Tips for driving an EV during the Christmas period

In the midst of the business of the Christmas period, it is easy to forget to do your checks if you’re travelling on Christmas whether it be to visit your loved ones, enjoy a quiet getaway or join Christmas festivities and activities happening locally or across the country. Our team has created a checklist to keep you right and to make your trip go as smoothly as possible.  

1. Complete car checks (tyres, lights, fluids, etc.) 

Remember to do the standard car checks before a long journey. Check for any flat tyres, cracking or bulging in tyres and make sure the tyres are of the right tread depth and the right pressure. Check the screenwash and coolant levels. Before setting off, also make sure the headlights, high beams, rear lights, fog lights, brake lights, indicators and reversing lights are in order. 

2. Charge your EV the night before 

Especially with a long journey ahead, it is important to charge your car in advance. While it is not recommended to fully charge your EV on a day-to-day basis (it is advised to stick to the optimal 80% to maintain good battery health), it will not harm your EV’s battery on a rare occasion like this. Charging your car the night before is the best way to ensure that you have a slow Christas morning. 

3. Plan your journey ahead 

Depending on the range of your vehicle and the distance you will be travelling, long trips with an EV take a bit more planning than with a traditional car. Look at the route you’re planning to take on the day and make a list of nearby chargers. Try to follow the ABC rule – Always Be Charging, which means that whenever you need to make a stop, you might as well plug in and charge to save time.  

4. Use a route-planning app 

There are many route-planning apps on the market such as zapmap, PlugShare or A Better Routeplanner, all of which were designed with the same purpose of supporting drivers with planning efficient routes around charging points. With search filters like charging tariff, charging network, power capacity, these apps will only show the locations that suit your requirements and get you back on the road quickly.  

5. Keep your phone charged 

Especially if you use your mobile phone for route planning and paying for charging sessions, remember to keep your phone with enough charge at all times by charging it fully before you leave or charging it in the car. 

6. Pack your charging cable 

Especially if you don’t usually keep your charging cable in the boot of the car, remember to triple-check that you have packed it before going away. If you have any adapters, remember to also pack them.  

7. Heat up your car in advance if it’s cold 

A pre-conditioned car (one that has been warmed up while still plugged in) provides a warm cabin at the start of the journey without draining the battery. Some EVs allow you to set charging schedules and monitor battery health, ensuring you start with optimal power and a comfortably warm vehicle.