Developing the right mindset is key to maximising the EV driving experience and avoiding range and charge anxiety, a new Tusker guide says.

Only subtle changes of behaviour are needed to get the most from an EV compared with an internal combustion engined-vehicle, according to Tusker

The publication, available on the Tusker website, says that only subtle changes of behaviour are needed to get the most from an EV compared with an internal combustion engined-vehicle. And that the financial savings involved with a move to electric can be considerable; 40% tax-payers save £2,400 in tax per annum when driving a £40k EV.

Having no driveway should also not put drivers off adopting electric power, the car benefits specialist says.

While around 40% of drivers don’t have a driveway and can’t charge at home, the right mindset can make an EV work. Some drivers can charge their vehicle at work but if not a weekly visit to a rapid charger to top up the batteries is a feasible option; although it’s a little more expensive than charging at home, public rapid charging costs are still a fraction of petrol and diesel prices.

For those charging at home, a 300-mile journey in a VW ID.3 electric hatchback would cost £10 when home-charged on a peak electricity tariff and under £4 if the driver uses an off-peak tariff – that’s a saving of 90% compared to the cost of around £40 in fuel to cover 300 miles in a petrol VW Golf.

And that’s before considering the savings available when driving an EV on a salary sacrifice scheme. The 2021/22 BiK rate is currently 1% which equates to £160 for an equivalent priced car for a 40% tax-paying EV driver. That brings an annual reduction of £2,400.

Tusker also says a different mindset will support journey planning for holidays or business trips in the UK and Europe. Booking a hotel, guesthouse, or caravan park with or close to a charge point is a good move, accompanied with use of charger location apps such as Zap Map. The charging infrastructure in Europe is also extensive.

If a driver is walking or cycling whilst on holiday in the UK, they also have the option to charge their car via a three-pin plug at their holiday let or campsite.

Drivers should also rethink their approach to heating/cooling the cabin. If the air conditioning is being used continuously on a long trip for example, then the range could be compromised by 5-10%, but a smart move would be to heat or cool the area of the car based on the number of passengers on board. The majority of EVs have a heated steering wheel and seats, which is usually enough to keep drivers warm.

Drivers should also be aware that pre-heating or cooling an EV while the car still on charge ensures they will climb into a cabin set up for them but not having used any of their battery power.

Drivers can also maximise range by using regenerative braking. This means using the brake pedal less; a mindset change that is going to add value to a driver’s overall EV experience.

“We produced the guide after feedback from drivers which highlighted there are still some unknowns on how to get the cost from their EVs. Our aim is to maximise the number of people in emission-free vehicles and enjoying them as well,” explained Vicky Anderson, Tusker’s marketing director.

“The majority of drivers haven’t had to change their driving style or mindset since they passed their test at the age of 17 so we wanted to provide some helpful hints to help them enjoy the experience and get more value from their new technology. The transition from an ICE to an EV is worrying for some drivers but with new longer range EVs being launched and more chargers being introduced this change of mindset will quickly become the norm,” he added.

To access Tusker’s EV guide, click here.