The transition to an electric car is exciting but can also be daunting. Electric vehicles use a different mode of power in comparison to traditional cars, which can make the transition from conventional vehicles fueled by gasoline a little more difficult.
To ensure that you’re getting the most out of your new ride, below are listed several factors that first-time owners should consider before taking the plunge and buying their new vehicle. Read on to discover the indisputable facts any aspiring or electric car owner should know.
You Can Charge An Electric Car When It’s Raining
One of the most significant assumptions is possible electrocution when charging an electronic vehicle in the rain. Charging an EV is very safe – researchers have repeatedly proven that you can charge an electric car in the rain without problems.
This is possible because electric car charge points must have a minimum waterproofing rating of IP44, and some operators have gone beyond this minimum standard to IP65. This innovation means that the electrics are safe even in heavy rain or flooding. So you can charge in the rain, take an electric car through a car wash, and if you have to traverse a flooded road, your vehicle won’t electrocute you.
Exclusive Rapid Charging
The fast charging option is the way to go when investing in an electric car. However, a battery will take longer than expected to charge fully. The rapid chargers are only fast up until the 80 percent charge point; your battery will take much longer to reach total capacity.
Experts don’t recommend leaving your car on the charger past this point, as charging it further will reduce its lifespan. This deterioration is due to the heat generated when a battery is charged and discharged.
To avoid taking on the considerable cost of a deteriorating EV battery, consider looking into your options through a Progressive insurance quote, which is one of the most reputable agencies around and can provide affordable and preventative solutions to EV owners.
EV Chargers Can Be More Expensive Than Diesel
The cost of an electric car can vary depending on where you charge. Most public chargers are much more expensive than home charging; in some cases, they can even be more expensive than diesel and petrol fuel.
Rapid chargers typically charge 35p per kWh to charge your car or more for ultra-rapid, compared with a typical electricity cost of 19.19p per kWh if you’re able to charge at home on a standard tariff.
Batteries Require More Energy
Did you know charged batteries need more energy than they can store? This fact may sound counterintuitive, but it’s true. An example is the Mercedes EQC (2019), a super-sized SUV with an 80kWh battery. To charge it from zero to a hundred percent, 93kWh of energy is required.
This need is because the battery loses some power when charged and discharged – similar to how a mobile phone or laptop battery loses some of its capacity over time. To get the most out of your electric car, you should understand this concept and take steps to ensure you use the right energy when charging your vehicle.
Many Electric Cars Can’t Be Towed
Most electric cars possess little or no towing capacity, although there are early signs that this is changing. Of the 54 electric vehicles tested (54 different motors across 39 other models), just eight had any towing capacity.
If you do, you could be fined up to £2,500, have three penalty points added to your license, or even be banned from driving altogether. So, if you’re thinking of using your electric car for carrying heavy loads or towing a large trailer, it might be worth considering a vehicle with a higher towing capacity.
Most electric cars can’t tow because of the weight of their battery, which can take up most of the car’s load capacity. Therefore, it is essential to consider the size and weight of your load before buying an electric vehicle.
You can’t tow an electric car, either. You can’t pull electric vehicles and hybrids because of their regenerative braking. If you were to try and tow an electric or hybrid vehicle when its driven wheels are on the road, and the car isn’t on, it could lead to damaging the car’s electric motor.
Towing Innovations
The RAC (Regional Acceptance Corporation) has developed what it calls its ‘all-wheels-up’ technology. These trailers fold out of the back of a regular patrol van and lift all wheels off the road, allowing safe towing for vehicles that can’t be towed the usual way. This technology was initially developed for automatic transmission petrol/diesel cars but is now being used for electric vehicles too.
This technology is the safest way to tow electric cars, making it easier for people to get help with their vehicles in a pinch. With this technology, you can be sure that your car will be taken care of and remain safe during transportation.
The RAC’s ‘all wheels-up technology is a great way to ensure that your electric car will be safely towed, even if it can’t be towed normally. It’s essential to be aware of the limitations of electric cars when it comes to towing and ensure you know how to pull your vehicle correctly with this technology. This comprehension will help you get the most out of your car and ensure it remains safe on the road.
Fast and Furious
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. With more people driving electric cars, it is essential to understand the critical factors of electric vehicles and how best to use them. Understand the best way to manage and protect your asset, which is your vehicle.
Understand its charging mechanism, what to do when your car breaks down, and your electric vehicle’s capabilities and limitations. With adequate knowledge, you can get the most out of your electric vehicle and enjoy its many benefits.
