As increasing numbers of drivers choose an electric vehicle (EV) as their next car, more and more people will be making their first electric vehicle long journey where it will be necessary to go beyond the range of the vehicle. As range and charging are some of the most common concerns when first going electric, here’s our 10-point guide to making sure the experience is as successful as possible.
1. Planning
The secret to covering long journeys in an EV is planning. Once you know there’s a long trip coming up that will necessitate on-route charging, then you can factor in a few things to work out the best place to charge.
Knowing the range of the car is obviously essential, plus the journey length, but it’s also worth considering how far from your desired route you’re willing to deviate to charge and how much you’re willing to pay for electricity. Also, whether you have an opportunity to charge at your destination.
There are several apps which can show charge points. Use these to plan where to charge and alternative charging points if your first option isn’t available when you arrive.
The best way to plan is to use apps like Zapmap, WattsUp or the app from the car maker, if available. However, it may be worth also using Google Maps as some of its mapping tools – such as traffic conditions – aren’t covered by Zapmap. Many EVs will direct you to charging points when your mileage range hits a certain level; with the more sophisticated even telling you if there are charge points free at the location.
2. Charge point types
To plan according to time and charge points, it’s good to know how fast your car will charge and what rate of charge it will accept.
So, if your EV will charge at 50kW there’s little point looking at 100kW+ charge points which can be more expensive. However, the opposite is also true. If the car will charge at 100kW or higher, then using these faster charge points will mean significantly shorter stops.
You’ll also need to make sure the charge-point you’ve chosen has the correct connector for your car.
3. Know your range
You’ll get to know if your EV’s trip computer provides an accurate range figure and the impact which warmer and colder temperatures will have on your range capabilities – generally, the colder the temperature the less range you’ll achieve.
However, it’s also worth memorising a few basic sums to help calculate your real-world range.
All EVs show how efficient they are, usually in the form of miles per kilowatt-hour (kWh). In other words, if a car is running at 3.0 miles per kWh and it has a 70kWh battery, then 3.0 x 70 = 210 miles of range. But if the car’s doing 4.0 miles per kWh, then the range will be 280 miles. Being able to do these sums on-the-fly is a useful way of checking your range.
4. Have a back-up plan
The UK charging network is improving rapidly and it’s always good to have a ‘plan B’ in case the charge point you want is busy or out of action. There’s also the possibility of diversions, traffic and wrong turnings, so it’s worth having additional range than just your journey mileage.
If you’ve got a back-up plan and spare miles, then this will reduce range or charge point anxiety.
5. Make a call
While we’re on the topic of charge points not working, it’s worth not giving up on a ‘difficult’ charge point, but instead phoning the helpline that’s printed on almost every charge point. This is particularly handy if there aren’t many other options to choose from nearby.
Often charge points can be reset remotely or, if payment systems aren’t working, the provider may offer solutions to make up for the inconvenience.
6. Install apps to help you plan and pay
Apps to cover both the journey planning and the ability to charge are really helpful.
While lots of public charge points take contactless payment, this can be out of action or more costly than using the supplier’s app.
It’s also best to install the apps and register before you start your journey in order to save time when trying to connect to charge.
7. Use the time wisely
Once you’ve plugged in and your car is charging, use the time constructively.
This could be as simple as having a bite to eat, attending a meeting or answering emails and phone calls.
Ideally, it’s best to plan to charge where you’re stopped for longest or schedule a stop at a ‘destination’, so you can make best use of your time – see point eight.
8. Think about the destination and return
Two points that are often overlooked are charging at the destination and on the return journey.
If you’re travelling for business and have control over your destination location, it’s worth booking meeting venues that have charge points – where possible. As meetings can last for a couple of hours, the charge points don’t need to be that fast to gain a useful amount of top-up charge. If you’re going to visit relatives, this is less of an issue and you could catch up for lunch or dinner!
9. Beyond charging
Think about the facilities you’ll need – the loo, for instance. It’s all very well charging your car, but will you need the loo or want something to eat?
If the charge point is at a motorway services, that’s probably not an issue.
10. Experience
Possibly the biggest help to making long EV journeys with recharging go as smoothly as possible is simply to learn from experience.
Getting over the hurdle of range anxiety for the first journey is much more difficult than the second trip.
Once you really know how far your EV will go on a single charge, then you can fine tune your planning for the next journey.
Driving
Charging
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If you'd like to discuss your EV needs in more detail, please get in touch with your Arval Business or Account Manager.
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