EXPERT ADVICE FOR OVERCOMING EV RANGE ANXIETY BEFORE A LONG TRIP
One of the big barriers to EV adoption is nervousness about just how many miles a motorist will be able to eke-out of an electric car's battery before they need to stop and recharge.
If you fall into that category, and if you're planning a longer road trip in an EV this summer, these tips could help to minimise the stress and amplify the enjoyment of EVs in general.
1. Check to see if your EV has a range prediction feature
There are two types of range figures you might see listed for your electric vehicle - the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) range and the real world range. The WLTP is calculated in a lab on a rolling road and it takes into account a variety of driving scenarios, from city commuting to high-speed highway driving.
The real world range is, however, something else entirely and factors-in lots of other variables, such as the ambient temperature and your own driving style. For some EVs, the real world range can be around 15% less than the stated WLTP range.
To help with this, lots of EVs are able to display a real-time 'expected range', which is calculated based on how you're driving and on the assumption that you're going to continue driving in the same way. And by keeping an eye on that 'expected range' figure, you're much better equipped to plan ahead to make the recharge stops you need to.
2. Download an EV charging point app like BP Pulse
Much like finding petrol stations during a...