YEAR'S end is the best time for trips across Malaysia with your loved ones and taking your electric vehicle (EV) out for that first long road trip need not be intimidating or stressful.
Understandably, many EV owners have some concerns about the available charging facilities or the potential of emergencies cropping up during long trips.
However, these can be easily mediated with proper coordination because, just like how travel adventures require planning, the same goes for long drives in your EV.
Here are some tips from Cycle & Carriage to include in your planning before you take off on your next adventure.
1) APPS ARE A MANDATORY TRAVEL BUDDY
The first step in planning is to download helpful and informative apps to make coordinating your charging stops a breeze.
These apps, among many others, will ensure that your trip remains smooth, without having to make an emergency stop along the way. Plus, it allows you to plan the places you may want to visit.
Most automobile brand-dedicated app, such as the Mercedes Me app that is exclusive to Mercedes-Benz owners, allows users to check out the nearest available charging locations.
The PlugShare app allows you to view EV charging stations along your route, the number of charging slots per station and the type of chargers, too.
The Better Routeplanner (ABRP) app is similar to PlugShare but with the added feature of giving a rough indication of the amount of charge needed for your trip based on the car model.
To juice up your EV, you would need these apps, which cover a majority of public chargers in Malaysia: JomCharge, ChargeEV and ParkEasy.
The ParkEasy app even allows you to pre-book in advance to ensure you have a spot upon arrival.
Note that JomCharge and ChargeEV have entered into a partnership to enable cross-access of all of their chargers.
Certain brands also offer exclusive free charging services at the nearest dealership.
2) PLAN SHORTER CHARGING BREAKS
Oftentimes, EV owners get overwhelmed with the thought of having to wait a long time to charge their EVs, especially while on holiday. By taking the time to understand your vehicle better, the issue can be easily solved.
EVs generally charge at maximum power from zero to 80 per cent and this slows down after that mark. Moreover, charging up to 80 per cent capacity is sufficient to enable you to go the distance.
Hence, planning quick charging breaks or booster charges while you are on the go is easier and time-saving.
You can plan for 20-minute charging spurts along the route while you grab a meal or take a toilet break. This ensures that your travel plans are time-efficient and that you are in the best condition to drive.
If you are new to EV road trippin', a cool tip by service experts is to charge your vehicle whenever you are down to a 30 per cent capacity.
This allows you ample time to find a charging location and gives you peace of mind that you are never running low on charge.
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3) STAY IN EV-FRIENDLY LOCATIONS
When searching for accommodation for your trip, consider hotels or Airbnb units that provide an EV charging spot so you can charge overnight. If there are no available charging spots, simply plan your route to stop by a mall with charging facilities for dinner or stop at a charging station before retiring for the night.
Alternatively, you can check out if there's a dealership nearby your accommodation with charging facilities that you can use.
4) INVEST IN A MOBILE EV CHARGER
If you are heading to an unfamiliar location, consider investing in a mobile EV charger so you can travel the distance without worry. These mobile EV chargers are equipped with plugs for standard household wall sockets to suit your charging needs.
As long as there is an electrical point, you have the option of charging your EV.
A mobile EV charger that you can consider is the Juice Booster 2, which delivers up to 22kW. It is also splash-proof, dust-proof and completely submersible, making it ideal for outdoor and travel use. The Juice Booster 2 is now available for purchase from Cycle & Carriage, retailing at RM6,988.
5) PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED
Similar to its petrol counterpart, EV drivers must be prepared for unexpected scenarios. With Malaysia being known for heavy traffic during peak holiday seasons, do ensure that you plan the best travel time and have a charged car ready to go.
Generally, EVs do not use much energy in standstill conditions, mainly to keep the air-conditioning and basic functions going. However, you would still need to be mindful of your energy use when caught in a traffic jam.
As EV energy consumption is based on driving patterns, try to conserve energy by monitoring your acceleration (reduce overtaking and drive within the speed limit) and you'll have nothing to worry about.
With EVs, it is also important to know that their tyres are built differently from combustion vehicles and require extra precautions.
Drivers can prepare ahead of time with a Tirefit kit that comes with a tyre sealant bottle, enclosed Tirefit sticker and tyre inflation compressor that can provide a temporary solution to minor issues until you reach a more convenient location.
Taking yourself and your loved ones on an exceptional EV road trip is possible and doable without added stress.
Going on an EV road trip provides many benefits, such as helping you to squeeze in some flexibility in an otherwise jam-packed schedule. Preparing in advance allows for a more relaxing and enjoyable journey.