28/08/2024
Going on a trip with an electric car
You decided to go on a trip with the electric vehicle, how fun. The travel costs in an electric vehicle are very low, and if we add to that the quiet ride and good performance, we get a unique travel experience. Going on a trip with the electric vehicle can be easy and convenient if you follow a few simple steps.
Plan the Route
It is important to know the travel route and the distance you will cover, as every electric vehicle has a driving range it can travel without additional charging.
Assuming the trip route is long, plan the stop for charging the vehicle according to the battery level, driving speed, weather conditions, and traffic.
Look for a charging station located along the planned route. There are fast charging stations scattered throughout the country, and they charge the vehicle with direct current (DC), allowing most of the battery to be charged in about half an hour or more, depending on the battery's condition and capacity. It is advisable to stop at a pleasant place where you can spend the waiting time.
Use Public Charging Apps
In Israel, there are currently over 6,000 public charging stations for electric vehicles, most of which are regular charging stations (AC), and about 400 are fast charging stations (DC).
Each charging company has a map of charging stations scattered throughout the country, which can be easily found in a dedicated app or on the website. Additionally, there are several apps that help locate the charging station and provide information about the station's availability, charging cost, location, and even the option to navigate to the station.
Go with Full Energy
The night before the trip, it is important to charge the vehicle's battery to full capacity so that you can travel calmly, at least until the stop for charging the vehicle. This way, you can avoid "range anxiety" and optimize your charging time.
Take the Charging Cable
Most electric vehicles come with a regular charging cable (AC). Make sure this cable is with you in case you need to charge the vehicle at a regular charging station.
Use Regeneration
One of the prominent applications in the electric vehicle is regenerative braking, which helps return energy to the battery and reduces the use of brakes. How to use it? By reducing the pressure on the accelerator pedal, the vehicle's speed will decrease and sometimes even come to a complete stop.
Almost every electric vehicle has a different level of regeneration, which can be selected in various ways.
When you are driving in the city or on long descents, it is advisable to choose the high regeneration level. On the other hand, when you are driving between cities, it is better to choose the low regeneration level.
Proper and frequent use of regeneration will increase the driving range and save the use of the vehicle's brakes.
Protect the Battery
If you planned a trip that requires going off-road and driving on unpaved roads, drive with extra caution. As you know, the battery is the most expensive component in the electric vehicle and is located at the bottom of the vehicle, making it vulnerable to damage from potholes, bumps, and stones.
Enjoy your trip with careful and safe driving. Charging the vehicle can be an excellent opportunity to discover new places and have fun.