Electric Vehicle Tips & tricks

Charging Apps

Tip: In order to charge your vehicle, you may download a number of apps. This is because there are apps for each charge vendor. This means you may find yourself opening up 5 different apps to see where the different charge types are and the cost of charging.

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Trick: The PlugShare app provides a crowdsources list of chargers. Many charge providers plug directly in to PlugShare so you can see locations as well as real-time availability and type of charger (for example a level 3, fast charger).

Charging you vehicle at home

Tip: Charging at home may or may not be convenient.

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Trick: Be aware that a level one charger which comes with most electric vehicles and plugs into a standard household electrical outlet will add 4 km of distance for every 1 hour of charge. Most people find that investing in a level 2 charger ($1500-$2500) which replenishes 40-50 kms every hour is the most convenient option. If your home electrical system is capable you can even invest in a Level 3 Charging station.

 Battery usage

Tip: Range is relative.

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Trick: Just because your battery lost 40% charge heading to grandma’s house doesn’t mean the next time, the same charge will be lost. Distance and weather is not the only thing that affects the battery. Cooling or heating the cabin, having the radio on, using windshield wipers etc. are all factors that affect range.

Rubber matters

Tip: Remember the tires.

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Trick: Because electric vehicles require much less maintenance, it is easy to forget to have tires rotated. This is especially true for electric vehicles where the added weight and torque wears tires faster. A good rule of thumb is to rotate tires every 8000-12,000kms.

All Level 3 Chargers are not created equal

Tip: Not all fast-chargers/level 3 chargers are created equal

Trick: Identify whether the level 3 fast charger is 50kW, 100kW or 150kW. For example, a Ford Mach E with extended range battery will take 1.5 hours to fully charge on a 50kW fast charger but will only take 30 minutes for a full charge at 150kW fast charger.

Chargers are not alike

Tip: All chargers, even those of the same level are not alike. Some are easier to use than others.

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Trick: Pay close attention to the instructions on the screen of the charger, check Youtube and/or ask a fellow-electric vehicle user for help.

How does your vehicle charge

Tip: Different vehicles have different charging speeds when using a fast charger/level 3 charger.

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Trick: Research if the model you are looking to purchase has a slow or fast-charging battery as this will drastically affect the time it takes to charge at a level 3 charger.

Installing a Charger

Tip: Installing a home charger requires forethought.

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Trick: Ensure the placement of the charger is well thought through. You will likely be handling the chord several times a week and will want to place the charger where the chord is not a tripping hazard, in the way of other items you want to access, and where it can easily reach the vehicle.

Temperature matters

Tip: Range is drastically affected by cold temperatures.

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Trick: Plan that from -17C or below, range is almost cut in half because the car must manage both the battery and cabin temperatures. It helps to warm up the vehicle while it’s plugged in.

Planning makes perfect

Tip: Long trips can be done in Electric Vehicles

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Trick: Plan your trip ahead of time, make sure you know where you are going to charge your vehicle - book a rest stop there. If you plan, do not rush, and enjoy the journey it can be done easily.