Going on a road trip with your EV for the first time? Having nightmares of running out of charge, a depleated battery in the middle of nowhere? Yes of course we have all been beginners, but relax there are no need to worry these days unless you are heading deep into the east or south east of Europe. But there are still some bits and pieces you can think of before going, to avoid some trouble down the road.

Going EV is far easier than just a couple of years ago, number of charge points increases in a high speed, and people, us, are getting more used to it.

1. Never charge to 100%
   Unless you like spending time at the charger or really need the extra kilometers or miles, don’t charge beyond 80-85% when on travel. Those last kWh will take very long time, probably as long as the first 80% did. Apart from the time saved, you also save your battery and keep it healthier. Car batteries works like your cellphone, if you constantly charge to max, the capacity will reduce faster. Besides, many of us has seen the ques piling up at chargers due to people overcharging, don’t become that guy!
   
2. Never deplete your battery
   To keep your battery health at it’s maximum, avoid total depletion. This will tear and wear your battery performance over time.
   
3. Temperature
   The battery temperature is essential to both charging speed and consumption. We have all experienced how quick a cell phone battery depletes in subzero temperature, car batteries are no different. On the other hand to high temperature will slow down charging performance and also power output, the car hits the turtle mode. Turtle mode is the cars way of protecting it self. Temperature extremes can be an issue if the car doesn’t have a preecool/heat function of the battery. If it has, make sure it’s working when you approach a charger.
   
4. Take care of the charging time
   When car need to charge, plan your stops to eat lunch or just take a cup of coffe, all depends on how fast you expect you charging session to be. But just sit still in the car always feels like a waste.
   
5. Charging networks
   Today you can subscribe or become a member in different charging networks like Ionity or Tesla. These memberships often comes with discounts when charging. Such membership can significantly lower your charge cost.

As previously mentioned, focusing on range may mislead you when selecting an EV, depending on your intended use of course. If you drive long distances, have vacation trips etc, fast charging is much more valuable than range, as long as the car you plan for can drive 2-3 hrs without charging, charge speed is more important than extended range.