Summer Travel Tips for Renting Electric Vehicles from MoveEV Founder and CEO Dave Lewis
Dave Lewis, founder and CEO of MoveEV, an EV transition company powered by an AI-backed green tech solution, that helps organizations and municipalities convert fleet and employee-owned gas vehicles to electric and take advantage of federal, state and local tax incentives, offers tips for renting an electric vehicle for summer travel:
Plan ahead - Many rental companies now offer electric vehicles, but that does not mean you will be able to get one. Make your EV rental reservation well in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak summer travel seasons. Popular destinations and events may have high demand for electric vehicles, so booking early will help secure your rental.
Check for incentives - Look for incentives or discounts available for renting an electric vehicle. Some rental companies, cities, or regions offer promotional rates or perks for EV rentals, which can help you save money and enhance your experience.
Research charging infrastructure - Before renting an EV, research the availability and accessibility of charging stations in and around your destination area. Most modern EVs get between 200-300 miles when “full” but if you plan to do a lot of sight seeing you will need to refill along the way. Make sure there are ample charging options along your planned routes and at your destination to avoid range anxiety. Some brands, like Tesla, have charging station maps built into their navigation system, but you can also use google or a dedicated app like PlugShare.
Find the charging port before you drive away - Unlike gas cars, EV charging ports are still located in different locations depending on the make and model. Before you drive away, make sure you know where the car charging port is and how to open it. Also look at the shape of the connection so you can identify the type of plug(s) the car uses. Many cars will have two connection options - one for level 1/level 2 chargers and one for DC fast chargers. If you have any questions, ask the rental car company for guidance.
Familiarize yourself with the EV's features - If you have never driven an EV before, it is worth taking time to learn more about the car. Many EVs have regenerative braking, one pedal driving, and does not require you to turn the car off when you leave. Others feel more like a traditional gas car. Understanding what you are renting can help you maximize your driving range and efficiency and give you more confidence as you head off the lot.
Monitor weather conditions - Extreme heat can affect battery performance, reducing the range of electric vehicles. Keep an eye on weather forecasts, and if temperatures are exceptionally high, take that into account when planning your trips and charging stops as you may need to charge more frequently. When possible, park your EV inside or in the shade to keep things cool.
Be mindful of cabin temperature - Electric vehicles often have advanced climate control systems that can decrease battery range. In hot weather, use the vehicle's pre-cooling feature while connected to a charger to minimize the need for air conditioning during your journey. This helps conserve battery power and extend your driving range.
Leave time to charge - If you have not been charging on vacation, you will need to fill up the car before you return. Unlike refilling at a gas station, EV charging can take a while. DC fast charging is the quickest option, but even that can take 40 to 60 minutes to refuel if the car is near empty. Don’t get stuck paying extra fees because you have not left enough time to top up!
MoveEV | https://www.moveev.com/
