Electric vehicles (EVs) are ideal for short daily drives — quiet, smooth, and cost-effective. But what about when you’re heading further afield?
Whether you’re planning a weekend away or a long motorway trip, a bit of preparation makes all the difference. With the right checks and habits, you can travel confidently, knowing your car is safe, efficient, and ready for the road.
Here’s how to prepare your electric vehicle for a long journey, with tips from the experts at D&G Autocare.
1. Check Your Tyres Before You Go
Your tyres are your only contact with the road, so they need to be in top condition — especially for longer journeys.
- Check tread depth: Legally, you need at least 1.6mm, but we recommend replacing tyres at 3mm for better grip.
- Check pressure: Low pressure increases rolling resistance and drains your battery faster. Inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended level.
- Look for wear or damage: EVs are heavier than petrol cars, so even tread wear is vital for safety and efficiency.
If you’re unsure, visit your nearest D&G Autocare for a free tyre check before your trip.
2. Plan Your Charging Stops
Unlike filling up at a petrol station, charging requires a little planning — but it’s easy once you get into the habit.
- Use apps such as Zap-Map or PlugShare to find reliable charging points along your route.
- Plan around breaks: Combine charging stops with meals or rest stops to save time.
- Check charger types: Make sure you know which plug and speed (rapid, fast, or slow) your car supports.
A bit of route planning prevents “range anxiety” and keeps your trip stress-free.
3. Top Up Your Battery Before You Leave
Charge your battery to around 90–100% before setting off.
If your EV allows scheduled charging, set it to finish just before departure so the battery is warm and working efficiently.
It’s also a good idea to avoid fully depleting the battery — keep at least 10–20% charge in reserve when possible, as this helps protect long-term battery health.
4. Lighten the Load
Extra weight means extra energy use.
Remove any unnecessary luggage, roof racks, or heavy items before you go. It might not seem much, but it can make a noticeable difference to your range and handling, especially on motorway drives.
5. Pre-Condition the Cabin
Most EVs let you pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin while plugged in.
Doing this before you start saves battery power during the journey and keeps you comfortable from the first mile. It’s particularly useful on cold Scottish mornings or during heatwaves.
6. Drive Smoothly for Maximum Range
High speeds and harsh acceleration quickly reduce battery life.
Instead:
- Use eco or range mode to limit energy use.
- Maintain a steady speed.
- Take advantage of regenerative braking where possible.
Small adjustments like these can extend your range by several miles per charge.
7. Book an EV Health Check Before You Travel
A quick visit to D&G Autocare before your trip gives you peace of mind that everything’s working properly.
Our EV safety and health checks can include:
- Tyre pressure and tread inspection
- Brake and suspension check
- Fluid levels and wiper blades
- Battery and charging system test
We’ll make sure your car’s ready for the miles ahead — so you can relax and enjoy the journey.
Travel Confidently with D&G Autocare
Long-distance driving in an electric car doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right preparation and a little expert help, your EV can handle Scottish road trips with ease.
Before your next adventure, book a safety check or tyre check at D&G Autocare.
Our trained technicians will help you travel further, safer, and more efficiently — wherever the road takes you.
