Electric vehicles, or EVs as they’re called, are steadily growing in popularity around the world. And, with a keen interest in environmental sustainability, it’s no wonder that Australians are eager to get on board.
Not only are EVs more cost-effective to operate but they also show a dramatic reduction in carbon emissions. This is largely because they can be powered up using EV chargers either at home or at a specified charging station.
Charging Your New EV—Simple Rules to Keep You Moving
If you’ve recently invested in your very first EV, here are a few pointers to consider when it comes to staying charged. Our experts have compiled a list of the most common tips to help you make the most of your new vehicle type.
1. Planning is Essential
Driving may be something you’ve done for the better part of your adult life. This may leave you thinking that you can just jump into your shiny new EV and continue as normal. While this is partly true, keep in mind that EV charging stations may not be as prevalent on your route as the more traditional petrol stations.
Therefore, you’ll need to plan your route in advance. Be sure to use various online or even onboard mapping services and manufacturer or service provider apps to identify the locations of public charging points. Alternatively, investing in a portable EV charger is a must for long-distance journeys.
2. Assess Your EVs Range
Aside from planning, it’s essential to learn and understand your new EV’s range. This includes understanding the charge rate it can handle so that you’ll be able to charge your vehicle more effectively.
To simplify, if your EV has a maximum charge rate of 50kW, it will not be able to charge any faster! You will need to know how long this process generally takes so that you can factor this time into your route planning.
3. Brush Up on EV Etiquette
The interest in EVs is growing across Australia. That means more people will be queuing up to use public charging stations. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to brush up on the current EV etiquette to ensure that you’re not responsible for unnecessary delays that affect yourself and other drivers.
Some of the more common etiquette tips to consider include the following:
- Don’t charge for longer than 30 minutes if another driver is waiting. If you’re using a DC rapid charger, half an hour of charging is more than enough to get you going again.
- Never unplug the charging cable from another driver, even if it looks like the charging is complete and the driver is not around. (They may have stepped into the rest room and unplugging the charger can be deemed as you interfering with their private property if their EV is still connected to the charger.)
- Avoid using a rapid charger if you’re driving a hybrid EV while someone with a complete EV is waiting to charge. If you’re driving a hybrid, you can still use fossil fuel to get you where you need to go. A complete EV NEEDS the charge, or they’re stuck. Don’t be inconsiderate—we all have places to go!
- Always return the charger cable to the hanger and the plug to its dock. And be sure to leave the area clean and rubbish free. Keep in mind that it’s a charging station, not a dustbin.
- Don’t park in a charging spot if you’re not charging!
- If you’re charging at a friend’s home, ask first and offer to pay for the charge. The going rate in Australia is currently 50c/kWh.
4. Avoid Charging Over 80%
For the most part, experts recommend that you avoid charging more than 80%. This is because the advanced lithium-ion batteries used by EVs only require an 80% charge to allow the vehicle to store kinetic energy.
5. Move on Quickly Once Done
You may view the time your EV is charging as an opportunity to grab a snack or two, stretch your legs and have a bathroom break. However, it’s essential to know when your car will be done charging.
Moving on immediately after charging allows other drivers to take advantage of the charging station. Keep in mind that the charging station you’re at may be the only one around. The golden rule is fast becoming, ‘charge, don’t park’!
6. Use The Apps
Our experts also recommend that you download a few EV apps to make the process considerably simpler. Updated EV apps will prevent you from being stranded without a charge or miles from a charging station. They can tell you whether an advertised charged station is open and working.
Final Thought
Owning an EV is a giant step forward in doing your bit for the environment. Learning the simple basics of the charging and driving process will ensure that you don’t regret your decision to buy this vehicle. Don’t get stuck miles away from a charging station.
Wishing you and your new EV many miles of safe driving!