Understand Fitra Eri's tricks for going home with an EV
So, are you planning to return to your hometown using an EV, aka a fully electric car? You should understand a number of tricks to make your trip smoother and more comfortable.
Unlike conventional cars, EVs have their own characteristics, including their pluses and minuses when traveling back and forth.
Among its positives, EVs allow you to save significantly on travel costs. To cover the same distance, the cost of running an EV is only about a fifth of that of a petrol or diesel vehicle. In addition, EVs drive silently, without vibrations and with instant power. Makes your journey more comfortable and makes overtaking maneuvers easier. And don't forget that EVs don't add any emissions to the air of your hometown.
However, EVs also have one significant weakness, namely their charging time. While the process of filling petrol from empty to full in a conventional car can be completed in just 5 minutes or even less, filling a full charge in an EV takes at least 1 hour, even with fast charging. Not to mention if when we arrive at the fast charging facility, there are other EVs that are charging, making us have to queue and lose a lot of time.
This is what makes many people reluctant to use EVs out of town, especially for homecoming trips. But if we really want to use an EV to go home, there are a number of tips from us to make the trip smoother.
Here are a number of tips that you can follow.
1. USE AN EV THAT HAS DC FAST CHARGING CAPABILITY
With fast recharging capability, you will save a lot of time. Charging which normally takes more than 5 hours can be completed in less than 1 hour with DC Fast Charging. For this reason, make sure the electric car you are going to use has this capability. L
2. UNDERSTAND THE MAXIMUM RANGE OF YOUR ELECTRIC CAR
Each EV has claim data for the maximum distance that can be traveled on 1 full charge. But it must be understood that this range can change depending on road conditions and driving style.
To be safe, take 80 percent of the maximum range claimed by the manufacturer before planning your trip.
3. MAKE DEEP TRAVEL PLANS
Long drives with an EV can be an enjoyable experience if you plan well. So make a small note of your itinerary before leaving for your hometown.
After knowing the maximum range of the EV used, you can plan where to stop while resting and charging.
On the Java island toll road, less than 70 km away there is a DC Fast Charging facility from PLN. Plan a stop at the rest area, where it is predicted that your battery will be in the 20-40 percent range. So while you rest, pray (for Muslims) and eat there, the car will quickly be refilled. After resting for 30-40 minutes, the car should be fully charged and ready to continue the journey.
4. CHOOSE A HOTEL WITH CHARGING FACILITIES
It will be very easy for you if you choose to stay in a hotel in your hometown that has charging facilities. That way you can charge the car while sleeping at night, and in the morning the electricity will be fully charged again.
However, you should inform the hotel that you will be recharging every night during your stay there, and book a charger if necessary. This is to avoid the charger slot being used by another vehicle.
If you stay at a relative's house, just make sure there is sufficient electricity for you to recharge. If not, you can also top up your electricity at the nearest PLN offices.
5. DOWNLOAD CHARGING APP
Before leaving, make sure you have downloaded the application for charging at SPKLU. The applications you can use are PLN Mobile and Charge-In.
Understand how to use it so that the charging process at SPKLU will be smoother later. Also make sure you have funds in your e-Wallet to make top-up payments.
These are some tips for using an EV for the Eid homecoming. We hope your trip is safe, comfortable and enjoyable. Happy holidays.
Author: Fitra Eri