Welcome to the wonderful world of electric vehicles! With the promise of lower carbon emissions and a smoother driving experience, you’re given a lot of new features thanks to making the switch.
While these perks are definite pluses to owning an electric vehicle, there’s still a bit of a learning curve that new owners have to go through to fully maximise their electric vehicle’s potential.
From the fast torque to the regenerative braking technique, driving an electric vehicle can take some getting used to. But once you make it past the mandatory learner phase, you can fully enjoy all the features of the electric vehicle in all its glory.
Ready your learning caps – this article will give you six tips to help EV owners make the most out of their vehicles as soon as day one.
Let’s dive into these tips!
1. Download EV Apps
If you own an electric vehicle, chances are, you own a smartphone as well. If you do, then it’s a good idea to download a couple of apps that can help you simplify your electric driving experience.
There are a couple of apps that make driving an electric vehicle feel more seamless and smooth.
Google Maps and Apple Maps are the best choices for navigating around roads and motorways—but they’re likely already a part of your phone’s catalogue and are not exactly EV-specific.
For everything related to battery charging, PlugShare or ChargePoint are good choices. These apps are available on both iOS and Android devices.
These apps have a smart route planner that can help you navigate roads, find public charging ports, and determine specific information about a certain charging port near your area.
Another app you should consider having is your manufacturer’s branded app. So if you own a Tesla Model 3, for instance, the Tesla app is a good app for your phone.
Having the manufacturer app can give you specific information on how to care for and handle your vehicle. It can also help you make payments and access your Tesla vehicle from anywhere you are and get information on it, such as your car’s current battery levels.
2. Install a Home Charger
Owning an EV means substituting refuelling your car with charging your car. And while there are plenty of public charging points across most major cities, there’s nothing more reliable and convenient than having a dedicated home charger.
Installing an EV charger can cost upwards of $1,000, but the convenience is worth it, especially if you don’t have guaranteed access to fast charging stations in your community.
When choosing a home charger, be sure to get one that’s at least Level 2 or Level 3 (DC Fast). The Level 2 charging level attaches to a 240-volt plug outlet. It’s fast enough to get you approximately 30 miles per hour in range—which is good as an overnight or weekend-in charge.
If you have the money, installing a Level 3 or Fast Charging port is another option. A level 1 charger can take up to 36 hours to fully charge from zero, and this may not be enough unless you’re in a compact city with alternative means of going to faraway places.
A Level 3 charger allows you to get your car to 100% in just shy of 30 minutes. Besides being found in mansions (setting one up can cost up to $50,000), level 3 chargers are more often found in public spaces like universities, corporate offices, shopping malls, and car dealerships.
A home charger is beneficial for making the most out of off-peak hours and reducing range anxiety. And if you do decide to move out of your home, having EV-charging infrastructure can be appealing to the EV-owning crowd.
3. Practise Good Charging Habits
The battery is the central component of your vehicle. You need to take good care of it to ensure that it remains at peak condition for years to come. One way of caring for it is by ensuring that you don’t overcharge it over 100%.
Charging beyond the full battery can damage your battery, reducing its range over time. Therefore, if you want to maintain the longevity of your charger, don’t fully charge your vehicle to 100%. Remove the plug when the battery is at about 85%.
In a similar vein, don’t let your electric vehicle fall below 10% before charging. These two extremes can accelerate your car’s battery’s degradation.
Conversely, ensuring that you keep your battery levels squarely between these two extremes will help keep your battery in good shape for a long time.
4. Be Cautious of Extreme Environmental Factors
If your car has been exposed to extreme weather and the elements, it can accelerate the degradation of the EV parts. This is equally true if your vehicle is exposed to either extreme hot or extreme cold.
The optimal operating temperature range for most electric vehicles is anywhere between 20°C to 25°C.
Driving in temperatures that are scorching hot (like temperatures of 35°C and above) can reduce the range of your EV by up to 15%. Charging can also be slower than usual in hot weather.
Driving in extreme cold, particularly sub-zero temperatures, can also render your EV inefficient and reduce its range by 10% to 20%. Charing can also take about 30 to 40 minutes longer during wintertime.
It’s generally fine to drive in slight rain, snowy, and muddy conditions. That said, you’ll have to regularly clean your car’s tyres as they tend to retire faster than tyres fitted for gas cars.
If your location leaves you exposed to extreme temperatures and harsh conditions, then consider getting comprehensive electric vehicle insurance to protect your money in preparation for the worst.
5. Know Your Car’s Range
Knowing your car’s range can give you a good estimate of how long your car can drive before needing a charge.
Usually, the car salesperson can give you specific information regarding your EV from the start. But you can also calculate the EV range yourself for further verification.
To calculate your EV range, multiply the battery capacity in kWh by the efficiency rating in miles/kWh. This will give you a general estimate of the range in miles, assuming your battery is at 100%.
The calculated result is the generous range estimate. You’ll likely have to lower the range based on the current battery levels, ground temperature, and driving conditions that your vehicle will be exposed to on the road.
6. Familiarise The Different Driving Experience
From looking for charging stations to using the accelerator, driving an EV introduces you to new habits and considerations.
For the driving experience itself, new drivers may be shocked at how fast the electric vehicle accelerates compared to gas-powered ones. This is due to the instant torque this car type provides.
Regenerative braking is another key feature unique to electric vehicles. This converts kinetic energy into usable energy, making your driving more efficient and extending your battery life.
With time and practice, you’ll familiarise yourself with the different intricacies of driving an EV. So don’t be discouraged if it’s difficult right now.
Have fun driving your new car!