4 tips for a successful road trip in an electric vehicle (EV)

Taking a road trip in the summer is great! Are you planning to travel hundreds of kilometres in Quebec, elsewhere in Canada or the United States for the very first time with your electric vehicle? The Certified Auto Repair team has some tips to ensure your trip goes off without a hitch!

1. Make an appointment for a pre-trip inspection

Like gasoline-powered vehicles, electric cars require a thorough inspection before going on a long trip. Your mechanic will check several essential elements so you can hit the road with confidence, including:

• Tire pressure
• Brake wear
• Windshield and windshield wiper condition
• Air conditioner efficiency
• Signal light and headlight operation

2. Mark charging stations on your map

Before your road trip, do some research to find out where you can charge your car. Since you’ll be on holiday, make a list of charging stations near interesting tourist attractions or fun boutiques. If you must wait a while to charge, you can take advantage of your stop to eat at a restaurant, stroll through a nice park or visit tourist shops. If you use a fast-charging station, treat yourself to coffee or ice cream instead — combine business with pleasure!

Finally, to make your life easier, download an app that lists all available charging stations.

3. Fully charge your car before you leave

Over time, continuously charging to 100 per cent can degrade your EV’s battery. However, when going on a road trip, it’s a good idea to hit the road with as much charge as possible. This will allow you to drive further before having to stop and recharge. Plus, it will reduce the stress of unforeseen events like detours or questionable GPS directions.

4. Drive in a way that maximizes range

Several factors can affect how far you can drive your EV before needing to recharge the battery. You can significantly extend or shorten the range of your battery depending on how fast you drive and how aggressively you accelerate. It’s in your best interest to slow down and choose routes with fewer hills or less-steep grades.

Do you own an electric vehicle or plan to get one soon? If you’re going on a road trip this summer, request an appointment at your nearest Certified Auto Repair for a professional inspection and tune-up.