Sustainable driving, low carbon emissions, and no noise pollution are a few benefits of an electric car. While you reap all the benefits of an electric car, you need to follow some tips for your first electric car to avoid any unexpected circumstances. For instance, charging correctly and knowing the effects of temperature on the battery life can help you enhance your EV’s performance.
Since EVs are a new norm and consume renewable energy, more people are finding them as a suitable option. Let’s go through some tips for new electric car owners. These tips are also going to help those planning to buy an EV.
Guidelines for New Electric Car Owners
Electric cars have become a common sight. Most automobile manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, GMC, and Dodge are producing or planning to shift towards all-electric car manufacturing. If you have just bought an EV or are planning to buy one, you have already contributed to the environment-friendly initiatives. However, EVs are different from hybrid and petrol cars.
Following are some tips for new electric car owners who have just made a switch from petrol-powered or hybrid vehicles.
ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING
You must be aware of the following charger types that can be found across the UAE when you buy your first electric car.
- Fast chargers (43 kW AC with Type-2 Socket, 50 kW DC ChadeMO and Combo CCS Sockets)
- Public chargers (2 x 22 kW AC Type-2 Chargers uses the onboard charger in your EV)
- Wall chargers (22 kW AC Type-2 Chargers)
CHARGING STATIONS AND RATES
First-time EV owners must be aware that charging stations in Dubai have different charging rates according to the charger types and time taken for charging. For instance, charging at a public charger costs 29 fils per kW. Moreover, service providers such as ADDC and DEWA provide home chargers for EVs.
OPTIMUM CHARGING LEVEL
It is an essential tip for new electric car owners to avoid 100% charging as it may heat the battery. Ensure that you keep your EV battery charge between 20% to 80% to achieve optimum performance. Besides, don’t charge at higher temperatures to increase the EV battery life. Alongside, set charging routines according to your use and EV range.
UNPLUG CHARGER WHEN FULLY CHARGED
Unplugging the charger is essential when your battery is 100% charged as it may heat up. Furthermore, relying only on fast charging can affect the battery performance in the long run.
KNOW YOUR ELECTRIC CAR DRIVING MODES
When you buy your first electric car, you should learn about the different driving modes. For instance, the Tesla Model S can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in just 2.5 seconds when in ludicrous driving mode. However, it reduces the range of your vehicle.
Therefore, you must know about the other driving modes such as Eco-mode to increase the range of your electric vehicle. Other modes for different driving conditions include snow mode, sports mode, and custom mode. Besides, there is an off-road mode which makes off-roading with electric cars suitable.
KNOW YOUR EV RANGE
Modern and latest electric cars have a long range. However, the EV range may vary depending on the car model and manufacturers. For instance, Al Damani DMV 300 has an approximately 400 km range. Therefore, one of the essential tips for new electric car owners is to determine the EV range to avoid range anxiety on long journeys.
PROTECT YOUR EV FROM EXTREME TEMPERATURES
Extreme high or low temperatures affect the EV battery performance. Electric cars in hot weather witness a drop in range and the battery might get damaged due to extreme temperature exposure. Keeping this in mind, one of the tips for your new EV is to charge it in areas with shade or at a time when the temperature is lower (preferably during night hours or early morning).
PLAN YOUR JOURNEY AHEAD
Plan your journey using GPS and Google maps. This will help you find the charging stations on your route when your battery runs out of charge. For instance, you can use the ChargeMap mobile application to find nearby charging stations. Moreover, you can find Tesla charging stations across the UAE from the Tesla Find us Map. Therefore, whether you reside in Dubai or any other emirate, plan your journey as per the charging station’s infrastructure.
KNOW YOUR EV APPLICATION
An essential tip for new electric car owners is to be aware of the mobile application by their EV manufacturer. Since most EVs such as the Volkswagen ID-series are upgraded via OTA updates, new EV owners must learn how to use the application.
Besides, the mobile application informs you about the charging and range that can be covered at a certain charging percentage.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF REGENERATIVE BRAKING
Regenerative braking transfers kinetic energy into electrical power which charges the battery. Although it does not charge the battery to the full capacity or even half, it adds a significant 10% which is quite handy.
CARRY PORTABLE CHARGERS
When you leave for a longer journey, always carry a portable charger. For instance, a 240-volt outlet can charge your EV battery three times faster than a Level-1 charging cord set.
EV MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE
Whether you buy a used electric car or a new one, you won’t have to worry about the maintenance costs. Since electric vehicles have fewer moving parts, you won’t have to go for regular maintenance or part repair and replacement due to wear and tear. However, tyres, suspension system, and cabin air filter will require service every six months or certain kilometres covered.
These were all the essential tips for new electric car owners. When you buy your first electric car from a showroom or opt for a used car in the UAE, follow the tips for your first EV to enhance its performance and longevity.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s leading auto blog to learn more tips and techniques to enhance your car’s performance.
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