How can I get the most range from my electric car on motorway journeys?
The easiest way to extend your EV range is to slow down a bit. EVs are less efficient at faster speeds, so ease off a touch and you'll go further - and it really won't take you that much longer. Another tip is to be smooth on acceleration so you're not using excess power, and read the road ahead, easing off if you see slowing traffic ahead to avoid having to brake heavily. If your car has an eco mode that will help you be more efficient and be sure to use the regen mode if offered. Also, be a bit sparing with your heating or air con: controlling your car's temperature with heated and cooled seats (if your car has them) uses a lot less power. And travel light - the heavier your car is, the fewer miles you'll manage, so leave non-essential items at home if you can.
Which apps can help me plan an EV-friendly summer trip?
A great app to start with is the Motability Scheme's own Go. It has an inbuilt journey planner that includes public chargepoints, so it can work out where the easiest places to stop and charge are. It also shows live availability, charging speeds and prices, so you won't have any nasty surprises when you arrive at a site. It even has a useful review section, so you can find out from fellow drivers where a site meets your accessibility needs, such as whether the nearby cafe has an accessible bathroom. Elsewhere, Zapmap is one of the best-regarded apps for finding chargepoints, while Google Maps can suggest the most efficient route for EVs. It's also worth downloading the app of your car manufacturer: many of them allow you to monitor your car's charge level and even turn your air con on remotely so your car will be lovely and cool when you get into it. Apps can help you find chargepoints
When is the best time to charge an electric car at home?
Much like your dishwasher, the cheapest time to charge your EV is overnight during off-peak hours, when electricity demand is much lower. Most electricity suppliers have an EV tariff that offers a much cheaper overnight rate. With lots of EVs now, you can preset the times it will charge so you can plug it in without worrying about overpaying.
To learn more about EVs, watch the Lifestyle EV series on YouTube.
