I've driven 20 electric cars — here are the 7 most important things I've learned about charging, range, and why Tesla still dominates

• I've tested 20 electric cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks from Tesla, Ford, Porsche, Polestar, and more.

• I learned that their advertised range isn't always accurate and charging can be a major pain.

• But electric cars are quick, convenient, fun to drive, and quiet.

As electric vehicles have taken the world by storm in recent years, I've gotten to drive heaps of clean cars from Tesla, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Rivian, and more.

Hours behind the wheel taught me some important lessons about range, charging, and our electric future.

The range you see isn't always the range you get

I learned this one the hard way. During my first long trip in an EV, I put a little too much trust in the range estimates that the Ford Mustang Mach-E I was driving provided. I watched anxiously as the SUV's battery level drained lower and lower until I was left with just a 6% charge at my destination, which was miles away from the nearest fast-charging station. (When I set out, the Mach-E claimed I'd arrive with plenty of mileage to spare.)

Long story short, an electric car's advertised range — on paper or from its software — isn't always what you experience in the real world. Sometimes it exceeds expectations, and sometimes it falls short due to factors like frigid temperatures, speedier driving, a heavy payload, or hilly roads.

Long trips are doable, but you need to plan ahead

Despite what the naysayers naysay, long trips are manageable as long as you plan ahead. Yes, charging stations can be far apart and inconsistent, but apps like PlugShare can help you find plugs and determine if they work or not. Just be prepared to wait in line for a charger or encounter broken ones.

Tesla has the best charging experience

Tesla's sprawling and easy-to-use Supercharger network is, without a doubt, one of the best reasons to buy a car from Elon Musk. Tesla owners simply need to set up a payment method, pull up to an open stall (as indicated right in the car's touchscreen), and plug in. It's all remarkably seamless.

Charging can be more convenient than getting gas

Recharging an electric car takes a whole lot longer than filling up on gas. But consider how much time the average car spends parked anyway.

When you drive an EV, you can fold charging into your everyday life, rather than going out of the way. You can plug in overnight in a garage or driveway and wake up to a full battery. With some forethought, you can hook up to a public charger while eating dinner out, shopping at the mall, or skiing, as I did last winter.