Nine vehicle checks for an electric car journey
Find out about charging your EV with bp pulse
Heading off for a long journey in your electric vehicle? Read our handy guide to checks for a safe, hassle-free trip
Pump up your tires
Just like with gas powered vehicles, inflating your tires or swapping for a new set can improve your car’s efficiency. Electric cars tend to go through tires faster due to the added weight of the car’s battery packs, so it’s worth checking your tire tread meets the legal limit before setting off on a long journey. And remember to ensure that your spare tire is in good condition or check if your car comes with a tire repair kit.
Top up your battery
You don’t need to start your trip with your battery at 100% but keeping it well charged will help you focus freely on the journey ahead. Then, you just need to plan to charge at the nearest bp pulse charging station when you hit around 20% capacity to make the most of using an ultrafast charger. And if your battery is almost full when you set off, you’re less likely to face the heavy holiday traffic when you stop to charge next.
Fill up those fluids
Just like it’s important for you to be well-hydrated before starting a trip, it’s important for your car to be too! Electric cars typically only require three key fluids to be topped up regularly – coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer – and knowing these are full will give you added peace of mind that you’ll have a safe journey.
Read your manufacturer’s manual
Do you know how to switch your lights to high-beam or how to change your vehicle’s driving mode to the most efficient option? Taking a look over your vehicle manufacturer’s manual is a great place to start to get prepared. Most electric cars are also equipped with regenerative braking to harness the energy generated when you’re braking and add extra range to your battery - so it’s worth knowing how to activate this too.
Check your visibility
Struggling to see clearly through your windshield or your mirrors? Start your drive with clear glass and you’ll not only see better, you’ll feel better, as you won’t have to squint or shift to avoid glare. On cold mornings, you’ll also want to make sure your vehicle is defogged and de-iced before heading out. Many electric vehicles even allow you to pre-condition the battery for optimal performance before you even get in.
Be emergency ready
In the unlikely event your electric vehicle breaks down during a trip, it’s important to know how roadside assistance can come to your rescue. If you run out of charge, services like AAA can tow you to your nearest EV charging station or provide a temporary charging boost to get you there. Having pre-arranged cover offers reassurance that you will have support in an unexpected situation or emergency.
Pack your adapter
While you may not always need an adapter, it’s smart to check what charging options are available along your route. Depending on the connector types used at that station, you may need an adapter to charge. Find out more about the common types of US charging ports in our blog.
The good news is that all bp pulse sites are CCS and NACS compatible, making it easier for you to charge up*. Check the bp pulse app ahead of time for connector type by location.
Pro-tip: store your cables in an easily accessible place in your vehicle. Once you’ve loaded it up, it might be difficult to retrieve your cables from underneath your luggage.
*Adapters may be required – check your vehicle manufacturer’s manual
Stock up on safety essentials
While some of the latest electric cars include plugs to power domestic appliances, not everyone has access to this useful feature. It pays to pack a back-up to your smartphone flashlight in the form of a good, old-fashioned torch, and a first-aid kit is a must in case of any unexpected adventures on your vacation!
Plan your route
Once you’re prepped and ready to go, it’s a good idea to plan out your route ahead of time, including any stops for EV charging.
Many bp pulse EV charging sites are conveniently located alongside or nearby amenities such as fast-food restaurants and convenience stores – so you can maximize your rest stop while charging. Take a look at the bp pulse app or our map before traveling to find a spot that works for your journey.
