As a new EV owner, here are some tips to help you maximize efficiency and enjoy the benefits of electric driving:
1. Charging Habits
Home Charging: Since you primarily charge at home, try to charge during off-peak hours to get the best rates, especially with tariffs like OVO’s Charge Anytime or Octopus Intelligent Go.
Public Charging: For occasional long trips, continue using tools like Zap Map or A Better Route Planner to plan your stops. You already benefit from Tesla’s charging network and services like Octopus Electroverse for discounts.
Battery Management: Try not to charge your battery to 100% every time unless you’re going on a long trip. Keeping it between 20-80% can prolong the battery life.
2. Efficient Driving
Regenerative Braking: Make good use of regenerative braking to recapture energy and extend range. You can adjust the regen level based on your driving preferences.
Eco Mode: Use Eco Mode when possible for better efficiency, especially for city driving or light traffic situations.
3. Range Optimization
Preconditioning: Precondition your EV while it’s plugged in, especially in colder weather, to avoid using battery power to heat the cabin.
Trip Planning: Plan longer trips with charging stops in mind. Try to stop when your battery is low (but not empty), as charging rates are faster between 20% and 80% battery levels.
4. Maintenance & Monitoring
Tyres & Alignment: Check your tire pressure regularly. Incorrect pressure can impact your range and efficiency.
Software Updates: Keep your EV’s software updated, as manufacturers frequently release updates that improve efficiency and add new features.
5. Useful Apps & Services
Public Charging Networks: You’re already familiar with Zap Map, A Better Route Planner, and services like Electroverse. Stay updated on new networks and deals in case any more beneficial options become available.
6. Electric Vehicle Insurance
Some insurers offer specialized EV insurance, which might include benefits like coverage for charging cables or breakdown assistance tailored to EVs.
With these in mind, you’ll likely enjoy a smoother, more efficient experience with your EV!
Trading in my ICE Kia for a EV6 and was just wanted to hear any advice anyone has for someone going to their first EV and any advice for a new EV6 owner specifically?
I would think it through before shelling out ~$1,000 or more for a home charging setup. We are able to keep the car charged to the level we want with Level 1. Basically, that’s about 40-50 miles of charge overnight (we charge only from 10p-8a). If you don’t need more than that for daily driving, I think you can skip the expense.
We have been getting by with free level 2 chargers in the area, 1000 kWh for free from Electrify America and a level 1 charger at home. We use roughly 100-125/miles per week and at this time we have no need for a level 2 charger. However it is something that we may install in the future as it does speed up charging times.
There’s also a 30% tax credit for the cost of the charger and installation. For 1500 total cost that’s a $450 credit. My electric company offers a 125 rebate plus about $50 annual discount on my electric bill so the first year cost is only 925 after all of that. For me the install cost was only $400 so total cost $900 minus $270 credit minus $125 rebate minus $50 discount, initial install cost $455 so about 9 years and it’s break even plus since I can get it to charge during the middle of the night instead of all day I’ll save money on electricity cost during off peak hours.
Thanks for sharing your insights again! This advice is packed with useful, real-world experience, especially for new EV6 owners. It covers both practical tips, like the 12v battery precautions and regen mode preferences, as well as some fun aspects like discovering hidden settings and experiencing Sport Mode.
Your perspective on level 1 vs. level 2 charging is especially helpful—it’s a good reminder that not everyone needs the faster charge, and that it can depend on your driving habits.
Let me know if you’d like any other details saved!
Make sure you have good glass coverage these windshields seem to break easier than normal, and make sure you have a 12v battery jumper pack to avoid any random strandings if the ICCU or 12v has issues. Other than that it’s been a very good dependable car for the time I’ve owned it.
Level 1/2 charger from Amazon. Get a level 2 (dryer-style) plug in your garage or where you park it. Make sure the cable is long enough.
12V jump kit in the frunk in case you need it.
Understand the V2L system and where the adapter is before you need it. In the event of a power outage, it’s very handy.
Your car has a heads-up display…some dealers turn it off by default and you’d never know it’s there until you dive the menus.
Read the manual on regenerative braking (read the whole manual anyway, but really read that part). You may prefer I-Pedal or Auto or regular, you need to try them all to find your preference. Auto gets the best range.
Different drive modes (on the steering wheel) are different accelerator sensitivities. If you change modes while driving be prepared for an acceleration/deceleration.
Unlike an ICE, “idling” has no impact on the vehicle but accessory mode (power on without touching the brake pedal) is just the 12V battery. That’s bad, you can drain it fast. Get in the habit of fully starting the car (Ready to drive) and just leave it in park or utility mode if you’re not going anywhere right away. That puts the load on the far more capable high voltage battery.
You have a mechanical key buried in the fob, learn how to get it out and where it goes before you need it. You also need it to open the back seat 110V outlet.
I am also in camp “use a home charger that makes sense for you”. Level 1 for me charges at 1.7kw/h or approximately 2% an hour. I have a DC fast charger about 2 miles from me and with my normal driving habits I only need to charge using it once a week and don’t even have to touch my level 1. It takes 20 minutes to charge to 80% and since its an EA station that charges by the minute I’m usually paying less then $5. Also, don’t be that jerk that uses the 350kw charger to charge to 100%, once you hit 80% you should top up at home or use a slower charger especially if people are waiting at a busy station. It’s better for your battery anyway.
Something I haven’t seen really mentioned yet…if you use your EV to travel to other cities get ready to install about a half dozen apps. While Electrify America and Tesla are the most popular charges there are plenty of others that exist and require their own app in order to pay or charge.
Apps like a better route planner and plug share are also awesome for preplanning trips and making sure that you aren’t wasting your time going to a charging station that is broke.
ABC - Always Be Charging. When you’re parked at home, leave the car plugged in, don’t unplug it just because the battery is charged, and don’t run the battery down before charging it (i.e., plug in every time you get home, don’t wait several days until you drop below some threshold before charging). This is a rule of thumb for all EVs, not just EV6 specific. EVs will run battery maintenance cycles and maintain the battery temperature in hot or cold climates by drawing power from the supply even after the battery is charged; most don’t run these cycles when they’re not plugged in.
Also, don’t cheap out on a poorly-made, non-certified, no-name (probably Chinese crap, these days) EVSE. EVSEs aren’t complicated, but you’ve just spent a bunch of money on your car, don’t subject it to low-quality power supply equipment.