A Guide to Driving Electric Vehicles: Tips & Best Practices
Summary
In this EV driving guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the key aspects that make up the electric driving experience, including ULEZ, towing, and international driving, with handy links to our more in-depth guides so you can learn more.
Driving an Electric Car in Cities: Low Emission Zones & ULEZ
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London, and Clean Air Zones (CAZ) in various other UK cities, are areas that charge high-emission vehicles a daily fee with the aim to minimise air pollution and support the government’s sustainability initiatives. Currently, all of Greater London is under the ULEZ emission standard, while various cities including Bristol, Portsmouth, Bath, and Birmingham have similar CAZ schemes in place.
One of the key benefits of pure-electric EVs is that they’re exempt from charges in ULEZ or CAZ areas, as they don’t produce any tailpipe emissions, letting you navigate major cities without having to plan ahead or budget for a low-emissions zone charge.
While fully-electric EVs are automatically exempt from ULEZ charges, other types of electric vehicle like PHEVs may still be subject to a charge. You can check whether your vehicle is ULEZ compliant by entering your registration at the Transport for London website.
For more guidance on EVs and low-emission zones, check out our full guide here.
Towing with an Electric Car: What You Need to Know
Many EVs can be effective for towing thanks to their efficient power delivery and instant torque. However, not all EVs are designed to drive with trailers and caravans attached, so it’s crucial to check the manufacturer’s specifications before you try to tow anything with your EV.
Here’s a brief selection of EVs that boast a high towing capacity and range to give you an idea of the towing capabilities available in the current EV market:
BMW iX
Max towing weight: 2,500 kg
Range Rover PHEV
Max towing weight: 3,000 kg
Porsche Macan Electric
Max towing weight: 2,000 kg
If you’re planning to use your EV for towing, it’s worth noting that this will always increase your car’s energy consumption, and reduce its overall range from a full charge. When towing during electric car motorway driving, you should plan for more frequent charging stops on long journeys and consider bookmarking caravan-accessible rapid chargers along your route.
Some manufacturers are developing more lightweight trailers specifically designed for hitching to electric vehicles and minimising range reduction, which may be worth the investment if you’re planning to use your EV for towing frequently.
For more support with towing with an EV, check out our full guide here.
Taking Your Electric Car Abroad
EVs can be taken abroad via the Eurotunnel or ferries in the same way as a traditional petrol or diesel vehicle. However, it’s important to note that some ferry operators may have EV-specific restrictions on things like battery charge levels, fire safety procedures, and designated parking areas onboard. Be sure to check the rules of the individual ferry company you’re using ahead of time and ensure you can abide by specific requirements.
Most countries in continental Europe have a well-developed public EV charging infrastructure, which you’ll be able to use to keep your vehicle topped up for long distance electric car travel. Just like in the UK, Type 2 charging connectors are the standard, so you should have no problem accessing public charging networks in Europe. However, rapid charging points can vary more considerably, so it’s important to carry an adapter.
Some countries like France and Germany have their own low-emissions zones similar to ULEZ and CAZ schemes in the UK. While fully electric vehicles are often exempt from the charges in these areas, it’s always worth checking ahead to see if you need to register your car in advance and avoid any fines.
To learn more about driving your EV outside the UK, check out our complete guide here.
