Are you making these ten EV mistakes?
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Get more from your EV by avoiding these rookie errors
Your EV is a highly efficient machine, but even experienced EV drivers can fall into bad habits that lower performance.
We’ve listed some common EV-related mistakes here that you may not have considered, so you can avoid making them and optimize your EV experience!
Not checking charger availability
On well-used routes and at busy times, it’s wise to check on charger availability before you pull into a charging station. What’s the best way of being sure of a space? Download the bp pulse app to see live availability at all our charging sites, then head for the vacancies!
Always charging to 100%
You might think that fully recharging your battery every time is the best way to charge. But that’s not true. While fully charging is sensible sometimes – like before longer journeys – doing regular charges up to 80% actually help to keep your battery in optimal health. There are more details in our article, “Why you might only charge your battery to 80%”.
Letting your battery drop to below 20%
In addition, if you regularly wait to recharge when your battery is too low (say, below 20%) this can degrade your battery over time. So avoid the extremes to keep your battery at its happiest. And don’t forget, you also need to keep your battery topped up if your car is unused in storage.
Ignoring tyre pressures
Keeping your tyre pressures up to the recommended standard helps extend the life of your tyres, and contributes to more efficient driving. Low pressures encourage what’s known as ‘rolling resistance’; where a vehicle in motion has to work harder against the flatter tyre and so reduces your range. The solution? Check tyre pressures regularly and keep them all topped up.
Not planning your route
Plan ahead. It’s a much more relaxing journey when you know how many bp pulse charging stations there are en route. Simply use the bp pulse app, tap in your destination, and see all your nearby charging options along the way – and their availability. You’ll also see all the available refreshments amenities like supermarkets, coffee shops and food outlets, too!
Driving aggressively
Rapid acceleration and sudden braking can drain a battery quicker than if you’d pulled away gracefully and controlled your slowdown. Alternatively, driving in a considered moderate manner draws less energy from your battery… and that means more miles until your next charge.
Overstaying at public chargers
Did you know that you could get an overstay fee if you park in a charging bay for too long? We’re sure you’d never hog a bay and prevent other drivers from charging up, but it’s good to know that such charges exist. Different charging stations might have differing maximum stay times, but 90 minutes is typical.
Not preconditioning your car
Preconditioning helps your EV battery charge better and last longer, even in extreme weather. It’s a feature that ensures your battery is operating at the right temperature at the right time; in the heat of summer, the frosts of winter, and everything in between. If your EV has a preconditioning feature, you should definitely consider using it.
Driving with unnecessary weight
The more weight a vehicle carries, the more energy it expends to carry it. So if you’ve been meaning to get your golf clubs and heavy work gear out of the boot, now’s the time. Travelling light generally maintains your battery charge for longer, so be mindful of what you’re carrying at all times.
Not subscribing to bp pulse
If you’re making regular stops on the go at public charging stations, then subscribing to bp pulse is a great way of cutting your charging costs. As a subscriber you save over 20% on our contactless rates when you download the bp pulse app and pay £7.85 per month* and you’ll get 1 month's free bp pulse subscription** too.
That’s all for now! We hope these insights, tips and tricks improve your EV enjoyment, as well as your EV’s performance.
Remember to download the bp pulse app for a live availability map of all our charging hubs. And consider subscribing to bp pulse if you want to take advantage of our lowest tariff!
*Payment by bp pulse charge card or via bp pulse app is required. Discount not available on non-participating chargers. Rates & average subscriber savings are subject to change and can vary across the bp pulse network – check the app for latest prices.
**1 month's subscription free. When you update your account and keep your bp pulse subscription (£7.85 inc VAT per month) on our upgraded app network.
