10 Tips for Planning a Road Trip With Your Electric Vehicle
If you plan on going on a long trip with your electric vehicle (EV), knowing how to execute long drives without running out of power becomes a necessity. Also, even if you already own an electric vehicle or you are planning to rent one, these tips will help to make sure there will be no obstacles on the way and the trip is going to be pleasant.
If you stay in a city, you must have been accustomed to the fact that there are EV charging stations stationed very close to you. But when one goes on a long road trip, that may not always be the case. So, if you are thinking about going on a road trip to tour about places in an environment-friendly way using an electric vehicle, then here are some important tips to follow to make the trip safe and pleasant.
- Know Your Car’s Driving Range
The driving range of the EV also determines the frequency of charging intervals. It greatly varies from one model to another. To determine your vehicle’s range, it’s best to consult the owner’s manual which contains specifications about the make and model you are driving. If you are planning to rent, try to prioritize the vehicle which has the most extended driving range to reduce the charging stops on your way.
- Make Charging Time a Part of Your Travel Plan
Make provisions in your itinerary for such breaks in between activities as a way of recharging. Be sure to put aside time in your schedule for charging your EV. Charging EVs can range from approximate 20 minute intervals to several hours, based on the charging location and the vehicle itself. Plan your stops in such a way that you can still be productive or have fun while doing so such as sightseeing, grab a bite or shop.
- Scan Ahead for Charging Points
Being able to locate a place to charge your car is very important especially given that there are places without a charging point than there are places that do. Solutions for locating outlets such as PlugShare and ChargePoint allow you to plot out charging facilities available along your journey. These applications will have information of where you can find the facilities and therefore help in organizing your travels.
- Don’t Carry Too Much Load in the Vehicle
The more the drag the more energy consumed by the EV to a certain level increased charging, in most instances. In order to make the best use out of your EV’s range, you should try to carry light luggage and avoid any extra equipment. For example, rather than carrying your own bike, you can probably rent one, thus saving you time and energy when you get there.
- Evaluate the Effect of Weather on Range
It is known that sometimes the weather conditions can influence the range of your EV. For instance, lower temperatures will cause your battery to operate at a lesser capacity. In that case, you will need to make more frequent charging stops if you are going to a colder place. Recurrent, an EV battery life monitoring company, has pegged the erosion in the range caused by cold weather from 3% to 33%. On the other hand, very high temperature is another factor which plays down the battery efficiency as the temperature above 90°F (32°C) starts to make the battery lose range by about 5% and much more at higher ranges.
- Drive To Extend The Range
The manner in which you drive your vehicle also matters when it comes to efficiency of your vehicle. Do not attempt any sudden rush, since such speeds will drain much of your energy, thus reducing the distance you can cover by the car. A road trip you should also see as a vacation, try to wise up the mind and absorb some scenes, so do not drive fast.
- Try and Find Hotels which have Charging Points
If you are likely to stay overnight in the course of your journey, wait to see if the hotel has charging facilities for its guests. This can be the perfect option as you know your car will be charged while you go to sleep. Else, do remember to ask about charging fees as well. Some lodges have free charging that is very attractive while making a hotel booking.
- Review The Rental Car Insurance Policies of Your Credit Cards In cases of using an EV
In case you are planning for a road trip and will need to rent an EV, check whether the insurance protection offered when renting a vehicle by credit card extended to EVs. This is not always a guarantee that is why CTLP should be put in place, as if this is not present and something goes wrong on the road, expectations might be exceeded in terms of costs.
- Check with Any Particular Charging Ev Charges Are Required Upon Return Of The Rental Vehicle
Other rental firms may insist on the full charge of EVs on return. This is a requirement that should be inquired when renting to avoid unforeseen costs. Charging helps in internalization of other steps before returning the vehicle, but it is likely to save additional fees.
- The Dangers Of Over Planning AD S N Times The Snorkel
Finally, some aspects of road-tripping will always remain unsettled; some will require a lot of versatility, and when it comes to road-tripping with an EV for the first time, versatility is even more needed. It is advisable to remain calm and compromise along the way. A good frame of mind makes it possible to have fun and not waste the trip.
Bottom Line
Going on a long road trip in an EV has advantages: a green way of traveling, saves gas, and contributes to a smaller carbon footprint. On the other hand, it must be remembered that adequate planning is also needed to not find oneself out of power in an inconvenient situation. By doing all that, the EV road trip will be pleasurable and safe for nature as well.
