Making an extensive drive in your electric car can be fun. You’ll have a great deal traveling around the country or even between countries without having to use a single drop of gas. The excitement of new places will certainly be a thrill in its own right. But in order to make the most out of your drive, you have to watch for what you do before you take off. We have compiled ten critical tips that you can use to make it easier for you to enjoy your drive in your electric car.
Check around for charging stations. (Source: Shutterstock)
Check Online For Charging Stations
Before you head out, look online to find charging stations wherever you plan on going. Don’t assume that you can easily find a charger just anywhere. You have to look at the latest online directories to find information on various charging stations as well as what types of stations they are.
Check to see that you can find enough Level 3 stations. These are places that offer 480v charging units that can get your vehicle battery charged up in less than an hour. This is critical when you consider how it will take several more hours for you to get your battery charged up on a lighter station.
Some stations may be rather popular. (Source: Shutterstock)
See If You Need To Reserve Stations
Some charging stations might be reserved for certain people at specific times in the day. For example, a charging station might be available to you during standard business hours at a private location. Check carefully to see what you might find when reserving stations so you can at least keep from being locked out of a place you have found online.
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Bring An Extension Cord
You might have to bring an extension cord with you in case you have to stay at a hotel that doesn’t have a charging station. With a cord, you can link your car up to a power outlet in your car to an outlet in your hotel room. This is provided that you have a hotel room that is on the first floor. Make sure you get something long enough for any contingency while also trying to secure a first-floor room if possible.
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Watch For Where You Might Stop For a While
There might be cases where you would have to stop your vehicle for a while as you drive. For instance, you might be stuck in a traffic jam on some busy roads. Check your planned route and look to see if there are any alternative pathways based on expected traffic concerns or construction delays.
On a related note, this tip is especially important if you plan on crossing any international borders in your vehicle. Try and get your battery charged up all the way before getting to a border crossing. This is to keep your vehicle from running out of power in the event that there is an immense line at the crossing.
Don’t be afraid to take it slow. (Source: Shutterstock)
Avoid Driving Quickly
You might feel that by driving a little faster, you will get to your destination sooner. This might not actually be the case with an electric car. By driving faster, you will be using more power on your battery. This in turn reduces the timing in between charges. Therefore, you must drive slower at around the speed limit if possible. This is to keep the energy usage on the battery from being as strong as it should be.
Watch for how much battery power is left. (Source: Shutterstock)
Avoid Going to Less Than 20 Miles Below Your Range
Always get your battery recharged before you get to having less than 20 miles on your range. This is a conservative approach to a long drive that provides you with enough room for getting to charging stations. This is especially crucial if you plan on going to certain areas where it’s tough to find a charging station. Besides, the charging process will not take as long if you do have a decent amount of power level in your battery. Of course, you can also avoid the problem of an alarm going off in your vehicle because you are dangerously low on power.
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Keep the Windows Up
While it sounds like a great idea to enjoy the wind as you drive, this would actually be harmful to the electric car. By rolling your windows down, you can add a bit of drag as the wind gets into the cabin of your vehicle. This could cause problems where you will use more energy than needed. Make sure you keep your windows rolled up so you don’t bear with far too much drag as you are driving.
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Pack Light
You will use more energy in your vehicle if you have far too much weight loaded into it. Always pack light while avoiding bringing more than what you need in your car. As you pack lighter, you will reduce the drag on your vehicle. This should make it easier for you to enjoy a good ride. You’ll also have an easier time with figuring out what you can and cannot bring while even keeping your truck a little more organized when used properly enough.
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Check Your Eco Mode
Any Eco mode features in your car should be used while taking a long drive. This is especially ideal if you’re on a highway where you will attain a consistent speed. With such an Eco mode, your car will use less energy as it doesn’t require too much of a need to accelerate. It won’t require as much braking power either.
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Always Keep Your Phone Charged
The last tip is to make sure your phone is charged at all times. You must have something on hand in the event that any problems happen with your battery and you are stranded on the road. You can even use a portable battery pack for your phone to keep it charged if needed. The key is to ensure that you can get in touch with someone in the event that there is a problem with your vehicle.
