You might have heard the term ‘Range concern’ mentioned about long trips in an EV. While this might have been true years ago, there are now more public chargers on UK roads than petrol pumps, making longer journeys easier than ever. Here’s our tips on how to make longer trips a breeze.
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A little bit of preparation goes a long way
With a little planning, long journeys can be a breeze. Before you set off, here are a few things that will make life easier.
1. Plan your route
A quick stop for a fast charge at a motorway services is easy. But with a bit of planning you could combine charging with a break at a shopping centre, restaurant, or country park. Did you know there are now more electric charging points than petrol pumps in the UK?
2. Pack your charging cables
While most public charge points have their own tethered cables, having your own charging cable and any adapters handy will make sure you’re always able to top up.
3. Check tyre pressures
If your tyres are under-inflated, more of the surface touches the road. This creates more rolling resistance, which means more energy is needed to keep you moving. Over time, this can really add up.
4. Charge up
Having a full battery before you set off might sound obvious, but it’s well worth adding to the to-do list. Using your EV’s climate control to cool or warm the cabin before you leave means there’s more battery power to keep you moving.
Managing charging time on long trips
Combining a lunch stop or comfort break with charging is the perfect way to make the most of your time. You can make a rough calculation of how long it takes to charge an EV by dividing the capacity of the battery by the power of the charger.
For example the AION V, which has a 75kWh battery, will take around an hour to go from 20% to 80% using a 50kW charger.
If you’re short on time, you could use an Ultra-rapid charger to charge the same amount in around 20 minutes.
What to do if charging doesn’t go to plan
If you find your EV running out of charge, but don’t know where to go, don’t panic. In the UK you’re never that far from a charging point. There are lots of apps, like Zap-Map or Google Maps that can show you where the nearest charging points are.
You can extend the range of the power you have left by slowing down – lowering your speed by 10mph can make a real difference – and turning off things like air conditioning. In an emergency, many breakdown services support EVs.
Tips for stress-free long EV journeys
Modern EVs can go hundreds of miles between charges, giving you the freedom to easily travel long distances. It’s always better to be prepared though, so here are some top tips.
- Download apps that can help you find charging points and compare prices
- Give yourself some breathing room. Try and plan to keep your battery above 15%
- Using reliable, well known charging networks can give you peace of mind
- Have at least two means of contactless payment, just in case
- Drive efficiently. Sticking to the speed limit maximises your battery life
- Driving in winter? Cold weather can reduce your range, but there are ways to counter it.
Going the distance
- The UK has more public chargers than petrol pumps – with hundreds more appearing every week, long trips have never been easier.
- Preparing in advance is the key – plan your route, have cables handy, check tyre pressures and start with a full charge.
- Use a standard charger if you’re stopping for lunch – or an Ultra-rapid charger if time is of the essence.
- Apps like Zap-Map or Google Maps are your friend – they’ll show where your nearest chargers are.
- Maximise your mileage – driving a few mph slower or turning off the air con if you don’t need it keep the wheels turning for longer.
