So, you’re ready to hit the road in your electric vehicle (EV). Exciting, right? EVs bring so many benefits, from cleaner driving to smooth acceleration and reduced running costs.
But before you set off, there are some important things to consider when planning your trip. Electric cars offer a different experience compared to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles, so a bit of prep work can make your journey more seamless.
Whether it’s your first time planning a trip in your EV or you’re a seasoned pro, this guide will help you navigate the unique aspects of EV travel like a breeze.
Finding Charging Stations: The Key to a Stress-Free Journey
One of the biggest differences with EV travel is planning around charging stations. Unlike conventional petrol stations, which are everywhere, charging points still aren’t as widespread—yet. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. A little pre-planning goes a long way in ensuring your EV journey stays smooth.
Before setting off, look for charging stations along your route. Apps and websites can help you find the nearest charging points, whether you’re looking for EV charging stations in Manchester, London, or anywhere else in the UK.
If you’re taking a long journey, map out your route with charging stations in mind. It’s like planning a pit stop, only you’re powering up instead of fuelling up. Aim to charge during natural breaks, like when you stop for food, to make the most of your time.
Quick tip: Check if the charging stations are working and available. The last thing you want is to arrive at a charging point only to find it’s out of order or already in use.
Know Your EV’s Range
Understanding your vehicle’s range is another crucial factor. Range anxiety is a real thing when you’re driving an EV. Unlike a petrol car where you can drive for hundreds of miles without thinking twice, EVs require a bit more thought about how far you can go before you need to recharge.
Every EV is different, so knowing your car’s range per full charge is essential. But, remember, things like speed, weather conditions, and even how many gadgets you’ve got running can affect how far you can go.
If you’re driving on motorways or in cold weather, your range might be a bit shorter than expected. Planning for a bit of extra cushion in your range can save you from any unwanted surprises.
Charging Speeds: It’s Not Just About Finding a Charger
Not all chargers are created equal. Charging speeds vary, so it’s worth thinking about how quickly you’ll need to charge. There are rapid chargers, fast chargers, and standard chargers, all delivering different amounts of power to your battery.
- Rapid chargers – These can get your EV from 0 to 80% in about 30 minutes. Great for quick stops.
- Fast chargers – These take a few hours for a full charge, ideal for longer breaks.
- Standard chargers – Usually found at home or work, these can take overnight to fully charge your EV.
Consider how much time you’ve got for charging and choose your stops accordingly. For example, if you’re taking a lunch break, a fast charger might be the perfect fit. But if you’re just grabbing a quick coffee, a rapid charger will keep you on the road faster.
Plan for Different Types of Roads
EVs handle differently based on the types of roads you’re driving on. City driving with stop-start traffic is different from open motorway cruising. The range can be impacted by this, so it’s worth planning your route with that in mind.
For city driving, you might not need to worry as much about charging since shorter distances are easier on your battery. However, on motorways, you’ll be using more power, so planning where to charge up becomes more important. It’s all about balancing your journey with the charging needs of your EV.
Have a Backup Plan
Even the best plans sometimes go awry. Maybe a charging station is down, or you underestimated your range. It happens! So, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan.
Know where alternative charging stations are along your route, or consider carrying a portable charger as a last resort. These can give you enough juice to get to the next proper charging point if you’re ever in a pinch.
Also, keep an eye on your battery level as you drive. It might sound obvious, but it’s easy to get caught up in the journey and forget to check in on your power levels regularly.
Make Use of Regenerative Braking
Many EVs come with regenerative braking, which is a game-changer for energy efficiency. When you brake, the car recaptures some of that energy and uses it to recharge the battery, helping you extend your range.
Learn to make the most of this feature, especially on hilly routes where you can recover quite a bit of energy going downhill. It’s like getting a little top-up without needing to stop!
Factor in Charging Costs
Charging your EV is generally cheaper than filling up a petrol tank, but that doesn’t mean it’s free. Different charging stations have different costs. Some are free, but many, especially the rapid chargers, will have a fee.
These fees can vary, so it’s worth factoring in the cost of charging when planning your trip. If you’re travelling through areas where electricity is more expensive, this could affect your overall travel budget.
A New Way to Travel
Travelling in an EV is a unique experience that requires a bit more thought and planning. But once you get the hang of it, it’s incredibly rewarding. There’s something satisfying about knowing your trip is contributing to a cleaner planet and embracing the future of transportation.
Yes, it’s a different kind of road trip, but it’s a good one—filled with smooth rides, quiet cabins, and a growing network of charging stations ready to power your journey. With a little preparation, your EV road trip will be just as enjoyable, if not more so, than any traditional car journey.
Read Also: Hybrid vs Electric Car: What Are the Differences?