Electric vehicles (EVs) are all the rage today. More and more people are cottoning on to the perks of driving these types of cars.
The sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles is set to be banned by 2030. While that date seems far off, other firms have taken matters into their own hands. Jaguar, for example, brings that date forward for their processes, selling only EVs from 2025. Lotus has set a target for 2028. Therefore, the takeover will likely immerge much sooner than the oft-recited date of 2030.
Still, all life changes can have a few ‘growing pains’ if the shift isn’t suitably prepared for. Making the most of driving an EV can make the experience more appealing. We all know EVs help the environment, but what about the driver experience? Keep reading for tips on making the most of driving an EV.
Learn About Charging Logistics
Much of the unnecessary complaints about EVs focus on charging logistics. While the availability of charging points used to be very low, and the charging itself time-consuming, things have changed now.
There’s more than one way to charge an EV, and some are more efficient than others. You can learn about charging times from LV ElectriX, who can help you manage these needs as competently as possible. They can talk you through home charging logistics, the capabilities of the standard and rapid public chargers, and how the age and model of the car affect wait times. Even the mathematical side of things is explained straightforwardly, allowing you to estimate accurate wait times.
Once you know what to expect, things can become easier to manage. If you don’t like standing around waiting, you can also fit home charge points to leave your vehicle to power up overnight. The cost-of-living crisis and higher energy bills may cause you to hesitate, but surprisingly, charging your EV doesn’t lead to much higher costs. New builds are also being fitted with these innovations on a mandatory basis now, so installing your own is far from a radical step.
You may need to plan your route as much if you take a portable charger with you, too, just in case of emergencies. A strategic use of your EVs regenerative braking systems is also recommended, as they preserve charge.
Utilise EV Apps
Many duties in life can now be attended to in app form. The same is true for EV owners, who can view much of their road-related data via their smartphone screen.
There are many handy apps for EV drivers to look into. They typically feature the maps of charge stations in any local areas you’re visiting. Some add to that function, though, providing both historical data and real-time updates on whether the charge point is in active use. Equipped with these informative tools, you can plan accordingly.
Manufacturers of EVs sometimes develop their own specific apps too. Compatible with their cars, these tools allow you to remotely lock and unlock your EV and notify you when your EV has finished charging if you want to go off and do something else nearby while you wait. You can also defrost your windows with a swipe of the screen!
Stop Wasting Power
While charging your EV is easier than it used to be, this doesn’t mean you should unthinkingly consume all the power in your car. Energy conservation should still be a priority.
After all, many things affect how much electricity your car uses; some of them can be tweaked by you as the driver. A lighter load can greatly reduce how much electricity is used and the quality of tires. You should also avoid having gaming consoles installed inside, as they can significantly deplete the battery. Idling your vehicle will also drain the battery, which is to be expected. Responsible ownership means you’ll use public charge points less, saving you and your fellow EV users lots of time.
You might notice that most of these measures apply to gas-guzzling vehicles too. Consequently, you don’t really have more to think about, but some EV drivers can be lulled into a false sense of security and assume little more is required of them. Still, road users should always be responsible, irrespective of what type of car they’re using.
Introduce Others to EVs
Those that preach eco-friendly lifestyles can be polarising among certain individuals. Still, those grumpier souls are probably not worth knowing anyway.
Being the owner of an EV is a great way to organically introduce others to the perks of driving these cars. One might even say it’s your responsibility, as it will take global change to scale back the emissions and protect the planet. The EV itself is an ice-breaker and potentially an instrument for inspiring further change.
Take friends and family with you on trips (though not too many, see the point above about weight-depleting energy), so they can see first-hand how the EV operates. Once they experience the quieter engine and all other convenient aspects, they may feel more incentivised to buy or lease their own.
