest breaks.

      • ABRP already optimizes routes for charging; integrating rest breaks would create a holistic travel experience that prioritizes both vehicle and driver needs.

    3. User Flexibility:

      • Not all drivers follow the same fatigue patterns. Customizable break durations and intervals cater to individual preferences (e.g., professional drivers vs. casual travelers).

      • Amenity filters ensure rest stops meet personal needs (e.g., families with children, drivers with dietary restrictions).

    Implementation Suggestions

    • Default Settings: Pre-set intervals (e.g., 2 hours) and durations (e.g., 20 minutes) based on safety guidelines, with options to override.

    • Integration with Charging: Prioritize rest stops at or near charging stations to minimize detours.

    • Amenity Database: Partner with platforms like PlugShare or Google Places API to provide real-time amenity data.

    • Notifications: Alert users when a break is due, with estimated time remaining until the next stop.

    Impact

    • Enhanced Safety: Encourages compliance with fatigue management best practices.

    • Improved User Experience: Reduces the cognitive load of manually planning breaks.

    • Competitive Edge: No major EV route planner currently offers this level of rest break customization.

    References

    • European Transport Safety Council (ETSC). (2021). Fatigue and Driving: Reducing the Risk.

    • Accident Analysis & Prevention. (2020). The Effect of Rest Breaks on Driver Fatigue.

    • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). (2019). Drowsy Driving Facts and Stats.