Have to travel long distances by electric car! tie the knot 6 things

Have to travel long distances by electric car! tie the knot 6 things

by with No Comment Car Review

On hearing the name of electric car (EV), the first thing that comes to mind is 'range anxiety' i.e. the fear of running out of battery. Especially when it comes to long distance trips, this worry increases even more. However, the reality is that today's advanced technology and charging infrastructure has eliminated this fear to a great extent.

Now, whether it is a trip to the mountains or a trip to the seashore, everything is possible with an electric car. All you need is some smart planning and adopting the right tricks. If you too are thinking of taking your EV out of the house on a long and memorable trip, then this news is for you only. We will know how long trips can be planned with EV.

Plan long trips with EV like this

Going on a trip by EV is a much cheaper option than diesel or petrol vehicles, but people remain worried about the range. In such a situation, we have brought smart tips for you to make a long trip in an electric car successful. By following the tips given below, you can cover long trips by electric car.

1. Route Mapping

The success of any EV trip depends on its route. Like petrol cars, you cannot expect charging stations at every nook and corner. However, with time the fast charging infrastructure is also improving. You can take help of these tricks-

  • Use planner apps: Use apps like PlugShare or Tata.ev, which give you information about all the fast chargers along your route.
  • Have a plan B ready: Always choose routes where there is more than one charging option, so that if one station is out of order, you can reach another.

2. Follow the 20-80 rule

The biggest mantra of battery management is the '20-80' rule. Never let your car battery go below 20% and only charge it up to 80% during fast charging. Do this because after 80% the charging speed becomes very slow. Instead of wasting time trying to get it 100% full, it is better to leave at 80% only.

3. Change in driving style

How far your car will go depends largely on the movement of your legs. Use cruise control to maintain a steady speed on the highway. Regenerative braking is also very useful. Use this feature while descending from the mountains or in traffic. It sends the energy generated during braking back to the battery, thereby increasing your range.

4. Make charging stops a break

Don't make the trip a burden. Align the 40-50 minutes required for charging with your lunch, dinner or tea break. Choose charging stations which are near a good cafe, hotel or mall. With this the vehicle will also be charged and you will also be refreshed.

5. Take care of weather and weight

The external environment affects the range of your EV. The battery drains quickly in extreme cold or heat. Pre-condition the cabin when the car is plugged in. Keep only as much luggage as needed in the car. Excess weight reduces range.

6. Hotel Booking and Destination Charging

For overnight stay, book hotels where EV charging facility is available. This is called destination charging. Your car will also be fully charged overnight from a 15A socket and you will be able to leave the next morning with full range.

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Before buying a new EV, know the truth about 'real-world range'.

Before buying a new EV, know the truth about 'real-world range'.

by with No Comment Car Review

'Range anxiety' is a very popular term in the world of electric cars (EVs). That means the fear that the battery might run out on the way. When you go to the showroom, the salesman proudly says, “Sir, this car will run 400 kilometers on a single charge.” But when you bring it home and take it out on the road, the reality turns out to be different.

This 'gap' of 100-120 kilometers between the company's claim and the reality on the road is the biggest confusion for EV buyers. It is important to understand the mathematics of this real-world range before buying a new electric car, so that you do not feel cheated later. Let us know what is the difference between the company claimed list and the range received later and what is the correct way to calculate it?

Company Claim Vs Truth

Whenever a car is launched in India, it is certified by ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India). Companies declare their ranges on the basis of this certificate. But the thing to note is that ARAI testing is done inside the lab, under ideal conditions and at a fixed speed. There is neither scorching sun, nor heavy traffic like Mumbai-Delhi, nor rough roads.

According to experts and current data, the actual range of any electric car on Indian roads is about 25% to 35% less than its official claim. For example, if the range of a car is stated to be 450 km, then it will actually run around 300 to 320 km. There could be these 5 main reasons behind reduced range –

1. Excessive use of air conditioning (AC): In a hot country like India, it is not possible to drive without AC. A large part of the battery is spent on keeping the cabin cool, which directly reduces the range by 10-15%.

2. Traffic and Stop-and-Go Driving: In cities, frequent braking and lifting of the vehicle again puts pressure on the battery. Although 'regenerative braking' recovers some energy, repeated exertion drains the battery quickly.

3. Driving Style: If you press the accelerator suddenly or drive at high-speed (100-120 km/h), the range will drop rapidly. The speed of 70-80 km/hr is considered the most economical for EV.

4. Weight of the vehicle: The more people and luggage there are in the vehicle, the more electricity the motor will have to consume to pull it.

5. External Temperature: Excessive heat affects the functionality of the battery. In temperatures above 40 degrees, the 'thermal management system' that keeps the battery cool starts consuming power itself.

How to Calculate Real-World Range?

Follow a simple 'thumb rule' when buying a new EV. Consider only 70% of the range stated by the company as your actual capacity. Do the correct calculation like this-

  • Claimed Range: 300 km – Actual: 210 km (approx)
  • Claimed Range: 400 km – Actual: 280 km (approx)
  • Claimed Range: 500 km – Actual: 350 km (approx)

Smart tips to increase range

If you want your electric car to last longer, then keep these things in mind-

  • Correct use of regenerative braking: Keep it in 'High' mode so that whenever you take your foot off the accelerator, the battery is charged.
  • Smooth Driving: Avoid increasing speed suddenly. Use of 'Eco Mode' proves to be a boon in city traffic.
  • Tire Pressure: Due to less air in the tyres, resistance increases, which consumes more battery. Always maintain correct pressure.
  • Pre-Conditioning: Before going out in the sun, turn on the AC through the app only when the vehicle is on the charger. This will reduce the burden on the battery to cool the cabin while running.

Our advice: Buying an electric car is a wise decision, but do not get misled by the paper range. Choose a car with the right range keeping in mind your daily commuting and nearby charging stations. Remember, the range you get on the road will depend on your driving and environment, not on the company's brochure.

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