The must-know do’s and don’ts for planning a road trip with an EV 

Ah, Christmas- the season of twinkling lights, questionable jumpers, and long car journeys to visit loved ones. If you're an electric vehicle driver gearing up for the annual pilgrimage, don’t worry! We’re Ellena and Josh from @e.vantures, and with countless EV road trips in our Nissan e-NV200 campervan under our (seat)belts, we've gathered plenty of tips to help you make travelling in your EV worry-free this winter.

Whether you're dashing through the snow to see family or heading out for a little getaway, these EV-specific do’s and don’ts will help you enjoy the ride.

 

The do’s of long distance EV travel: 

1. Always set off fully charged 

Start your journey on the right foot (or wheel). Plug into your home charger the night before you leave—electricity is cheaper during off-peak hours, and you'll wake up ready to hit the road. If you have a home charger with solar integration—like evec’s VEC01 or VEC03—use those shorter winter days to charge with the last bits of sunlight.

 

2. Understand your EV’s Winter range

Cold weather affects battery efficiency, so expect a shorter range than in the summer. While the average EV in the UK can travel about 200 miles on a single charge, our fully loaded Nissan e-NV200 campervan manages around 130 miles. Knowing your Winter range helps you plan charging stops better along your route.

 

3. Plan your charging stops

There are thousands of rapid and fast chargers across the UK.  It's wise to have a rough idea of where you'll charge along your route. Newer EVs use a CCS connector, but if yours uses CHAdeMO like ours, double-check for compatibility at charging stations. Plan stops where you can warm up, grab a hot drink, and stretch your legs while your EV charges. Aim to recharge when your battery is at 20% for less stress and use apps like Zap-Map to help plan your journey.

 

4. Choose chargers with amenities 

Motorway services are reliable but can get busy during the holidays. Look for quieter chargers at retail parks, pubs, or even a Sainsbury’s car park – they often provide similar amenities with less crowding.

 

5. Bring your charging cable 

Not all chargers come with their own cable, so make sure to pack yours. A “granny charger” (the one that plugs into a standard outlet) is also a handy backup. You never know when Aunt Bethany’s outdoor plug will save the day.

 

6. Follow proper charging etiquette 

Once you’ve finished charging, move your vehicle to allow others to use the charger and tidy the cables. If you come across a faulty charger, let the charging network know– they can often fix it remotely or schedule a repair.

 

The don’ts of long distance EV travel: 

1. Don’t push your range limits

Keep a close eye on your battery levels and range predictions. Avoid stretching your EV to its limits, especially in areas with sparse charging options.

 

2. Don’t rely too heavily on rapid charging 

While convenient for quick top-ups, frequent rapid charging can be expensive. For longer breaks—like shopping for last minute presents—opt for slower chargers to keep costs down and battery health intact.

 

3. Don’t ignore weather impacts 

Remember that cold weather can reduce battery efficiency, while hot weather increases cooling demands. Plan for extra buffer range to account for these factors.

 

4. Don’t overlook towing considerations 

If towing a caravan or trailer, research your stops ahead of time. Some EVs have a rear charging ports, which can be tricky to access with a trailer attached. Check for one-way service stations that might require detours.

By following these 6 dos’ and 4 don’ts, you’ll be well-prepared for your long-distance EV journey. Remember, the key to a successful trip is planning and staying flexible. For more tips and to follow our adventures, join us on Instagram at @e.vantures. 

Happy road tripping!