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5 tips for vacationing with an electric car
In everyday life, electric cars are mostly used for short journeys. Users are even less used to handling their vehicles on long journeys. But that's exactly what's needed when you go on summer vacation with an electric car. An expert explains what's important.
5 tips for vacationing with an electric car
The current one EV Driver Survey shows: Only 16 percent of electric car owners drive more than 500 km per week - so long distances are the exception in everyday life. During the holiday season, many drivers travel long distances in their electric cars for the first time. Concerns about charging infrastructure and range are not uncommon. But charging options are now available almost everywhere - like any trip, a trip with an electric car requires sufficient planning. Klaus Schmidt-Dannert, Regional Manager DACH at NewMotion, gives five tips on how electric car owners can have a smooth trip on their summer vacation:
1. Route planning: Where can I charge?
The European charging network is becoming increasingly dense - in our NewMotion roaming network alone there are now over 243,000 publicly accessible charging stations available in 35 countries. However, the following applies: A trip with an electric car should be prepared more thoroughly than a long-distance trip with a combustion engine. In order not to be surprised by blank spots on the map, electric car drivers should check in advance where charging stops are possible. Tools such as the Shell Recharge app, in which electric car drivers can view available charging points and prices, are suitable for this purpose.
2. Is my charging card compatible?
Our EV Driver Survey shows: Even though most electric car drivers get by with one charging card, 59 percent of them have two or more charging cards just in case. Before traveling abroad, drivers should make sure that their cards offer access to the charging network in other countries. Roaming network providers are particularly suitable - this means that e-car owners have access to the charging points of various operators with one card.
3. Adjusting your driving style protects your range
In our EV Driver Survey, almost half of all drivers say they drive more gently since switching to an electric car. This protects the battery and improves efficiency. As a rule of thumb, drivers should recharge when the battery level is 10 – 20 percent.
4. Fast charging for short waiting times
13 percent of all respondents in the EV Driver Survey stated that they never use fast charging points. For distances over 500 km, intermediate charging can hardly be avoided. That's why electric car drivers should pay particular attention to which rest areas offer fast charging points. With one of the over 20,000 fast charging points in Europe, the waiting time can be kept as short as possible. Be sure to find out in advance which maximum charging speeds for AC (normal charging) and DC (quick charging) your vehicle supports.
5. Charge overnight at your destination and remember your charging cable
Drivers should always ask what charging options are available at their destination. Does the hotel offer a parking space where the vehicle can be charged overnight? If not, how far away is the nearest public charging point? E-car drivers should definitely make sure to charge their vehicle overnight so that the full range is available the next day. Remember to bring your own Type 2 AC charging cable as most public AC charging points do not have a fixed charging cable.