Many of us have thrilling summer adventures ahead, exploring holidays and destinations with an electric car. But at the same time, people suffer from ‘range anxiety’: they are afraid the car’s battery will run out of charge before reaching the destination. Enjoy a carefree road trip, with our three (plus one) fundamental pointers, and discover why you’ll never hesitate to embark on long drives with your EV in the near future.
1. Effective route planning
As with any road trip, the first step to a successful adventure in your electric vehicle (EV) is effective route planning. But when it comes to EVs, the map takes on a whole new level of importance. Forget about the quickest route; it’s all about the charging stations.
E-mobility platforms such as PlugShare and ChargeHub offer extensive, user-updated databases of charging stations across Europe and North America, respectively. These resources allow you to plan your route based on the location of charging stations, ensuring you’ll never be left stranded far from a power source. It’s advisable to plan your stops around these charging points, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore local attractions or grab a bite while your vehicle powers up.
2. Regular maintenance check
Preventive maintenance is just as crucial for electric cars as it is for those with internal combustion engines. Although EVs have fewer moving parts and thus less chance of mechanical failure, they’re not entirely maintenance-free.
Before setting out, ensure your tyres are in good condition and properly inflated to reduce drag and increase your vehicle’s range. Also, check the health of your battery as extreme temperatures can affect its performance. Finally, make certain all software updates have been installed as they often include improvements that can increase your battery’s efficiency and range.
3. Drive smart: Optimise energy usage
The way you drive can significantly impact your vehicle’s energy consumption. Although electric cars are renowned for their quick acceleration, this can drain the battery faster. To maximise your vehicle’s range, it’s recommended to accelerate slowly and smoothly. Additionally, using your car’s regenerative braking system, which recovers energy during deceleration, can help extend your battery life.
Another point to consider is the use of air conditioning and heating systems, which can dramatically reduce your EV’s range. If possible, pre-condition your vehicle while it’s still plugged in, thereby saving your battery’s energy for the journey. Many EVs offer smartphone apps that allow you to schedule pre-conditioning, ensuring your car is at the perfect temperature when you’re ready to hit the road.
4. Relax. Embrace the adventure
As the world continues to embrace e-mobility, infrastructure and support for electric vehicles are rapidly improving, making it easier than ever to explore the open road in your EV.
To put your worries into perspective; Last year, Innovation Origins spoke to Renske Cox and Maarten van Pel from the Dutch town of Helvoirt. They decided to take on a big adventure. In November, the couple went on a long journey to South Africa and back again, with an e-car. Fair enough, they made use of an off-grid charging system. But they had other challenges. What if the sun doesn’t shine? Surely, if they can make it to South Africa, you can certainly make it to France, Italy or Spain.
An exciting future for EVs
We are heading towards a future where we will never have to experience range anxiety with EVs again. Amongst others, intelligent battery and charge functions will ensure this. Recently, Stellantis unveiled a groundbreaking inverterless electric power train for EVs. This innovation not only enhances the range of EVs but also reduces costs and frees up space within vehicles. And there are many more other battery inventions that will improve EV range drastically.
Charge up, buckle up, and set off on your electrifying journey. Enjoy your holiday!
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