Top Tips for New Electric Car Owners
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
If you're a new electric vehicle owner, congratulations on choosing a cleaner, greener and more efficient option. Or, if you're considering switching to an EV, we're here to help you make the right choice. Here are some essential tips to help you get the most out of your EV.
Consider Your Driving Habits
Before anything else, thinking about how you'll be using your electric car is crucial. Do you have a daily commute? Will you use your EV for long road trips or short errands around town? Understanding your driving patterns will help you manage your EV's battery life and charging needs more effectively. If your daily driving distance is well within the range of your EV, you'll find it easier to manage charging and reduce range anxiety.
Familiarise Yourself with the EV App
EVs come with companion apps with many features, such as monitoring your car's battery level, locating charging stations, scheduling charging times, and even pre-conditioning your car's interior temperature. Spend time exploring the app, as knowing how to use it effectively will make your life as an EV owner much smoother.
Understand Your Car's Range
Your EV's range can vary based on driving conditions, speed, and weather. Get to know your vehicle's realistic range by watching the battery percentage and the estimated range provided by your car's display. Planning trips with your EV's range in mind will help avoid unexpected battery depletion and ensure a more relaxed experience.
Consider the Weather
Weather conditions can significantly impact your EV's performance. Cold weather, in particular, can reduce your EV's range because the battery must work harder to maintain optimal temperatures and power the heating system. Extremely hot weather can also affect battery efficiency. To mitigate these effects, you can pre-condition your car while it's still plugged in so it's comfortable when you start your journey.
Master Home and On-the-Go Charging
Charging an EV is a different experience than fuelling a traditional vehicle, but it's easy once you get the hang of it. You can charge your car overnight at home, which can be especially useful if you have a long commute or frequently drive. With solutions like Charge Gully, you can charge your car safely and conveniently even if you don't have a driveway with our cross-pavement charging solution.
Knowing where to find charging stations is crucial when you're out and about. Use your EV app or other charging network apps to locate nearby chargers. There are different public chargers, including Level 2 and DC fast chargers. Understanding the difference and knowing how to use them will keep your EV powered up on the go. It also helps to familiarise yourself with the payment methods and subscription plans for various charging networks to ensure seamless charging wherever you are.
You'll enjoy all the benefits of clean, efficient driving by understanding how to use, charge and maintain your EV effectively.