Most people who have bought an electric vehicle are used to driving a standard petrol/diesel engine, so it is worthwhile taking time to get used to driving with an electric motor. To help you with that task, here are 10 best practices for a new electric vehicle owner.
1. Plan your route carefully.
EVs on the market today may offer up to or over 200 miles per charge. With that in mind, it is not worth taking long trips without planning and ensuring you can recharge your car along the way.
2. Take advantage of the battery's strength.
There are many descriptions for EVs, but most people could say that they combine the robustness of a combustion engine with the quickness of an electric motor. EVs indeed have enough acceleration to surprise even regular petrol/diesel car drivers. However, you should know that accelerating too hard will drain the vehicle's battery more quickly and accelerate its degradation. So, take it easy on those pedal launches!
3. Keep it away from extreme temperatures.
Just like any other vehicle, an EV is affected by extreme temperatures. If you live where it snows, it may be hard to keep your car's battery warm enough when parked outside for extended periods. In addition, parking in the sun can take its toll on your battery, so find somewhere in-between if possible.
4. Use regenerative braking whenever possible.
Regenerative braking occurs when you release the accelerator. The vehicle's electric motor becomes a generator, sending an electrical charge to the battery. It takes some getting used to, but it will make your car last longer.
5. Don't drive until empty.
Don't allow your battery to get too low on energy before recharging. Modern batteries are much better at holding their charge over time; however, discharging them too far regularly decreases their overall lifespan. So monitor that fuel gauge closely!
6. Turn off the AC as soon as you start driving.
The idle of an electric vehicle is incredibly low compared to its petrol/diesel counterparts. Meaning, there is no need to use the AC at all while stationary. In some cases, using the AC takes quite a bit of juice from the battery even when moving–so keep it turned off until you reach a significant speed!
7. Charge during non-peak hours if possible.
Surprisingly, charging an electric car takes longer then filling up a petrol or diesel car with fuel–this means that charging during peak hours will take even more time and money. If possible, consider charging overnight instead of during work hours.
8. Drive efficiently.
Electric cars allow you to drive further on your money versus petrol/diesel cars; however, if you drive inefficiently, you'll put more strain on the battery. Consider refraining from wasteful driving habits such as harsh braking and high speeds. Try sticking to smooth acceleration and gentle brake pressure for best results.
9. Research public charging stations.
If your car cannot reach your destination, a public charging station could be life-saving. Plugshare is the largest global open EV charging network that provides real-time information about locations and availability of electric car chargers. By using this app, you'll be able to find reliable information about whether or not there are free or paid spots available at any location you visit.
10. Use an accelerated charger if possible.
Use an AC 240V charger for EV charging. It minimizes stress on the battery by replenishing only so much energy as needed while maintaining safe heat levels within the battery. Heat is the enemy of all rechargeable batteries--so overcharging and overheating are problems to avoid when charging your car. The accelerated charger cools itself while fast-charging, so it can provide up to five times the normal charge in only 30 minutes!
Your EV Store is a great choice for your first EV charger. We sell electric vehicle accessories throughout the United States. Purchase your first wall mount EV Charger from Your EV Store today.