Guest post by Lucy Mitchell
As we approach the mid-2020s, we’re starting to see more electric vehicles cruising down major roads as a newly-cemented mainstream staple. And for good reason.
For one, electric vehicles are much more sustainable than their gas-guzzling counterparts. They’re also quiet and perform more smoothly on the road, making it a better driving experience for drivers, passengers, and passers-by alike.
With that said, transitioning from gas-powered vehicles to electric vehicles does entail the development of new habits and safety measures for the owner.
And while the learning curve may be steep at the start, it’s a worthwhile measure to ensure that everyone’s safe and prepared for any incident that may occur while driving.
Without further ado, here are five useful driving tips for electric vehicle drivers, particularly during emergency scenarios.
1. Monitor Weather Conditions
While electric vehicles hold a tonne of advantages over traditional gas vehicles, they’re not the perfect, all-durable prototype car brands tout it out to be.
Just like gas guzzlers, EV vehicles are susceptible to harsh weather conditions. If the weather reaches intense, scorching levels of heat, your electric vehicle may face overheating problems in key components such as the battery.
If your electric car is exposed to a temperature of 29 degrees Celsius and above for a long time, its battery range will dwindle faster than it would. This means it won’t be able to travel at its peak range, effectively reducing its efficiency.
On the other hand, exposure to extremely cold weather can also have the same effect, reducing range by up to 20% in worst-case scenarios.
If you are planning to drive on a long road trip, it’s essential to get a clear picture of the weather conditions you’re expected to drive in.
If it’s too hot or too cold, you may need to pick your EV charging stations more conservatively to ensure that you won’t be stranded. The weather and the extended usage of internal climate control systems can drain your EV’s battery faster than it would if driven in normal conditions.
In more extreme cases, it may even be a better idea to avoid using your EV vehicle during blizzards and heat waves. This way, you can extend the durability of your car’s battery, thus allowing you more road time with your car.
2. Prepare Vehicle-Specific Safety Equipment
Whether you’re going out on a road trip or driving within the metro, it’s important to have some tools and trinkets in your car in case of hiccups on the road.
The truth is you’ll never know when accidents or emergencies will occur—even if you drive safely. When they do end up happening, you’ll want to have a few key items to serve as a first-line of defense to fix these roadside problems.
The range of these items are vast and varied, but they all serve one purpose: to help you safely navigate your way out of a worsened situation after the accident.
Here are some of these items that can help you out:
● First aid kit
● Portable EV charger
● Flashlight
● Jumper cables
● Tire repair kit
● Emergency contact list
● Mini fire extinguisher
● Swiss army knife
● Umbrella
● Hand warmers or gloves
● Cleaning cloths
● Warm clothing and blankets
The items above should cover a big portion of potential accidents that may occur on the road. That said, you don’t only want to be physically prepared for emergencies; you’d also want to be financially set.
Getting car insurance is the best way to ensure that you’ll be financially protected in case you or your car sustains any damages. There are many quality car insurance providers like ROLLiN’ that can provide coverage for accidents, so be sure to shop around and find the best fit for you.
3. Check Tire Pressure
Did you know that electric vehicles weigh about 30% more than a normal gas-powered car? It’s true: electric vehicles are quite heavy chunks of metal, weighing a few hundreds or thousand pounds more than your typical hybrid. And, naturally, this increased weight can take a toll on your tire’s wear.
Having a flat tire while on the road can be problematic for a couple of reasons.
For one, it can ruin the structural integrity of the metal interior of the tire, causing it to flex and protrude in odd ways. Secondly, it can also make steering the car more difficult, increasing the risk of fatal accidents.
Many people tend to believe that tire problems solely occur out of the blue, such as when you drive over sharp objects. While that’s true, it’s also possible for your tire’s pressure to slowly decrease over time.
If you want to ensure that your EV’s traction and handling is up to par, you’d need to regularly check up on your tire’s pressure levels. You can do it once a month if you only go on short stints.
If you’re going on a long road trip, check the pressure level before that too through your car’s built-in monitoring system. By keeping an eye on tire pressure, EV drivers can enjoy a safer and smoother ride and reduce the risk of emergencies.
4. Practice Safe Driving Habits
Emergencies are often a result of negligence or recklessness, whether from you or another driver on the road.
And while you can’t always control what others do, you can control your own actions on the road. And it’s during these moments when you need to step up and be as safe as possible when driving.
Driving safety is paramount to good driving skills, regardless of whether you’re controlling a gas, hybrid, or electric vehicle. As such, it’s important for drivers to ensure that they’re employing the best safety practices on the road to avoid emergencies.
Some universal rules include using turn signals, staying one vehicle-length apart from the car in front of you, and giving the right of way to the right vehicle.
For drivers using an EV vehicle, there are specific rules you have to be cognizant about. For instance, you’ll need to get accustomed to gradual acceleration and braking of your vehicle, since EVs have instant torque and regenerative braking features.
You’ll also want to be more on guard around places with heavy foot traffic as your vehicle is deceptively silent. This can catch pedestrians off guard, so be sure to send signals like honking when you need to pass.
5. Undergo Regular Maintenance Checks
All vehicles face wear and tear after years of use, and this is no different for an electric vehicle. This degradation can cause malfunctions within the vehicle’s systems, resulting in inefficiencies that may result in mechanical failures in the road.
If you want to ensure the longevity of your vehicle, it’s important to get it checked by professionals and car repair specialists. While you can do a basic diagnosis yourself, it’s always a good idea to have experts handle cases like these.
Some components that are likely to be checked include the battery health, the electrical systems, the brake systems, and the suspensions. Specialists may also look at your car for any missing software updates and correct it accordingly.
Furthermore, these specialists will look at the instrument cluster and determine whether everything’s working as intended. This includes the lights, indicators, fuel gauges, and the like.
By getting regular car check-ups done, you can reduce the risk of encountering any vehicular collisions and other emergencies.
Safe driving, everyone!