Top 7 Common Mistakes Electric Vehicle (EV) Drivers Should Avoid

With the growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), more drivers are opting for eco-friendly cars in place of their previous polluting models. However, as with any new technology, there are certain mistakes electric vehicle drivers should be aware of to optimise their driving experience and ensure their vehicle’s longevity.

1. Insufficient Route Planning

Range anxiety needn’t be an issue in modern EVs thanks to increased ranges and improved charging times. The infrastructure in the UK is still growing and while in some areas there are substantial numbers of chargers, in some more rural areas, there may be fewer chargers available for public use. Planning long routes to have a number of options available, should a charger be in use or out of order, will ensure there’s no anxiety about being able to charge and continue on the journey. Apps like zap-map will show the location and availability of chargers to make planning simple.

2. Not using preconditioning features

Preconditioning warms the battery to optimum temperature using power from the mains, which will help preserve the cells. It’s therefore a great way to maximise the range of an EV, particularly if the car is on charge at the time. It enables the car to warm up or cool down, so that the battery isn’t drained by these features during the journey.

3. Ignoring regenerative braking

Regenerative braking is a unique feature of EVs that converts kinetic energy into electricity, recharging the battery during deceleration. Many EV drivers overlook this feature, particularly as on some models it needs engaging or setting up, resulting in missed opportunities for increased range. Learn to use regenerative braking effectively by easing off the accelerator and allowing the vehicle to slow down naturally instead of braking abruptly. This will help maximise the benefits of regenerative braking and extend your EV’s range. It also helps reduce wear and tear on your brakes, so it’s win-win.

4. Overcharging the battery

While it’s essential to keep your EV’s battery adequately charged, overcharging can be detrimental to its longevity. Modern EVs have built-in mechanisms to prevent overcharging, but frequent and unnecessary charging to 100% capacity can degrade the battery over time. Aim to keep your battery charge level between 20% and 80% for optimal battery health and longevity.

5. Being nervous to use the public charging network

There has been a lot of negative press about the charging network not being fit for purpose, which has scared some drivers into not using the network and limiting their EV driving. While the network is still developing, and it’s true, that in some rural areas more chargers are required, there are a lot of areas where chargers are plentiful. Opting to avoid the network can lead to range anxiety and inconvenience. A little planning (as discussed above) can make all the difference and having apps like zap-map can help you identify where the chargers are and whether they are in use.

6. Ignoring maintenance

As with petrol or diesel cars, EVs require proper maintenance to deliver optimal performance. Neglecting to maintain the car, including the battery, can reduce the efficiency of the car. Advice is always to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and ensure you are complying with them.

With a car on Tusker’s salary sacrifice scheme, organising a service or some maintenance couldn’t be easier and costs are included. Just login to the driver portal or call the Driveline to book.

7. Failing to make the most of the car

EVs have many features which are unique to them and are not found on the average petrol or diesel vehicle. In order to get the most from your car, make sure you understand all of its features and capabilities. YouTube has a wealth of videos on numerous makes and models, as do many car websites. It’s a great way to find out about your car’s charging options, funky features as well as more serious areas like maintenance requirements. You can also stay updated on the latest developments in EV technology by following forums or online communities where you can gain insights from experienced EV drivers.