The temperature’s getting warmer, the air is filling with the sound of crickets, and even the road seems more attractive.
Summer’s here, and so’s the desire to travel. Whether your destination’s just around the corner or you’re going to travel tens, hundreds or even thousands of kilometres abroad, the urge is there.
In the garage, your electric car’s raring to go: it knows that shortly you’ll be putting cases and bags in the boot, you’ll have a Driving in the summer sun playlist on, and the car will be in party mode (even your satnav!).
This isn’t an article on how to get the best range from your electric car. Battery management, using your aircon less (even though we’ve just dispelled the myth that aircon uses more battery power than it needs) and driving efficiently are all interesting topics, but…it’s summer! We want excitement!
So, we want to give you five simple pieces of advice so you can get the most out of your next electric road trip. We’re talking about proper travel here!
Anyway, we’ve already got a pretty in-depth article on all the efficiency stuff.
1 Do a complete check of your car before you go
We’re not telling you anything new here. Make sure you don’t stress your electric car so you can enjoy your journey. Check your ‘vital signs’ first: tyre pressure, oil, screenwash… all the classics.
Obviously, you need to start with a completely full battery.
2 Have you heard of minimalism?
We’ve not come over all Marie Kondo, we’re just saying that minimalism means getting rid of things you don’t need.
This applies to travel, too. Not just because it’ll be easier for you to find what you’re looking for in your case, but your car will thank you, too – less weight in the boot means less stress on your battery.
3 Plan your journey
There are some people who just ask for trouble – ‘I just need to get off the ring road, then I’ll find my bearings’ – and there are others who put every variable into an Excel spreadsheet. Which one are you?
Driving an electric car is another reason to be good with a map and kilometrage before leaving your driveway. Of course, the Be Charge app will help you plan your itinerary, ensuring you can find reliable charging points.
Bonus trick: check to see if there are charging points at the hotels you plan to stay in, at the national parks you want to visit, in town or city centres.
4 Plan your charging stops on the way
This follows on from the last point. Look for charging points near a recommended restaurant just off the beaten track, a botanical garden, a scenic walk, a play park (your kids will appreciate this), a giant bench or a curious sculpture: leave the car on charge, and make the most of the local culture, countryside, food, fun…
5 Plan… and plan some more
Something else that follows from the last two points, and the thing that sets apart an experienced driver from a novice: study alternative roads and destinations. Basically, you just never know: an attraction is unexpectedly closed, the weather forecast says don’t take the mountain pass, the bit of the coast you wanted to see is closed for some sports event.
With a small arsenal of alternatives, you can avoid these little hiccups and enjoy every moment of your trip.
Another piece of advice: check the charging points for your alternative routes and stops!
Get going and enjoy!
Hang on a minute…you’ve got everything you need to plan, organise and get the most enjoyment out of your summer road trip… …but have you got the right playlist?
