Electric vehicles have seen a huge rise in popularity in recent years. And due to their decrease in cost, ecological benefits, and high-tech features, it is not hard to see why. In terms of performance, they are even starting to rival petrol-powered vehicles. One thing you may not have anticipated, however, is that the accessories necessary for an electric car diverge to a large extent from traditional ones. Here are 4 of the must-have purchases for your new electric car.
At-Home Charging Station
New electric car owners may not consider electric car charging stations a necessity given that most come with their own dedicated chargers. After a few weeks, though, you will soon realise how inefficient this method of charging is. Normal chargers take around 10 hours to power your car fully, in comparison with roughly 6 for charging stations. This inefficiency also makes them highly uneconomical, due to the cost associated with charging for so long. Finding 10 hours to charge your vehicle can also be difficult, so you may find yourself relying on paid charging stations for longer journeys.
The convenience of installing an electric vehicle charger thus stems from both the time and money it will save you. While the up-front cost can be pricey, the reduction in electricity bills will more than cover this in no time. What’s more, because they use significantly less electricity than normal chargers, they are much better for the environment, as well. You should ensure your station is installed by a qualified electrician, though, as any electrical work inherently has risks associated with it.
Electric Car Tires
The specifications of electric vehicles mean they often have different tire requirements than traditional cars. The added weight of the battery, as well as the car design in general, make electric cars weigh substantially more than older vehicles. Consequently, electric car tires must have stronger sidewalls to carry this added weight effectively. They must also be able to withstand the instant torque produced by electric vehicles. Luckily, manufactures are catching up to demand by producing tires specifically designed with these requirements in mind. These can increase vehicle driving range by up to 4 miles, and also will heavily reduce road noise. The extra weight they carry will also mean you need to replace them less frequently.
Portable Charger
Perhaps the main drawback of electric cars currently is how often you need to charge them. Critics argue that this leads them to be poorly suited to long distance travel, in comparison with petrol vehicles. Purchasing a portable charger can easily counteract this issue, however. Nowadays, they are readily available, surprisingly cheap, and can allow you to travel further without relying on charging stations. This can be a major advantage, as charging stations are not always easy to find, and often expensive. Moreover, carrying one with you in your car will prevent you from becoming stranded without power, if disaster strikes.
Electric Car-Specific Extension Cable
Surveys suggest that up to 75% of electric car owners use inappropriate charging cables when powering up their cars outside. While it may be appealing to just grab a standard extension cord, this can be incredibly dangerous. Not only can this overload your electricity supply, leading to power cuts or even fires, but leaving them out in rain can put you at risk of an electric shock. If you are charging your vehicle outdoors, purchasing a specific electric vehicle extension cord is therefore an absolute must. These are designed to be safe for outdoor use, and won’t cause any unnecessary power outages.
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