How to Plan Long Trips with Electric Cars: 6 Expert Tips

The world of electric cars is expanding with each passing month. Here at Carsa, we’ve got a selection of some of the very latest EVs, so if you are considering making the switch then check out our range of battery-powered electric cars - there’s something for all drivers.

But if you’re thinking of using your electric cars for a long-distance journey, what do you need to consider? In this article, we will explore some key ways to prepare for a long trip in a battery-powered electric cars.

Plan Your Charging Stops

If you’re not able to conduct your journey on a full charge, then you’ll need to think about where you’ll stop mid-way through your trip to top-up your electric car. This is where a little bit of planning can make the difference. Mapping services such as Zap-Map have a comprehensive breakdown of the UK’s charging network and the various locations, charging speeds and prices that are available.

For longer trips, you’ll probably want an ultra-rapid charger in order to reduce the amount of time that you need to stop. Fortunately, the number of chargers offering speeds of over 150kW has expanded over the last few years, so there are plenty of options. Don’t be afraid to venture off the motorway, either, as chargers located in more secluded areas are often less popular, particularly during busy times such as school holidays.

Get a Full Charge Beforehand

Of course, not everyone can charge at home but, if you can, then it’s a good idea to make sure that your car has a full charge before departure. Most manufacturers recommend only charging your car to 80 per cent to help preserve battery life, but the odd full charge won’t do any harm to your electric car. Charging to 100 per cent will also mean you get the most amount of range possible, which is just what you need on a longer journey.

If you don’t have access to a home charger then make sure you visit a public charging station the day before you plan to leave. This will ensure that you can get a good amount of distance driven before needing to stop and top-up again.

Consider Taking an Alternate Route

One area where electric cars struggle to maintain the best possible efficiency is on the motorway. Long periods of driving at high speed can quickly deplete a car’s battery and you’ll need to make more charging stops as a result.

One good way to offset this is by taking an alternate route. Mapping services such as Google Maps can even be programmed to avoid motorways and major roads. In doing so, you’ll preserve more of your car’s battery life and be able to travel for longer without needing to charge.

Pre-heat at Home

Pre-heating and pre-conditioning your electric car are key ways of getting them ready for a long journey. During colder temperatures, it’s much nicer to start with a warm cabin and pre-heating it is a key way of doing just that.

Plus, if you pre-heat your electric car at home while it’s plugged in you won’t ‘eat’ into the car’s battery levels, instead utilising the mains electricity as a source. Pre-conditioning the car’s battery will also ensure that it is at its most efficient from the moment you set off.

Lower Your Speed

As touched upon previously, electric cars don’t tend to like to operate at high speeds for sustained periods of time. This is particularly the case with motorway driving; if you sit at the national limit then you’ll notice that the car’s battery depletes at quite a rate.

Even reducing your speed by 5mph can make a big difference here. Drop your speed and you’ll be able to cover greater distances.

Make Sure Your Tyres are Properly Inflated

An aspect that many EV drivers miss out on is their electric car’s tyres. Under-inflated tyres can drastically alter a car’s efficiency and, just as is the case with combustion-engined electric cars, low tyre pressure can alter braking performance while also increasing consumption.

So make sure that your car’s tyres are properly inflated. You’ll find the recommended pressures in the electric cars handbook - or sometimes in the door ‘shuts’ on the driver's side - and this is all you need to make sure that you inflate your car’s tyres to the right levels. Most petrol station forecourts have an air compressor that will help to make this job easier, too.

Choose Carsa for Your Next Electric Vehicle

Here at Carsa we’ve got a wide range of electric cars to browse if you’re looking to take your first steps into EV ownership. All our cars come with 3 month warranty so you don’t have to worry about any unexpected costs. Interested? Get in touch today to find out more.