When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn 
Switching to an electric vehicle (EV) is an exciting change that not only reduces your carbon footprint but also brings advanced tech features, a quieter cabin, and savings on fuel and maintenance costs compared to gasoline or diesel-fueled cars.
However, there are differences between driving an EV compared with driving a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) car.
Techopedia looks at five things every EV owner should know to get the most out of their battery-powered vehicle’s potential.
Key Takeaways
- Cold and hot weather reduce EV battery performance and range.
- Charging takes longer than refueling and requires planning.
- Home charging saves time and money compared to public chargers.
- Plan charging stops to avoid delays on long trips.
- Regenerative braking extends range and reduces maintenance needs.
5 Things Every New EV Driver Should Know
1. How Weather Affects Battery Performance
Range anxiety — the concern that an EV battery will run out of power while on the road — is one of the primary reasons that many drivers are hesitant to switch from ICE vehicles.
If you do buy an EV, it is important to understand that weather conditions affect battery electric cars, unlike ICE cars, and can reduce the distance the vehicle is able to travel before requiring a recharge.
Batteries operate less efficiently in cold weather, while extreme heat can stress the battery, potentially shortening its ability over time. It is important to be aware of this if you live in a particularly cold or hot climate or an area with significant seasonal fluctuations.
Richard Woolley, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Forecaster at Weather Trends International, told Techopedia:
“EV range is mostly a function of speed and temperature. Travel speeds at 20-30mph typically provide the greatest range, but temperature also has a much greater impact at lower speeds than at higher speeds.
“Cold temperatures (32°F) while traveling at low speeds can really zap the charge from a battery, sometimes by as much as 50% when compared to the same speed at 70°F.
“A lot of this loss can be explained by the need to heat the cabin of the vehicle and keep the battery warm enough for optimal operation.”
This means that drivers will get fewer miles between charges. Commuting in heavy traffic around 7-8 am, at typically the lowest temperatures of the day, sees the biggest reduction in range, and driving at the hottest time of day during the summer also reduces battery life.
“The best temperature to drive an EV is right around 68°F in dry weather during the daytime. The least optimal conditions are when it’s frigidly cold or boiling hot,” Woolley said.
“Another thing to think about is the type of weather. Sure, a major snowstorm can leave you stuck on the roads for hours and mighty cold if you are in an EV and want to make it to the next charging station, but rainy weather that requires the defroster and wipers to operate can also decrease EV range.”
However, there are steps you can take to make your battery last longer.
“One suggestion to maximize EV range is to go to work a little later in the morning in the winter and come home a little later in the summer,” Woolley said.
“Warm up the interior of the car and scrap the ice and snow off while still plugged in at home. Park in the shade or use reflective windshield screens to keep the cabin a little cooler when you start out toward home in the summer.”
“If you are going on a long trip, remember your range at night in the winter is less than during the day, while the opposite is true in the summer.
“Use a travel planning app that incorporates weather along your route. Being aware of the weather changes during your journey and how it impacts your EV range will go a long way in reducing range anxiety.”
Another weather effect you might not have considered is the impact of a lightning storm.
While it is technically possible to charge an EV battery during a storm if you take precautions, manufacturers advise against it as lightning can cause power surges, which could damage the battery or charging equipment.
The number of electrical components in an EV means there is a higher chance of lightning damage than in ICE vehicles.
Ensure that charging points are grounded correctly to prevent lightning damage. It is advisable to fully charge an EV before a storm so that you can still drive it if there is a power outage. For safety, wait until the storm passes to recharge and install a surge protector for your home charger to protect your EV from electricity spikes.
EV charging ports are weatherproof, and onboard software shuts off the charger if moisture is detected, but it is still important to prevent rainwater or snow from getting into the port or connector. When charging outside, use a weather-resistant cable that is rated for outdoors.
2. Charging is Not the Same as Filling Up a Gas Tank
It can take time to get used to charging a battery rather than refueling at the gas pump. Charging requires more time and planning than driving up to a gas station and filling the tank within minutes.
There are several factors that affect how long it takes to charge an EV, including the battery size and the charging point. And, like any other battery, such as the one in your smartphone, an EV’s battery capacity degrades over time.
As frequent fast charging and fully discharging the battery can strain the battery and accelerate the degradation, you should try to charge up to 80% rather than 100% and avoid running down the power level below 10%.
On long journeys, charge just enough to get to the next charging point on the route.
Avoid leaving an EV plugged in once the battery reaches 100%, as overcharging can damage the battery and reduce its lifespan. To prevent this, there are charging points that have built-in timers.
3. Charge at Home as Much as Possible
An average 7.4kW or 11kW home charger can fully charge a 60kWh EV battery in around eight hours, whereas a 150kW commercial charger can do it within 30 minutes.
But there are advantages to installing a charger at home. You can power up your car overnight from the comfort and convenience of your home and leave in the morning with a full battery.
Installing a smart home charger can save you money not only compared with using a standard plug but also compared with a public charging station. Your auto dealer can usually arrange to have a charger installed at your home.
And charging station suppliers, automakers, and electricity suppliers are increasingly offering bundles to help drivers save money on home charging during off-peak hours when fewer people use electricity and prices tend to be lower.
In the UK, for instance, utility EDF and charging station suppliers have launched a Pod Point Plug & Power bundle providing a charger and electricity tariff that includes five hours of cheap overnight electricity rates.
The companies estimate that the tariff could save drivers £538 a year compared to fueling a gasoline-fueled car and £460 compared to using public charging points.
“We’ve seen dedicated EV tariffs become a key consideration for drivers, as well as the need for a home charger that gives them great value,” Melanie Lane, CEO at Pod Point, said in the announcement.
Having a charger with a compatible smartphone app also means you can schedule charging remotely to be sure your vehicle is charged when you need it and take advantage of the lowest electricity prices.
4. Plan Charging Stops
If you don’t have a home charger, or you’ll go on a long journey, you’ll need to plan which charging points to use and make sure you have multiple options.
EV charging infrastructure has a long way to go to catch up with ubiquitous gas stations. Automakers and charging network providers are prioritizing expanding fast charging networks to help drivers recharge quickly, but there are still long distances between them, particularly in rural areas.
If you have yet to buy an EV, identify where you would park for extended periods of time — such as at work, the gym, or the supermarket — and check whether you would have access to chargers there.
Also, keep in mind that as the number of EVs on the road increases, charging locations are becoming busier, and you may have to wait for one to become available, so allow enough battery power to queue.
Sign up for an account with the various charging networks you might use on your frequent routes or travels and download their mobile apps, which help you find the nearest charging point, compare prices, and avoid busy or broken chargers. Your EV’s navigation system can also locate charging points along your programmed route.
As different models currently use various types of charging plugs, you should always check whether a charging station is compatible with your EV.
As various chargers deliver varying speeds (Level 1, Level 2, or DC fast charging), check the speed of nearby charging points — especially if you have limited time.
5. Understand Regenerative Braking
One of the unique features of an EV is regenerative braking, which converts kinetic energy from the electric motor back into energy stored in the battery when the car slows down, which would otherwise be lost during braking.
Regenerative braking also slows down the vehicle, extending its range and reducing wear and tear on the brakes. This can potentially add hundreds of miles of range to the vehicle throughout the year, requiring less charging and maintenance.
However, regenerative braking can feel different from the standard braking in an ICE vehicle, especially when lifting your foot off the accelerator. Be aware that you may not notice a difference when you stop the car gradually, but it may not have the same stopping force when braking suddenly, requiring you to brake harder.
Newer regenerative braking systems are more responsive and feel the same as conventional brakes.
To adjust to your EV’s braking system, get acquainted with its behavior by driving in areas with little traffic and experiment with regenerative braking settings if the vehicle has them to one that fits your driving style.
The Bottom Line
There is a learning curve when becoming an EV owner, as battery-powered cars have some key differences from traditional vehicles. Understanding how weather, charging habits, and regenerative braking can affect EVs will help you plan ahead and get the most out of your vehicle.
Have fun exploring your EV’s functions, which may include remote starting and climate control, one-pedal driving, boost modes, and simulated engine sounds — which can be useful for practical reasons or entertainment while on the road.
