Tips for charging your EV at Christmas

The busy summer holiday period is nearly upon us, and there are more EVs than ever now on Australian roads.  

More than one in five new cars now sold is a battery electric vehicle, which means many new EV owners may be embarking on their first road trip in an electric car.  

Here are our top tips to make charging on your first electric road trip a smooth and fun experience. 

1. Plan your trip and know where the chargers are on your route 
   Use an EV road trip planning app such as A Better Route Planner app (available in the Apple App Store and at Google Play ) to understand where to stop along the way.  
2. Include backup (plan B) chargers and cables, and be flexible  
   Things happen, and an out-of-order or extra-busy charger could scuttle plans. If you know what your other charging options are, you’ll be able to make a flexible decision faster. Also, bring a Type 2 cable in case you need to use an AC destination charger - and a mobile cable for power outlets, just in case
3. Download EV charging apps and check if locations use Tap and Go 
   It’s a good idea to download EV charging network apps and add payment details before leaving, just in case you end up at a charger without reception. By joining MyNRMA you can also access discounted charging and check the list of NRMA EV charging locations with Tap and Go.

4. Leave with a full battery and only charge to 80 per cent along the way 
   By leaving with a full battery you’ll get the most out of your first leg, but when using public fast chargers, charge only to 80 per cent unless you absolutely need more – that last 20 per cent will take a lot longer and hold up others looking to charge. 

5. Plan your trip around quieter times of the day 
   Avoid peak hours and potential holiday queues at public chargers by rolling up early or late. Apps such as the MyNRMA app show what times are the busiest at each location. 

6. Remember to stop, recharge and explore 
   While we’re all keen to get where we are going, charging an EV offers an opportunity to take that all-important break along the way and get to know our regional towns better. Just remember that at many EV chargers you need to get back to your EV when it's finished charging, before idle fees kick in!

7. Use good EV charging etiquette 
   With so many new EV owners on the road, it’s more important than ever to show common courtesy. Here are our tips for best practice EV charging etiquette.

With a little planning and flexibility, your first electric road trip can be as straightforward as any other holiday drive. Know your charging options, leave room for an unplanned stop and give other drivers a turn at the plug. Then settle in, enjoy the break, and make the most of the towns along the way.