If you’re anything like me - and can’t wait to see those faces and get your feet on holy ground - it’s time to start planning your festive journey home, as it’s unlikely you’ll be the only driver on the move…
Each year, 21 million car journeys take place in the UK over the festive period. That is A LOT of CO2. While more trips will be powered by clean energy due to the rise of EVs, even EV drivers aren't immune to holiday traffic. The busiest time for road travel is the last full weekend before Christmas and Christmas Eve, with millions hitting the roads, so, this year, expect to be top to toe in tailbacks and red lights all around on Friday, 20th and Saturday, 21st.
In anticipation of the deafening horns, definite delays, and incessant demands - ‘are we nearly there yet? - it is important to plan ahead when driving an EV. Unfortunately, we have more to think about compared to those petrol and diesel drivers. I guess it’s the price you pay for being on the nice list…
Range Anxiety
The news on the street is that Santa Claus has gone electric. The bad news is that Google doesn’t have a definitive answer regarding the exact distance the big man travels on Christmas Eve. However, my guess is that it’s a little more than your journey up the M6.
Acronym of the day: FOROOBP (it will catch on, I’m sure of it) - the fear of running out of battery power - is a real concern for those traveling home for Christmas in their EV. Particularly if your hometown is a little lacking when it comes to charge point accessibility. Avoid the inevitable holiday meltdown by planning your route and using navigation apps to find charging points along the way. Because let’s face it, you’ll be having enough of those over the family-filled festive break…
Autotrader's report indicates that 60% of families anticipate lively debates during the festive season. Politics emerged as the most contentious issue (57%), followed by the economy (30%) and climate change (18%).
Autotrader, in conjunction with The Society of Motor Manufacturers and ChargeUK, shared a one-stop-shop graphic to help get the facts straight on EVs this Christmas:
Maximising battery Life
Treat your EV as you do your phone. Not in every sense… I wouldn’t advise putting an EV in rice when it gets wet. What I would say is, charge it overnight when electricity demand is lower.
If you’re embarking on a long-distance journey, planning your route in advance and identifying charging stations along the way is crucial. Although not your first port of call, DC fast charging stations can provide a quick boost to your battery when you're on the go.
Remember: all vehicles, whether petrol, diesel, or electric, perform worse in the cold. To optimise your EV's performance, reduce internal heating and use eco-mode for driving. This will help retain heat in the battery, improving its efficiency.
Maximising Battery Life
To ensure your EV's battery remains in optimal condition, consider the following tips:
Temperature Control:
Avoid exposing your EV to extreme temperatures, as both heat and cold can negatively impact battery performance.
Moderate Charging Levels:
Rather than fully charging or completely depleting your battery, aim for moderate charging levels.
Battery Calibration:
If your EV allows it, regularly calibrate the battery to maintain its accuracy.
Gentle Driving Habits:
Adopt a gentle driving style, avoiding aggressive acceleration and braking, to reduce stress on the battery.
By following these guidelines, you can optimise your EV charging routine, minimise costs, and maximise your battery's lifespan…