Whether you’re a seasoned electric van driver or just getting started within the EV world, navigating them comes with its own set of things to know. From smooth driving to avoiding excessive idling, we’ll spark your knowledge with time-saving, practical, and eco-smart tips, so you can get the best out of your EV driving experience.
Plan Your Routes
One of the most important aspects of driving an EV is to carefully plan your routes. A way to plan routes more efficiently is by using telematics systems to maximise range. With Dawsontrac 2.0, our advanced telematic service, you can improve your business’s fleet management with real-time GPS tracking. Monitor the location of your vehicles, the routes they take, and how they adhere to your schedules, ensuring you can effectively plan routes and optimise journey times.
Smooth Driving
Conserving energy is important when operating an electric van, and driving style can play a huge role in this. Gradually accelerating prevents the battery from being drained quickly by high power demands. It also helps to reduce energy consumption, enhances driver comfort and safety, and improves overall battery health.
Regular Tyre Pressure Checks
Tyre pressure can have greater effects on EVs, especially as they tend to be heavier than petrol and diesel vans, due to their batteries. It’s recommended to check tyre pressure at least once a month or before long journeys, when tyres are cold. Check this according to the PSI recommended by the manufacturer to ensure both safety and efficiency on the roads.
Regenerative Braking
Within an EV, you can make use of the regenerative braking system, with many models offering adjustable settings, so you can tailor it to your preferences. It uses the vehicle’s forward momentum when lifting off the accelerator to feed energy back into its battery. Best used in urban traffic with constant stop-start, it’s great for extending range, reducing energy consumption, and can add 10-20% to the total range of an EV.
Climate Control Management
Optimising how you drive within an EV is to use efficient climate control management, as heating and cooling impact the vehicle’s range. In cold weather, expect to lose up to 40% of range when driving (AAA). Preconditioning the van while charging saves energy, as it uses external power instead of the battery. This, alongside setting moderate temperatures, rather than extremes, helps the system better adjust airflow.
Regular Maintenance
This keeps EVs in the best condition, as regular servicing prevents issues that could otherwise go unknown. With Dawsongroup, get 24/7/365 maintenance support and a nationwide network of branches and repair agents to ensure minimal downtime for your business.
Efficient Loading
When loading vans, it’s important to ensure efficiency with proper loading. Key things to remember are to distribute weight evenly, avoid overloading, check the load limit, and if possible, dismantle any top-heavy items.
Avoid Excessive Idling
Instead of fuel waste, excessive idling in an EV can drain its battery power. Idling can account for around 12% of total engine run time for UK commercial vehicles. While in many cases, EVs have start-stop systems to conserve energy, for other models, it’s always best to turn off the van when stationary for longer periods to preserve battery charge and overall vehicle range.
With these tips, you can drive smarter, cleaner, and more confidently in your EV. And for even more confidence during your EV journey, partner with Dawsongroup, which not only offers top-of-the-range vehicles but also expert support, 24/7/365 maintenance help, and a Smarter Asset Strategy.
Download a copy of the guide below for free to support your EV drivers!
