Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming popular among PCO (Private Hire Operator) chauffeurs. They are green and inexpensive to operate. Some errors have been made by the chauffeurs while driving EVs. In this article, we will explain such errors and how you can avoid them. It will enable you to make the best out of your EV and prevent issues.
Why EVs are the Best for PCO chauffeurs
Brief overview of the rationale for why EVs are such a great idea for PCO chauffeurs, before the shocking realization of the mistakes.
Benefits of EVs:
Less expensive to fill up: EVs are much less expensive to fill up with than diesel or petrol vehicles.
Environmentally friendly: EVs emit zero emissions, therefore, clean air.
Government incentive: Tax relief or rebate by the majority for EVs.
Smooth ride: EVs are a smooth and quiet ride.
Let us talk about the most common PCO chauffeurs’ errors while driving EVs and how to avoid them.
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Not Knowing How Far You Can Drive on One Charge
Mistake: Lack of Understanding the Range
A lot of PCO chauffeurs think that they will drive for hours without needing to recharge their EV. Every EV is different, and driving too far without needing to refuel might leave you stuck.
It’s worth knowing an estimate of how far your EV would go when it’s fully charged. Ensure that you check the charge level before embarking. Organize the route based on charging time. Monitor how much charge you’re wasting and ensure that at all times you reserve 20-30% of your battery.
Tip: Most electric cars come with a “range estimator” that will tell you how many miles you can travel before you need to recharge.
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Charging Your EV the Wrong Way
Gaffe: Overcharging or Undercharging
People overcharge or undercharge their EVs. Overcharging reduces the life of the battery, and undercharging can leave you stranded without power.
How to Avoid
Most effective charging is accomplished by maintaining your battery between 20% and 80%. Avoid charging your EV to 100% when not necessary. Avoid depleting the battery to 0% as well.
Tip: Charge your EV to about 20%. That should give a good battery.
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Failure to Utilize Regenerative Braking
Error: Failure to Utilize Regenerative Braking
EVs are also outfitted with a regenerative braking system that recharges the battery every time you brake or slow down. There are chauffeurs unaware of this or even using it. It is a waste of energy and the efficiency of the car.
How to Avoid It:
Learn how to use the regenerative braking on your EV. It makes you capture back the energy when you brake, and it saves you range. Get used to it, and soon you will be in the habit of using the mode.
Tip: Use the accelerator pedal alone, and let the regenerative braking slow you down. This saves you energy.
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Failure To Keep Your EV in Good Condition
Mistake: Failure to Maintain
Everyone believes that EVs do not require maintenance, but that is not correct. EVs require regular maintenance to ensure all parts are in the best state of running. Not doing the maintenance can cause problems down the road.
Avoiding It:
You must also keep an eye on your EV on a regular basis. Inspect the tires and ensure they are in proper condition, and inspect the brake pads and air filters. EVs do not require oil to be changed, but do inspect for other essential items, such as the brake fluid and battery.
Tip: Stick to the manufacturer’s timetable to avoid issues.
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Failure To Make Charging Stops During Extended Shifts
Fault: Not Thinking Ahead Where to Charge
When your electric car runs out on you in the middle of a shift on a high-volume day, you sit there with no place to plug in. Most chauffeurs don’t ever anticipate this far in terms of where they can fuel up for the length of their workday.
Avoid It By:
Plan charging stopovers in advance. Look for charging stops en route. Charging stops usually have an app that will inform you of the nearest ones. What this will accomplish is that you will never run out of battery.
Tip: Plan an alternate charging stop just in case the one you want to use turns out not to be available or broken.
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Inadequate Information on Charging Charges
Pricing to charge may also differ with the location you charge from. You have those that charge more to charge quickly, and some that are slower but less expensive.
How to Prevent It:
When you are about to charge, make sure you check the price to charge. There is usually an app and website that gives you the price to charge at various stations. This allows you to choose the least expensive one.
Tip: Purchase memberships or apps that offer a rate discount for billing. That’ll pay for itself.
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Not Driving in an Eco-Friendly Manner
Error: Not Practicing Eco-Driving Practices
EVs consume most energy efficiently when they are driven smoothly and in an eco-friendly manner. Some chauffeurs err by driving unnecessarily more and failing to utilize energy-saving practices.
Avoidance Tips:
Master eco-driving. Smooth braking, speed cruising, and smooth acceleration are all part of it. These driving habits could make you get more miles per battery.
Tip: Enable the eco-driving mode of your EV if your EV has the same. This mode will guide your drive efficiently.
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Not Updating Your EV’s Software
Error: Not Updating EV Software
EVs have software that you can update to improve your vehicle. Not updating might leave you out on some of the mass upgrades on your vehicle.
How to Prevent It:
Ensure that you ask for the software updates regularly. Certain EVs automatically update, but there are others that you have to check yourself.
Tip: Enable automatic updates so your EV software is always up-to-date without you having to remember to update it.
Conclusion
EVs are the perfect option for PCO chauffeurs. They’re affordable, they’re environmentally friendly, and they’re stress-free and silent to drive. There are some points brought up in this blog that should be avoided. With an idea of your range in your EV, good charging, and green driving techniques, you can get the best from your electric vehicle. With a little planning, you’ll have a stress-free day and get the most out of your EV per shift.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding EVs for PCO chauffeurs
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How long does it take to charge an EV?
Depends on the charger. The fast ones will charge it in 30 minutes, and the normal ones will take 6-8 hours to fill it.
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Is it possible to charge an EV at home?
Yes, you do charge an EV at home. You can charge it on a normal plug or purchase a charging point in your home and charge on the move.
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Do you pay more for an EV?
Depends on where you charge. Less at home, more on public ones, particularly fast chargers.
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Are EVs a better option for PCO chauffeurs than petrol vehicles?
Yes, EVs cost less to drive and maintain. They smooth over roads better, are quieter to drive, and are better for the environment.
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Are EVs suitable for long journeys?
Yes, but you’ll need to plot in charging stops en route. All EVs have great range, but you’ll need to recharge on your journey.
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How much work does my EV require?
EVs are easy-to-maintain cars, but you will still need to inspect the tires, the brakes, and the battery every now and then.
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Where can I find charging points in the workplace?
Some applications will alert you to the nearest points of charge. The apps will also inform you whether these points are available for free use or not.