Here are some tips on electric cars you should know about before going out and possibly purchasing one.
The Biggest Effect on Range is You
It is widely known that electric cars have limited range and how you drive can push it down even further. Higher rates of speed will drain the battery faster, as well as many of the hallmarks of aggressive driving. In some cases, Mother Nature is partially responsible, as hilly terrain is also more of a strain on the battery than flat ground. However, how you navigate that terrain also has an impact. Making an effort to avoid unnecessary hills, as well as adjusting your speed gradually when faced with obstacles, will help extend the life of your battery and ensure you are getting the most range possible.
They Require Less Maintenance, but Are Not Maintenance Free
Certain maintenance activities are required regardless of the type of vehicle involved. Under-inflated tires will have the same negative effects on cars with gasoline or alternative engines. Additionally, coolant plays a critical role in electric vehicles as well as combustion engines, making it necessary to monitor current levels on a regular basis. While certain parts have to be replaced regularly on all vehicles, like the tires, windshield, wiper blades, other maintenance requirements are much lower.
They Are Great for the Average Commute
Most electric cars have a range of over 70 miles and the average commute in the United States is less than 30 miles round trip. That can make an electric car an excellent option for many commuters who have a home charging station available, additionally, it is much more energy efficient than combustion engines. Making regular use of a commuter car is more environmentally friendly than traditional car, while it’s also fairly inexpensive to run.
There Aren’t Always Enough Plugs
One of the biggest obstacles facing electric car owners today is the simple lack of public charging stations. As of late 2015, it was estimated there was approximately one public charger per every 10 electric vehicles on the road. This can create a lot of frustration for drivers since most electric cars have a fairly limited range. Before you bring your electric car out for a longer drive, make sure you have identified multiple possible charging locations along your route. That way, should one not be available, you know where to go if you end up in a critical state of need.
Sitting with a Full Battery is Not Ideal
Surprisingly, leaving your electric car sitting fully charged is not ideal. In fact, it can have a negative effect on the life of your battery. This is because the battery cell balancing, or the natural process that occurs chemically within the battery as it slowly discharges, can have lower the life of your battery. When possible, it is recommended to schedule the end of your charging cycle to complete as close to the moment when you intend to hit the road again as possible. These are just a few tips you need to know before you take your electric car on the road. Luckily, there are a lot of Driving Geeks out there that can help you make the most of your car and can help with any questions you have. As time passes, advances in battery technology will likely make some of these concerns less noticeable. But, until then, you can drive your electric car knowing you are treating is in the best possible way. Featured photo credit: http://www.motherearthnews.com via motherearthnews.com
