Wiktor Wise
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, and while they function in a similar way to traditional cars, there are some key differences to be aware of when starting one. Electric vehicles are often heavier than their petrol counterparts, and the batteries are usually positioned low down, sometimes along the floor of the car. The minimum battery level needed to start an electric vehicle varies depending on the model and battery type, and charging options differ in terms of convenience and speed. To start an electric vehicle, you'll typically use a start button and select a gear, and then you can begin to accelerate gently.
How to start an electric vehicle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Starting the car | Hit the start button while pressing the brake pedal and select the Drive or Reverse gear to move |
| Gears | Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), Drive (D), and Low (L) |
| Charging | Level 1 and Level 2 charging are the slowest but most convenient options, as they can be accessed using most standard wall outlets |
| Fast charging is typically only available at dedicated charging stations | |
| Charging networks like Shell Recharge and Tesla Supercharger are available for free | |
| Charging cables should be kept in the boot of the car | |
| Charging points can be found using Google Maps and Zap Maps | |
| Brakes | Power brakes work on the vacuum created by the engine. An electric car can be stopped without power brakes, but it requires pushing really hard |
| A manual master brake cylinder can be installed or a hole can be punched in the cylinder to convert it to manual | |
| An electric vacuum can be created using an aquarium air pump | |
| Torque | Electric vehicles generate torque nearly instantaneously, which means it won't take much to get moving |
| Weight | Electric cars are heavier than petrol vehicles due to the heavy battery |
| Battery | The minimum battery level to start the car varies depending on the model and battery type |
| Intense heat and cold can drain the battery | |
| The car should be charged between uses and ideally kept in a climate-controlled garage | |
| Amenities | Amenities like the radio and air conditioning are taxing on the power source, so electric cars may not be ideal for road trips |
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What You'll Learn
Charging an electric vehicle
Charging an EV at Home
Charging an EV at home is the most affordable and convenient way to charge an electric car. Most EV charging is done at home, with over 80% of plug-in electric vehicle drivers doing so. Charging at home costs about £13 for a full charge, depending on where you live, and can be done using a regular domestic three-pin socket. However, a dedicated home EV charger is a much faster option. The typical cost of installing a home charge point is around £800-1200. Under its Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme, the Office for Zero-Emission Vehicles (OZEV) offers certain motorists a grant capped at a maximum of £350.
There are two types of home charging equipment: Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 charging equipment is usually supplied with the car and can be plugged into a standard household outlet. However, it can take over 24 hours to deliver an optimal battery charge of 80%. Level 2 equipment, on the other hand, can deliver an optimal battery charge of 80% in 4 to 5 hours. It needs to be wired directly into your domestic electricity supply and may require a certified electrician to install. Level 2 equipment is more suitable for those with less regular schedules, longer commutes, or EVs with large batteries that require more than overnight to fully charge.
Charging an EV at Work
Charging an EV at work is another option, with many employers installing workplace charging points and offering free access throughout the day. The cost of charging at work can vary between organisations, with some providing free charging while others set a paid tariff. The Government's Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) provides vouchers worth up to £350 per socket to contribute to the upfront costs of purchasing and installing EV charge points.
Charging an EV at a Public Charging Station
Public EV chargers can be found at service stations, car parks, supermarkets, cinemas, and even at the side of the road. Public chargers at service stations are ideal for longer journeys, while Level 2 public charging stations can be used to charge your car to full capacity overnight. Level 2 charging stations are sometimes free to use and can be found using a free-to-download mobile app. However, Level 2 charging is not ideal for use while on the road, as it is meant for longer stops. For road trips, DC fast chargers are more useful, as they can charge your battery to about 80% in 20 to 60 minutes. These chargers can be found at various networks across the nation, including Tesla Supercharger, EVgo, ChargePoint, and Electrify America. Pricing at public charging stations can vary based on the network, location, speed of the chargers, and time of day.
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Using the brakes
Electric vehicles (EVs) have unique braking systems that differ from traditional cars. While traditional brake systems use a hydraulic system to transfer force from the brake pedal to the brake pads, EVs often feature regenerative and electrohydraulic braking systems.
Regenerative braking is a type of braking system that recovers kinetic energy during braking and converts it into electrical energy to recharge the vehicle's battery. This system uses the EV's electric motors to stop the vehicle instead of just making it go. Every time you lift off the accelerator or gently apply the brakes, you can recover up to 70% of your forward momentum as electricity. This energy is then stored in the battery for later use. However, regenerative braking may not be as effective at stopping the vehicle at high speeds, so it is often used in combination with traditional friction brakes.
Friction brakes, the most common type of brakes in vehicles, including EVs, work by using friction to slow or stop the vehicle. When the brake pedal is pressed, a hydraulic system applies pressure to the brake pads, which press against the rotors to create friction and slow down the vehicle. Friction brakes can be made of various materials, including ceramic, metallic, or organic compounds, each offering different advantages in terms of durability, noise, and heat dissipation.
Electrohydraulic brakes are a newer type of braking system that combines hydraulic and electric systems. These brakes are commonly found in hybrid or electric vehicles with complex brake systems due to the use of regenerative braking. Electrohydraulic brakes provide a smoother and more consistent braking performance than traditional friction brakes. The choice of braking system for an EV depends on factors such as vehicle weight, driving conditions, and energy efficiency.
It is important to note that the braking systems in EVs require minimal maintenance compared to traditional cars. The frequent use of regenerative braking helps scrape away any rust or corrosion that may build up on the brakes. However, the brake pads and calipers may not get hot enough to remove all moisture, which can lead to premature brake pad failure if conventional brake pads are used. To address this, NRS has developed galvanized brake pads specifically for EVs, which do not corrode, crumble, or fail prematurely.
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Driving modes
Electric vehicles (EVs) come with multiple driving modes that allow you to adjust your settings for your preferred type of driving. These modes can be used to customise your driving experience and help conserve battery power.
One of the most common driving modes in EVs is the "Eco" mode, which helps to extend the driving range by making the car take off more slowly and increasing the amount of regenerative braking. This mode optimises fuel economy and puts more charge back into the battery when braking. Another mode that impacts regenerative braking is the "Regen" mode, which allows you to customise your regenerative braking settings to suit your preferences and driving conditions. The more you brake, the more energy is put back into your battery, extending your range.
If you're looking for a more dynamic driving experience, some EVs offer a "Sport" mode, which provides sustained acceleration. However, this mode can negatively impact your driving range, so it's best used sparingly.
For those who own a hybrid EV, you may have a default "Hybrid" mode that automatically prioritises electric power. This mode utilises the engine only when maximum power is required or when there is no charge available. You can also manually select the EV mode to maximise your time spent using electric power. Additionally, the SAVE function prevents the battery charge from dropping below a selected level, ensuring quiet, zero-tailpipe emissions travel.
Lastly, some EVs have features that allow you to fine-tune settings such as throttle response, regenerative braking intensity, and power output to suit your driving preferences and enhance your range, feel, and performance.
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Impact of weather
Electric vehicles (EVs) are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional cars, offering a more sustainable option for drivers. However, they are not immune to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather conditions. Understanding how temperature and weather influence EV battery efficiency, range, and performance is essential for EV owners and those considering making the switch.
Temperature extremes, both hot and cold, can significantly affect how far electric vehicles can go and how efficiently they perform. Cold temperatures can reduce an electric car's overall range by 20-30%. This is because cold batteries cannot accept the same rate of charge, resulting in longer charging times. Additionally, running amenities like heating at full blast can further drain the battery. To mitigate the effects of cold weather, modern EVs often have thermal management systems to maintain battery performance.
On the other hand, hot weather can also negatively impact EV performance. Above 35°C, EV lithium-ion batteries may begin to overheat, leading to faster discharge rates and reduced energy storage capacity. This is due to the increased movement of ions within the batteries, preventing effective binding to anodes and cathodes. Additionally, hot weather can accelerate EV tire wear, reducing tread depth and increasing hydroplaning risks.
Wind can also impact EV performance, as wind resistance increases drag and negatively affects aerodynamics, causing the vehicle to use more energy. While the effects are minimal, fleet managers should consider weather conditions to ensure optimal performance. Similarly, while EVs are engineered to withstand rain and water intrusion, managers in rainy areas may worry about water damage during charging.
In summary, temperature and weather conditions can influence the performance and range of electric vehicles. EV owners should be aware of these impacts and take proactive steps to mitigate them, such as checking tire pressure and treads in cold weather and moderating acceleration in hot weather. By understanding and adapting to the effects of climate change, EV owners can contribute to a greener future in transportation.
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Starting the vehicle
Starting an electric vehicle is a straightforward process. Most electric cars do not use a key to start the ignition; instead, they have a start/stop button located to the right or left of the steering wheel. To start the car, simply press the button while pressing the brake pedal and select the drive or reverse gear to move. Electric cars have regenerative braking, which means that some of the energy lost during braking is sent back to the main battery to increase the range.
It is important to note that the minimum battery level required to start an electric car may vary depending on the model and battery type. The battery indicator on the dashboard will show how much power is left, and it is recommended to start looking for a charging station when the battery level reaches around 30-40%. Charging stations are typically found at dedicated sites, but they are widely available. Additionally, electric vehicles can be charged at home using a standard domestic socket or a wall-mounted charger.
When starting an electric vehicle, it is essential to be aware of the instant torque generation. Unlike conventional cars, electric vehicles can generate torque almost immediately, so a gentle press on the accelerator is sufficient to start driving. It is recommended to start slowly and gradually increase speed until you are comfortable with the acceleration. The improved acceleration of electric cars can take some time to get used to, especially if you are accustomed to driving traditional cars or trucks.
Some additional considerations for driving an electric vehicle include the impact of extreme temperatures on battery life. Intense heat or cold can drain the battery, so it is advisable to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Keeping the electric car in a climate-controlled garage when not in use can help maintain the battery and cabin temperature, reducing the need to run the heating or air conditioning, which can also tax the battery.
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Frequently asked questions
Most electric cars don't use a key to start. Instead, they have a start and stop button, usually positioned to the right or left of the steering wheel. Press the start button while pressing the brake pedal and select the Drive or Reverse gear to move.
There are various ways to charge an electric vehicle, including Level 1, Level 2, and fast charging. Level 1 and Level 2 charging are the slowest but most convenient, as they can be accessed using standard wall outlets. Fast charging is typically only available at dedicated charging stations.
You will need a subscription with a charging network and a charge card to start charging your electric vehicle. Charging locations include roadside, hotels, and retail parks. You can use Google Maps and Zap Maps to find charging points nearby.
Electric vehicles generate torque almost instantly, so be gentle with the accelerator to avoid accidental bumps. Also, be mindful of the battery level and avoid exposing the vehicle to extreme temperatures, as they can drain the battery.
