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10 Things You Should Know Before Driving An EV

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The electric revolution is sweeping the automotive industry, and its chunkier roots can be traced back to the idea of sustainability. When the climate crisis dawned on our collective consciousness, it ignited innovations for newer and better ways of existence that help us meet the needs of the present without compromising on the future. Now, if electric cars, and the entire industry behind them spearheaded by giants like Tesla and Ford, are successful in achieving what they set out to achieve in theory, that is a debate for some other time.



But, with the accelerating pace of EV adoption, chances are you might find yourself contemplating owning an EV sooner or later. Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind in order to get the best out of your EV.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including IRS, Statista, and Energy.gov.

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1 Understanding EV Charging Speeds And Connector Types

2024 Porsche Macan EV
Porsche

The most basic thing you need to know about an EV, apart from its specs, is the type of connector you need to charge it, and the pace of charging. Different charging stations across the world offer varying speeds, plus not all EVs are compatible with every type of connector.

At-home chargers are extremely useful if you aren’t embarking on longer journeys, in which case it is vital to know the charging infrastructure on the route. Public charging stations are growing, but you should account for the time you’d have to wait till the battery is fully charged.

The Types Of EV Charging Connectors You Need To Know

  • Level 1 Charging: This is the most basic and accessible form of EV charging, which operates on a standard household outlet of 120 Volts and draws a current of around 16 Amps. It is therefore slow at charging, giving you an average range of 2–5 miles for an hour of charging.
  • Level 2 Charging: This gives you an upgrade in speed, and for that reason is a popular choice for both residential and public charging stations. It operates on a 220-volt power source, often taking between 4 and 10 hours to charge an EV from 0-80 percent.
  • DC Fast Charging: This is also known as Level 3 charging, and is the fastest charging option currently available. Since it reduces time, it obviously operates at higher voltage levels (usually 480 volts or more) and uses direct current (DC) to rapidly charge the vehicle’s battery. It can deliver nearly 60–100 miles of range in just 20 minutes.

2 Exploring Range Anxiety Solutions

Mercedes-Benz EQS
Mercedes-Benz

One of the biggest considerations before purchasing an EV is its estimated maximum range. While new and legacy automakers alike are constantly innovating to extend their EV ranges, electric cars offered around 216 miles of driving range on average in 2021, according to Statista. That is not optimum, as per consumer expectations, but the median range of EVs has increased 3.5-fold since 2011.

There are a few exceptions, of course. Tesla offers a full lineup of EVs with over 300 miles of driving range, and the Lucid Air sets the record with over 500 miles per charge. Plus, in a recent real-world range test, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4Matic exceeded its advertised range of 340 miles by 40 more miles.

Range Anxiety Doesn’t Have A Permanent Solution (So Far):

  • The range of an electric car depends on a lot of factors ranging from your driving habits, speed, and weather, to interior climate settings which can reduce the driving range.
  • To solve this range anxiety, automakers are constantly improving the battery capacities (though that will make an EV heavier and more expensive), fast charging, and predictive tech which can help with planning for charging stopovers, and rightsizing vehicles, which means the vehicle is suited to their tasks.
  • These aren’t permanent solutions to range anxiety, however, as there will still come a point when a driver is trying to understand exactly how much charge they are left with.

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3 Weather Impact On EV Performance

Chevy Bolt EV in snow charging
Tricky_Shark / Shutterstock

An EV’s driving range depends on the weather as well. Both hot and cold temperatures can negatively impact the EV’s range, but cold weather is worse. Why? Cold temperatures can reduce the efficiency of the chemical reactions that generate and store electrical energy in EV batteries (particularly lithium-ion batteries).

How To Mitigate The Impact Of Weather On Your EV’s Performance

According to Geotab, electric vehicles (EVs) perform best at 21.5°C (70°F). At this temperature, the average EV has a range that is 15-percent higher than its rated range. Most automakers now design batteries with thermal management systems to keep them within an optimal temperature range. However, the impact of auxiliary load (other functions a battery performs like climate control inside the car) is still a factor affecting the range.

Here are some basic solutions to tackle this:

  • Gentle acceleration
  • Watch your speed
  • Use regenerative braking
  • Turn off the AC/heating when you can
  • Plan your route accordingly

4 Maintenance Beyond The Battery

Toyota bZ4X's battery pack
Toyota

We all know that the overall maintenance of an EV typically costs less than that of internal combustion engines, and some of the reasons include the fact that the battery, motor, and associated electronics require little to no regular maintenance. Most attention is paid to the maintenance of the battery, and not without reason, since it is the basic power source. But to get the most out of your EV, you must consider all the maintenance you may have to look for.

Regular Check-Ups And Software Updates Can Help Maintain Your EV:

  • Usually, since the electric motors of an EV have fewer moving parts, the mechanical wear is quite less. But, a regular check-up is vital to preempt any issues. This goes on to improve the efficiency of your EV.
  • Electric motors generate less heat compared to combustion motors, but effective cooling is still key. Overheating can affect an EV’s performance and, in extreme cases, even compromise safety.
  • Software updates have become highly important in modern cars, and EVs are no exception. Regular software updates introduce new features and improvements, but they also address potential vulnerabilities.

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5 Resale Value Of EVs

2012 Nissan Leaf in blue
Nissan 

Once you plan on owning an EV, it is helpful to understand the resale market for EVs, and the average price your car might fetch to understand the value. EVs with better tech are more likely to fetch better prices compared to those that might be running on slightly outdated tech. As all tech-related industries are dynamic and ever-evolving, it is advisable to keep an eye on the latest tech developments.

Battery Health And Consumer Preferences Can Affect The Value Of Your EV

  • Over time, the battery of an EV degrades naturally, so it is best if you can understand the specific battery chemistry of your EV and get an idea of its degradation rate.
  • Some automakers offer warranties on the battery, providing replacement or repair costs within a specific time frame.
  • Understanding the cost of replacing the battery can give you an estimate of its resale value, on the off chance that potential buyers are looking for a fresh battery setup.
  • Electric cars from brands known for reliability and low operating costs tend to depreciate more slowly. For example, the Tesla Model 3 is one of the electric cars that lose their value the slowest.

6 Community And Online Forums

A parked Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford

In this digital age, our social communities have morphed from real-life groups to online forums, and play a huge but often undermined role in shaping the perception of consumers. While most automakers (EV and ICE alike) have their own portals and forums for owners to engage and interact in, new ‘unofficial’ forums are abundant as well, on nearly all social media platforms.

The Benefits Of Engaging In Owners’ Forums And Communities

  • EV communities bring together people from diverse backgrounds. From first-time EV owners to seasoned enthusiasts, when everyone chips in their two cents, you have a diverse array of real-world experiences to learn from.
  • From tips on maximizing range to insights into the best charging practices, experience with different models to day-to-day challenges, all of these nuggets of wisdom can improve your ownership experience.
  • Not just that, EV forums may serve as virtual support groups where members share troubleshooting tips and solutions for common problems.
  • Many online communities organize local events, meetups, and gatherings, which promote a sense of belonging outside the digital screens.

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7 Government Regulations And Incentives

A 3/4 side view of the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 SEL AWD plugged in to its charger
Hyundai

Since the aspirations of the EV industry align with the overall goal of sustainable living, the government often steps in to promote the sale and use of electric cars through various incentives and rebates. For instance, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 provides a tax credit of up to $7,500 for new electric vehicles and $4,000 for used EVs, and this credit is available for vehicles purchased from 2023 to 2032. Efforts like these help promote EVs, the industry as a whole, over internal combustion engines.

The Impact Of Government Incentives On The EV Market

  • As is the case with all policies, it is vital to read and understand the finer points and language of the IRA incentive.
  • Based on the recent developments, SUVs and pickup trucks priced at $80,000 or less can qualify for up to the full $7,500 tax credit. But EVs have a stricter ceiling, with an MSRP limit of $55,000 for qualification.
  • Luxury automakers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, often produce EVs with price tags that exceed the $55,000 mark, which makes it challenging for buyers to qualify for the full tax credit.
  • Apart from the Federal EV Tax Credit, some states offer their own tax credits on the purchase of EVs or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). It would be good practice to understand the state policies before investing in an EV.

8 Noise Level Differences

Blue BMW i5 eDrive40 rear-quarter
BMW

When EVs first came out, everyone was fascinated by their whisper-quiet operation, which was a stark contrast to the traditional growl of ICE counterparts. And now that it is becoming a norm, the noiseless operation has attracted mixed responses from various sections of the consumers.

Noiseless Operation Of EVs Has Raised Safety Concerns:

  • The silent operation has raised concerns about pedestrian safety. Without the familiar engine noise, pedestrians may not be aware of an approaching EV, and this is a potential hazard, especially in busy urban settings.
  • To tackle that, regulatory bodies have set up regulations for EVs to produce artificial sounds, which are often described as a futuristic hum or electronic tone. This is to serve as auditory cues to alert pedestrians and cyclists.
  • However, the introduction of artificial sounds in EVs has some people appreciating the innovation, while others find it intrusive or unnecessary.
  • In response to that, major automakers now give you the option of customizing the sound of your EV, as it allows you to choose what you prefer.

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9 Software Updates And Remote Management

Ford Mustang Mach-E close-up interior shot of the steering wheel and central touchscreen
Ford

Electric vehicles are not static entities. They evolve over time. It is common for automakers to release software updates over time to improve performance and safety. Before driving an EV, you need to understand what the policies of the automaker you’re eyeing are, and how it will improve your EV over time.

Essential Checks To Ensure Your EV Will Receive Updates Over Time

  • The first and foremost task is to check if the automaker provides Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, which is a convenient feature to receive and install updates remotely, without having to go through the hassle of a service center.
  • Next, since cybersecurity is a growing concern in the automotive industry as well, do understand how the automaker of your choice addresses security issues through software updates.
  • Read up on the telematics systems of your EV, which can help remotely monitor the charge level and battery health.
  • Understanding the capabilities of the remote charging management system is essential too, as it enables you to schedule charging times, check charging status, and, in some cases, even adjust charging speeds.

10 EV-specific Driving Techniques

Tesla Model S Plaid Interior
Tesla 

Electric cars fulfill the same functions that an internal combustion car does, but since the science behind both of them is fundamentally different, so are strategies to maximize their performance. While techniques like regenerative braking are widely known now, there are a host of other EV-specific driving techniques you should know to get the most out of your EV.

Driving Techniques That Can Maximize The Performance Of Your EV

  • Regenerative Braking: The most well-known strategy; this converts kinetic energy back into electric energy when slowing down or braking. The key is to ease off the accelerator rather than using the brake pedal whenever possible.
  • Smooth Acceleration And Deceleration: Instead of flooring the pedal and stopping abruptly, learn how to smoothly accelerate and decelerate gradually. You’d be surprised how well EVs respond to it.
  • Coast Time: Lift your foot off the pedal when approaching stops or slowdowns, letting your EV coast, this will minimize energy consumption and aid in regenerative braking to use the energy that would otherwise be lost.
  • Manage Energy-Intensive Systems: Climate control inside the EV’s cabin is one of the major features that affects the overall performance of your EV. Therefore, it is vital to use these systems mindfully. Plus, pre-conditioning your vehicle while it’s still connected to a charger can be an alternative to the constant use of climate control.

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