Just Bought An EV? Your Guide to What Happens Next from Bristol Street Motors
If you have just joined the world of electric vehicles, you may be wondering what happens going forward with your new car. From charging to servicing and maintenance, our handy guide has got you covered.
Saturday 9th September marks a special occasion in the world of motoring - World EV Day. Due to the ever-rising popularity of eco-friendly vehicles, it’s no surprise that there’s an entire day dedicated to them.
Ahead of World EV Day, we’re looking to those who may recently have purchased an electric vehicle in the hope of answering some of those burning questions you may have.
How do I charge it? What do I need to do to service my vehicle? What are the maintenance costs?
These are all important questions that we can help with, so you don’t feel anxious before getting your new vehicle.
Read on for all you need to know.
Keep Charge Points Close By
One of the most important things you can do in preparation for getting your new EV is to make sure you know where and how to charge it. Starting with 'the where', you’ll need to make sure you know where your nearest charging stations are.
Chances are, you’ll be topping up on your charge regularly while on-the-go, so it’s worthwhile keeping a note of the charge points available in your local area.
'Are there many charging points?' According to ZapMap, there were approximately 48,450 of these across 29,062 areas in the UK as of August 2023. So, it’s safe to say that you should come across plenty both locally and further afield.
It’s also worth locating charging points on your daily commute to work. Depending on how far you travel, you’ll want to make sure that there are stations nearby to top up your charge.
Knowing your local charging points for your daily routine will make journeys easier, getting rid of the ‘range anxiety’ that is often reported with new EV owners.
To view your nearest charging points, use our interactive map on our Electric Vehicle Hub.
Don’t Worry, Be ‘Appy’
Going into the 'how' of EV charging, there are a variety of apps available to locate your nearest charging points, some of which are needed to actually start charging.
Not tech-savvy? Don’t worry, all you need to do is download the apps and register for an account. These apps can be useful for not only helping to find charging stations, but to track your spending and help you budget efficiently.
All Things EV provides a round-up of the six best apps, including:
1. A Better Route Planner – As the name suggests, this app is all about helping you plan your journeys for an easier drive. Based on your specific vehicle, A Better Route Planner helps you use charging times and maximum range to organise your journey. It’ll give you suggestions of where you could stop to recharge, which can be helpful for those longer road trips.
2. Plugshare – This app is another useful one for finding a charge point based on your needs, from the charger required, to how quickly you want to charge it. It uses feedback from other users on accessibility to help you make an informed decision about where will be easiest for you to charge your vehicle.
3. Chargemap – Chargemap has some similarities with the Plugshare app, in that both give you the ability to closely refine your search. For instance, a benefit of Chargemap is that it allows you to filter charging stations based on speed, which is great for those quick top-ups along the way.
4. ZapMap – ZapMap allows you to actively search and view your closest charging points, providing you with both free and paid-for options. You’ll even be able to see the number of available chargers at your chosen station, and which are currently in use. This allows you to plan before visiting, and avoid the frustration of arriving at a charging station to find there are none available.
5. PodPoint – PodPoint is a great app for finding PodPoint chargers, wherever you are. You’ll have to make sure the app is installed before your visit though, as without it you’ll only receive 15 minutes of free charging.
6. Electric Juice, Octopus Energy – Electric Juice is another useful app for EV charging, offering you the flexibility of charging with different networks. It’s currently available with selected chargers and networks, though it may be a great app for planning ahead of your visit to the station, allowing you to view costs beforehand. These can be paid via a monthly bill allowing you to spread the cost more efficiently.
These are just some of the many apps available for EV owners. We recommend doing your research and finding the ones that will work best for you, so you can recharge fuss-free and in a way that’s easier on your wallet.
All About Servicing
Another thing to set your mind at ease is that EVs typically require less servicing than their traditional combustion engine alternatives.
Electric vehicles contain a vastly reduced number of parts compared to non-electric vehicles. According to the AA, petrol or diesel engines can contain as many as 2,000 parts, while with EVs this is reduced to as few as 20.
This means that as there are fewer moving parts to be dealt with, you should expect simpler servicing with your electric vehicle.
Though that’s not to say there will be no attention needed – it’s still important to make sure everything is in running order. The battery will need to regularly be checked by a service technician using diagnostic technology, to detect any issues with the lithium-ion cells.
You’ll also need to have all high-voltage electric cables checked for damage, and components such as the brakes, tyres, suspension, and steering wheel, will also need to be inspected.
Then comes the question of how often should you get your electric vehicle serviced. This will depend on the make of your car, as each manufacturer has different recommendations.
When you buy your EV from Bristol Street Motors, you can find out your service schedule in advance.
Book your electric vehicle service today.
Make Way for Maintenance
Maintenance is also another key factor to consider ahead of getting your new EV. Thankfully, this should be fairly simple.
You’ll need to have tyres, brakes, and windscreen wipers checked, especially before an MOT. But there are also some things you can do yourself to maintain your EV correctly and reduce those running costs even further:
- Battery: Aim for efficient charging where possible and avoid letting your battery run flat. The AA recommends regular top-ups from 20-80% as this is the most efficient way to maximise your battery’s lifespan.
- Brakes: Regenerative braking with some EVs enables you to reduce wear and tear on your brakes, though you’ll still need to replace brake pads and discs when needed, and top up your brake fluid.
- Tyres: Your vehicle’s tyres should be kept in good condition by keeping the pressure topped up to reduce wear and tear, and by replacing worn tyres.
These are just some of the ways that you can help towards the maintenance of your EV. As one of your larger investments, your EV deserves the best treatment and to be well looked after!
Keep up to date with our Newsroom for more helpful tips and advice.