As electric cars have gradually become a familiar part of Vietnam's routes, many people have boldly chosen this means of transport for long-distance travel. However, to ensure a smooth and safe journey, drivers need to be carefully prepared, because electric vehicles have specific requirements that are different from traditional gasoline vehicles.
According to Mr. Brent Gruber, Senior Director of Electric Vehicles at J.D. Power Market Research Organization (USA): "A long trip by electric car requires a much more detailed charging plan than what drivers are familiar with when using internal combustion engine vehicles".
Here are 4 important notes before starting the journey.
Develop a detailed charging plan on the roadmap
Unlike gasoline cars with a dense fuel station system, the network of fast charging stations for electric cars in many areas is still limited. Therefore, planning detailed battery charging and accurately determining charging points along the road is a mandatory requirement.
Mr. Brent Gruber emphasized: "Not only determining the location of the charging station, the driver must also check whether the charger is compatible with the vehicle or not, and plan a charging time to suit the journey plan."
In addition, drivers should prepare applications to support charging station search and be ready for unexpected situations such as broken or overloaded stations.
Optimizing battery capacity before launch
Before each long trip, it is necessary to fully charge the battery to optimize travel distance. In addition, checking the battery status and updating the latest energy management software for the vehicle is also very important to ensure performance.
According to Mr. Gruber, weather also significantly affects battery performance. "In cold conditions, the distance traveled by electric vehicles can be reduced by 20 - 30%. Drivers need to calculate more battery capacity than normal," he advised.
Limiting maximum air conditioning or opting for economical driving mode also helps increase the range of activities for the trip.
Prepare a charging plan at the destination
Not only focusing on the road, drivers need to determine the ability to charge at the stop: whether the hotel, resort, or resort provide a charging station, which charger is supported, and how much capacity.
In case the destination does not have a charging station, it is necessary to make a backup plan, for example, finding a nearby public charging station or preparing a mobile charging cable.
Bringing support equipment and spare items
Some supporting devices should be on the vehicle such as standard mobile chargers, multi-function chargers, plug converters... as well as basic spare items: phone backup chargers, drinking water, fast food, first aid equipment.
Mr. Gruber emphasized that: "With a long trip, being proactive in preparing for emergencies not only helps you feel more secure, but also ensures an uninterrupted journey".
