How to be a better electric driver
Switching to an electric car like the Nissan LEAF is easier than ever, but there are still a few tips and tricks that help you make the most of the move...
Driving an electric car comes with lots of benefits – whether it’s lower day-to-day running costs, the confidence of a smooth and refined electric powertrain that also offers impressive acceleration, or the satisfaction of reducing your carbon footprint.[1]
Equally, many of today’s all-electric models – such as the Nissan LEAF hatchback – boast interiors that look and feel similar to driving to a petrol or diesel equivalent, and boast the same everyday practicality, while also offering plug-and-play charging that is as simple as refuelling. It all serves to make switching to electric feel seamlessly easy.
There are still a wealth of things for those new to the electric car club to learn, though ¬– especially when it comes to charging your vehicle, getting the most range from your battery, or sharing the UK’s fast-growing public charging structure. That’s right, EV etiquette is a thing – which is why we’ve pulled together the best advice to help novice electric car drivers join the fast-growing EV community.
Learn more about the all-electric Nissan LEAF at nissan.co.uk/leaf
Make the most of home charging
According to Nissan, 88% of electric car drivers prioritise home charging.[2] It’s the easiest, most cost-effective way to recharge an all-electric model such as the Nissan LEAF – using the time when your car isn’t being driven to do a long slow top-up, with off-peak home energy tariffs.
Some energy providers have created energy tariffs specifically for electric car owners, which provide a lower rate for overnight EV charging during off-peak hours. The result: you can run your electric car for as little as 4p per mile, compared with the 11p per mile of a similar petrol-powered car, saving around £597 per year in fuel costs.[3] It also means you start every trip with the peace of mind of maximum range.
The costs of installing a home charger vary, but the UK government’s electric vehicle charging grant currently contributes 75% (up to £350) of home charger installation costs.[4] There’s a range of home charging options to suit every budget, with Nissan charging partner PodPoint offering a choice of home charger speeds – all the way up to fast 22kW chargers.[5]
The perfect solution is a 7kW home charger, which is up to three times faster than a domestic 3-pin socket. It can charge 40kWh Nissan LEAF models to a full 168 miles of range in 7hr30min, while the 239-mile range 62kWH Nissan LEAF e+ model takes 11hr30min.[6][7] That's perfect for plugging in when you get home and topping up overnight.
Using the NissanConnect app[8], you can even remotely check your battery status and pre-heat or pre-cool your car from the comfort of your sofa while your car is still plugged in and charging – giving you the perfect driving environment in which to start your next journey, without losing any range.
With this in mind, if you have access to a home charger it’s definitely worth doing as much charging as possible at home, helping you to keep public charging points free for other drivers who are either looking for a top-up away from their usual charging options at work or home, or who don’t have access to any other charging options.
Equally, if one of your neighbours has borrowed or just bought an electric car – or has visiting guests with an EV – why not do the neighbourly thing and let them charge their car on your driveway?
Public charging: find the right charger for you
The UK’s fast-growing charging infrastructure is incredibly comprehensive, with 41,000 charging points at 14,900 locations[9], and more being installed every day. Make sure you don’t park in a charging bay unless you are actually recharging your vehicle, though – otherwise you’re misusing your electric car privilege, and denying someone else the chance to top up their battery.
Plugging in the Nissan LEAF’s 50kW CHAdeMO connector at a rapid charger, you can charge a 40kWH LEAF from 20% to 80% in around an hour.[6] That 60% boost is worth approximately 100 miles of range, which may be more than you need, so don’t overcharge at a public charger if you can charge more cost-effectively elsewhere.[7]
Fast chargers, which are typically found at public car parks in shopping centres and cities, offer charging speeds between 7kW and 22kW. That makes them better suited for longer stays – such as a relaxed lunch with friends or a business meeting, a long afternoon of shopping, or an evening meal and a trip to the cinema.
Public charging: be a bastion of the community
If you own a Nissan LEAF, you can keep an eye on your vehicle’s charge status remotely with the NissanConnect app.[8] So, if your vehicle has gained enough range or fully recharged, why not move your car to a conventional parking space to enable another EV driver to get their charging fix.
You could even leave a note for fellow EV drivers, letting them know when you expect to return to your car. They might be able to wait 10 minutes if there are no other charging points, but they know yours will be available soon.
There’s also a growing community of EV advocates helping other electric car drivers to make the most of the growing public charging network through apps such as zap-map.com, which can let you share feedback and information about the best charging points, which network they’re on, how much they cost, or whether charging points are not working, helping all electric drivers to plan their journeys better and more efficiently.
Every electric charging experience shared means a more enriched pool of information for other drivers, which could in turn help a driver who is venturing outside of their comfort zone.
On the road: make the most of your range
To boost the range and efficiency of your electric car it’s worth making sure you’re always in the most appropriate driving mode. The Nissan LEAF, for example, has an Eco-Mode which is ideal for city driving, as well as its unique e-Pedal technology –using the accelerator to control both acceleration and deceleration, optimising regenerative braking. The LEAF’s B mode can provide you with more energy on the move by enhancing the car’s regenerative braking system.
There are other things that you can do to make the most of your range. Reducing your speed by just 10mph means you could use around 14% less energy[10], while ensuring your tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure can also optimise efficiency. Equally, using the heating and air conditioning in your electric vehicle can put a heavier load on the battery, so a good tip is to pre-heat or pre-cool your car before driving whilst it is plugged in and receiving charge, using the Nissan Connect app.[8]
You should never run your battery so low that it might drop out on you at any moment. So, planning your journeys means you can scan your plotted route for the best and most efficient charging points – whether it’s fast chargers to fit seamlessly into your day, or locations where you can charge slowly and cheaply overnight, such as hotels and public car parks.
Do just a few of these simple tips, and you’ll soon be an EV expert, ready to help the next wave of electric drivers join the community.
Learn more about the all-electric Nissan LEAF at nissan.co.uk/leaf
[1] Zero tailpipe emissions
[2] Find out more at: https://europe.nissannews.com/en-GB/releases/release-c2fed012117d693483634809c8004201-nissan-ev-driver-etiquette
[3] Cost for petrol for 239-mile distance, based on average petrol price of £1.15 per litre (AA, March 2021) and a car delivering a fuel economy of 48.2mpg (combined) 48.2mpg = 4.96 gallons = 22.5 litres @ £1.25 = £28.13 (11.8p per mile) or £871 per year for 7,400 miles. Cost to charge Nissan LEAF e+ to up to 239-mile range based on average daytime electric rates of 14.4p per kWh (UK Power, March 2021). For 62kWh at 14.4p/kWh, charge cost = £8.93 (3.7p per mile) or £274 per year for 7,400 miles.
[4] Based on the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme. Elegibility criteria apply. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/customer-guidance-electric-vehicle-homecharge-scheme
[5] Find out more at: https://pod-point.com/offers/nissan-leaf-free-home-charging-point
[6] Charging time is dependent on charging conditions, including charger type and condition, battery temperature as well as ambient temperature at point of use.
[7] Laminated lithium-ion LEAF e+ 62kWh battery with 239 miles range. WLTP figures shown are for comparability purposes. Actual real-world driving results may vary depending on factors such as the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted after registration, weather conditions, driving styles and vehicle load.
[8] NissanConnect should only be used when the vehicle is parked safely. Use of the system should always be in accordance with the rules of the Highway Code. Drivers should only use the system when it is safe to do so. Users should be aware of the potential for hands-free technology to distract attention from the road, which could impact on having full control of the vehicle. For compatible devices, please visit www.nissan.co.uk/ownership/nissan-infotainment-system/nissanconnect-services.html. To use NissanConnect services you need a smartphone with compatible iOS or Android operating system and a SIM card with data option from a mobile service provider. Services subject to mobile network coverage. NissanConnect services available from an additional charge on subscription after the third year. For further information, please visit www.nissan.co.uk or contact your local Nissan Dealer.
[9] For substantiation, visit: https://www.zap-map.com/statistics/
[10] Find out more at: https://www.ovoenergy.com/guides/energy-guides/electric-car-battery-guide-costs-types-and-lifecycle.html
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