As EV charging becomes more necessary with more electric cars, trucks, and SUVs sold, there may be more ways to charge, but these tips will help you.
Recently, Tesla announced it would open up the Supercharging network to other EVs to be able to charge. This means 7,500 new chargers will be available to all EVs, but that just barely makes a dent in the numbers required by the end of the decade. While the government and automakers figure out how to create the desired infrastructure, we’ve got some tips to help you get the most out of your electric vehicle.
Apps help make your drive better
Instead of succumbing to range anxiety in an electric vehicle, you can download apps that help you plan your route and know where the charging stations are located. Some of these apps are PlugShare, Chargehub, Chargeway, and BetterRoutePlanner. Many EVs also come with connectivity to give you more information than you find with traditional models. This can help you understand how much driving range is left before you need to find a charging station.
Travel outside of peak hours
The peak hours of electrical use in your home are the same as they would at charging stations. This means you’ll typically pay more for EV charging when the vehicle is plugged in during these times. These hours are typically between 8-11 am and 4-10 pm. While that doesn’t leave a lot of charging hours, if you need to take advantage of public chargers, you’ll be glad to avoid the lines and crowds that can gather at some of these charging stations during normal travel hours.
An online EV community can keep you informed of the latest news
If a charging station is down for maintenance, inoperable, or recently built, you’ll want to know about it when you drive an electric car. It’s a good idea to join an online community platform with the desired discussions. These discussion boards are often associated with the various electric charging companies or locatedion more open public locations such as Reddit and Facebook. These forums are a great way to get your questions answered.
Properly store your charging equipment
Your charging equipment is essential to success when you pull in and use an EV charging station. The equipment you need to keep safe includes your car charger and adapters, which typically come in a protective casing. This packaging is made to keep your charging equipment away from dust, debris, and damp conditions, ensuring longevity for your equipment. If your charging equipment isn’t working properly, you can’t charge your vehicle, which means you won’t be driving anywhere. Ensure it’s stored and cared for the right way.
Make sure you’ve got an at-home EV charging station
One of the most important aspects of driving electric vehicles is the ability to charge them to a full charge regularly. This typically cannot be done at a public charging station. You’ll want to have an at-home charger available to ensure you’ve got the most affordable and complete charging system for your vehicle. Modern EVs have systems in the charging equipment to stop the charging once completed, but you’ll need to ensure your EV has this system so that you don’t overcharge the car batteries.
Extra green could be the way to go
Many states offer benefits and grants for homeowners willing to install solar panels on their rooftops. These items turn solar energy into electricity, which means your home can be even greener than it would be if you only use the electric grid. You’ll save a lot of money over the course of your home ownership and improve your overall carbon footprint when you install solar panels on your roof. Even if you don’t drive an electric vehicle, this can be a great way to save money on your electric bill.
Drive more conservatively
If you want to get the most out of your EV batteries, you’ve got to slow down. This will help extend the driving range and allow you to avoid charging your EV for a few days instead of every day. Slowing down and driving more conservatively allows you to conserve energy stored in the batteries. The faster you drive, the sooner your EV battery will drain and need recharging. Use the regenerative braking system as often as possible. This will add more driving range to your ride.
Take care of your battery
It’s not a good idea to let your battery drain down to nearly empty before you charge it. As a general rule, you should plan to charge your battery when you reach 30% of the charge left in it. Fast charging can be bad for your battery. It’s better to charge your EV at home where the electricity flow isn’t as robust. Understanding how to take care of your battery is a sure way to extend the life of your electric vehicle.
Keep your EV cooler
High temperatures can be damaging to the battery system and reduce your battery life. It’s well documented that electric vehicles are more susceptible to issues when facing extreme temperatures. Even when it’s relatively mild out, you should try and find a shady spot to park while you’re in the office for the day. This is a great way to protect your EV and allow the charging system to last much longer than if you stayed in the sun all the time.
Carry a portable charger or a regular household charging cord
You won’t always be in a place where you can plug into a fast charger or use your at-home system. This means you should carry a portable charger or a cord that plugs into a regular household outlet when you need to top up your batteries. This is a great way to ensure your EV charging is enough to get you where you want to go. Of course, a better way to handle this situation is to charge beforehand, but that’s not always possible.
Use these ten EV charging tips to help make it easier and more convenient for your to own your new electric vehicle.
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