As summer arrives with warmer weather and longer days, it’s the perfect time to start planning that EV road trip you’ve been waiting for. Fortunately, today’s EVs are well-equipped to handle road trips with ease, with increasing range and charging infrastructure that is being continuously upgraded. Before you hit the road, there a few things to know to make the journey a hassle-free experience.

Ensure that you’re charged up

Firstly, you should start any long journey with a full battery by charging up the night before you go as this will help minimise the number of stops you’ll have to make along the way. Thankfully, now that we’re coming into the warmer months, you’ll start to see improved battery performance and efficiency, meaning faster charging times and longer driving ranges.

If you’re planning on staying somewhere overnight, many hotels and guesthouses now have charging points located on their grounds. This offers you the convenience of being able to wake up in the morning with a full battery, ready to hit the road again.

Make some pre-trip checks

It's always a good idea to do a quick inspection to ensure your EV is ready for a road trip. Begin by checking your EV tyre pressure. Remember, properly inflated tires reduce road resistance, which means more efficiency on the road. Additionally, ensure that you have topped up your EVs fluids before your trip. Unlike combustion engine vehicles, EVs require only three fluids – coolant, windscreen washer, and brake fluid. If you sense that your EV could benefit from additional care, consider scheduling a service before embarking on your journey to ensure added peace of mind. It’s also a good tip to remove any unnecessary items from the boot and interior, reducing extra weight can preserve your car's range, meaning less time at charging stations and more time on the road.

Plan your route

Apart from keeping your EV well-maintained, planning your route is an important step for efficient driving. Even though charging infrastructure is growing at a very promising pace, it’s still something to think about when it comes to longer trips. That’s where tools like the Nevo journey Planner come in handy. They help EV drivers map out routes based on charging stations across the country, giving you peace of mind on your journey. It also gives you a chance to take a break, grab a coffee, and then get back on the road refreshed. It’s good practice to always keep your EVs three-pin plug charging cable in the car, just in case there are no rapid-chargers on route to your destination.

Drive Smart

When you're behind the wheel of your EV, there are some simple habits you can adopt to make your drive smoother and more efficient. First off, try to drive smoothly and stick within the speed limits, this will help minimise your EVs energy consumption and maximise your range. And if you’re cruising down the motorway, why not give your right foot a break? Many EVs come with cruise control, so you can just set your speed and let the car do the work. It’s a great way to save some energy and keep things steady on the road.

By following these tips and adopting a more mindful driving approach, you can maximise your EV’s range and enjoy a smoother, more cost-effective driving experience. Want to find out more about EV range before you head out on your journey? Take a look at our other blog – Your Guide to Understanding Electric Vehicle Range.

EV Maintenance help and advice is in partnership with BestDrive by Continental, Ireland’s leading Irish car servicing, tyre specialist and vehicle maintenance company.