Your first electric vehicle : essential tips
So, you've carefully chosen your first electric car, and it's either on its way or has just arrived. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your new electric vehicle (EV).
Get connected
Nearly every modern electric car comes with an app provided by the manufacturer. Once you've downloaded the correct app and completed a simple registration process, you're ready to go. While petrol and diesel cars may have apps, EV apps often offer additional, valuable features.
For most EVs, you can check your car's range without leaving your home. Some apps even allow you to set a charging schedule, which is particularly useful if you have an off-peak electricity tariff. You can program your car to charge during times when electricity is cheaper, such as overnight, or when utility companies offer rewards for reducing energy use during peak hours.
Additionally, many apps let you set a departure time. This feature can pre-heat or cool the cabin and pre-condition the battery while the car is still plugged in, preventing any impact on your driving range. In winter, this saves you from defrosting, and in summer, you can step into a cool car maximizing both comfort and efficiency.
Maximize your range
The best way to maximize your EV’s range is to drive efficiently just as you would with any other vehicle. However, electric cars offer additional tools to help you go further. Most EVs have regenerative braking, which recaptures energy when you slow down or brake, sending it back to the battery.
Some EVs even feature paddles that control the level of regenerative braking or "eco" modes to increase its effect. When you release the accelerator or use the paddles, the car will slow down more aggressively, harvesting more energy and extending your range.
In certain EVs, regenerative braking can bring the car to a complete stop, allowing you to drive with just the accelerator pedal—press to go, lift to stop. This can take some time to get used to, so it’s a good idea to practice in a low-traffic area.
For more tips, check out our guide on Five Tips for Driving Efficiently in an Electric Car.
Be charge-ready
Pre-conditioning your EV’s battery is a key feature to ensure you're prepared for efficient and fast charging, especially when using public charging stations. Pre-conditioning typically involves optimizing the battery's temperature before you begin charging. Batteries operate best within a certain temperature range, and when they're too cold or too hot, charging speeds can slow down. By pre-conditioning the battery, the car ensures that it's at the ideal temperature to accept a charge as efficiently as possible, especially when you're aiming for a fast charge.
In many electric vehicles, this process can be activated through the car’s app or directly from the in-car settings. One common way to initiate pre-conditioning is by setting your destination into the car's satellite navigation system. When you do this, the car recognizes that you're heading to a charging point and begins preparing the battery for maximum charging speed. This means that by the time you reach a rapid or ultra-rapid charger, your EV is already in the optimal state to accept the fastest possible charge, minimizing waiting times.
Pre-conditioning is especially useful when you’re in colder climates or during winter months, as batteries tend to perform less efficiently in low temperatures. By warming the battery before you arrive at the charging station, you not only charge faster, but you also help maintain the long-term health of the battery.
It's also beneficial when you need to charge quickly on the go, as public charging stations are designed to deliver high-speed electricity—particularly rapid chargers (100kW-150kW) and ultra-rapid chargers (150kW+). Since charging time often slows down after 80%, pre-conditioning the battery for the portion of the charge from 20% to 80% allows you to get the most out of the station’s speed while on the road.
If your EV supports this feature, using it regularly can greatly enhance your charging experience, making long trips more manageable and saving you precious time at charging stops.
Speedy charging
Several factors influence how fast your car charges, including its capacity to accept electricity and the output of the charging station.
To charge more efficiently on public networks, it’s often best to arrive with a low battery (around 20% or less) and top up to about 80%. Charging from 80% to 100% takes much longer, so planning for two shorter charging stops in the 20-80% range will save time on longer trips.
Protecting your battery
Charging to 80% not only speeds up the process but can also prolong your battery's lifespan. Regularly charging to 100% isn't always recommended for optimal battery health. However, most car manufacturers offer warranties that cover the battery’s capacity, regardless of how it’s charged.
If you want to maintain your battery's condition, you can usually set a maximum charge level through your car's settings or the connected app. Keeping it at 80% for daily use can help extend its life in the long term.
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