Create a maintenance schedule
Although EVs require less maintenance than gas-powered cars, some tasks are universal for all vehicles. To stay on top of things, create a maintenance schedule so you’re reminded when to do important tasks like replacing your windshield washer fluid, changing your filters, and cleaning your brakes.
Have a cleaning routine
A clean car will make driving a more pleasant experience for you and all your passengers. Add a bi-weekly car wash and a detailing session every four to six months to your maintenance schedule. Check out this article for more on the difference between washing vs. detailing your EV.
In between cleans, keep some multipurpose wipes and a portable vacuum in your car to deal with messes on the go.
Charge smart
You can help your EV battery last longer by charging it strategically. For instance, it’s best to keep your battery between 20% to 80% charged instead of leaving it plugged in at 100%.
If you’re still new to owning an EV, you may not yet have taken a long journey where you needed to plan your stops. To avoid experiencing range anxiety and unexpected detours, plan a few charging pitstops along your way.
Install a home charger
Another way to avoid any worries about charging is to install a home charger. Although this is an expense, many EV owners who drive frequently find a Level 2 home charger to be a worthwhile investment.
Although you can plug your car into a regular socket to charge, it can take upwards of 40 hours to fully charge your battery from empty. Installing a Level 2 charger reduces that time to 4 to 10 hours. Level 3 charging in residential areas is currently not allowed. Not to mention that regularly using Level 3 charging can decrease your battery’s ability to hold a charge over time.
You can learn more about the types of EV charging plugs here.
Update your software
Like most types of technology, the software used in EVs is always evolving. The central computer of your EV requires updates to offer you the latest safety features, eliminate bugs, and improve overall performance.
Some EVs will download these updates automatically for you whenever you’re connected to Wi-Fi. Other times, you’ll get a notification on your dashboard that an update is available. Most will only take a few minutes to download, but larger updates could take a few hours. Your EV needs to be parked while it’s performing a software update, and if it’s going to take a long time, it’s wise to leave it plugged in.
Change your driving habits
You can further maximize your EV’s range and overall performance by adjusting your driving habits in the following ways:
- Gently accelerate and decelerate.
- Use regenerative braking.
- Combine quick trips into one journey.
- Park under cover to maintain a consistent temperature.
More ideas
For more New Year’s resolutions for your EV, check out our blog. We’ve got lots of resources to help you learn about your vehicle and how to best care for it.
If you have questions about maintaining or repairing any part of your EV, visit a NexDrive service centre to speak with an expert.
Happy New Year!