Society’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs) continues to take hold, with more motorists making the switch every year. Sales are expected to increase substantially over the next five years, presumably helped by decreasing costs and increased investment in electric infrastructure across the country.
However, there are still challenges for EV drivers in the present. The ranges of popular electric cars, such as the MG4 EV or Volkswagen ID.3, are impressive at around 300 miles. But this doesn’t quite cut the mustard for longer journeys. Whether you’re travelling long distances for work or leisure, here are a few tips to help you get from A to B more smoothly.
Know your range and plan ahead
Before any long journey, you should be considering the distance you need to travel and the range of your vehicle. Then, you’ll be able to work out how many stops need to make to reach your destination.
Plan your route so you’re comfortable with the distances and times you’ll be driving. You can’t afford to end up stranded, especially if you’ve got somewhere to be!
Map out charging stops before you leave
EV charging points aren’t as widespread as petrol stations, just yet anyway. So, map out potential stops before you leave or plan exactly which points you’ll be stopping at to give you some peace of mind.
There are plenty of EV charging apps for you to identify stations along your route. Leaving without knowing where you’re stopping is risky, and nobody needs that stress in their life.
How to maximise your range
Just like a fuel tank, you can maximise how far a full charge takes you with a few simple tricks. Here are some of the most effective:
- Make use of regenerative braking (if available)
- Turn on eco-mode or range-maximising settings
- Avoid harsh acceleration (no matter how fun it is!)
- Keep a steady speed as much as possible
- Maintain your battery with good charging habits
Be prepared for emergencies
It’s always better to be prepared while you’re out and about, especially if you’re on a long journey in an EV. Take a portable charging cable and adapter, just in case you have compatibility issues with a charge point.
Have an idea of backup charging points in case your first choice is out of use or unavailable for any reason. Many of the apps mentioned above have real-time features so you can see their status and availability.
Other than that, best of luck on your journey and enjoy the ride!
