Experts answer all your questions about EVs

Hamilton EV is the Waikato’s only specialist electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle specialists — and they are passionate about the technology.

Today we start a Q & A with the team at Hamilton EV.

We have put some of the most commonly asked questions to get the ball rolling, but we welcome readers to submit questions we can ask.

Email dean.taylor@nzme.co.nz Q: How do I work out the real-world range of an EV and is it enough to get where I want to go?

A: Great question, open road driving will always be slightly less than what your odometer will suggest. Roads that have hills, tight cornering, weather conditions and driving style all will have some effect on your potential range. The general measurement rule we would personally apply would be a shrinkage of 20 per cent however, if you use hyper mileage principles that would be more, so 10 per cent. Around town driving will generally be exact if not slightly more.

Q: What can I do to get more mileage from each charge?

A: EV hypermiling would help to increase your potential range, using technics of smooth and gradual acceleration and braking. Try and maintain a constant speed , use the vehicle’s regenerative braking mode on sloping terrains. Lastly, staying at around 90km/h on the open road will help considerably with your range.

Q: What is the best way to preserve the life of my battery?

A: Firstly use your car and use it often. Secondly use your home charging (AC) as your primary source of charging. The instances of where you would use the fast charging (DC) is when you have been caught short or you are planning a trip away and need to get from point A to B.

Q: How do I know if I should buy an EV or a hybrid?

A: Always ask yourself what it is you’re hoping to achieve and your expectations. Those answers will guide you to what type of vehicle will be best suited to your needs. Hybrid or series electric are best suited to people who do large amounts of long distance travelling, typically they are time poor and not opposed to the idea of creating emissions and having dependency on fuel. EV is for people who would like to not be dependent on fuel or create emissions. Savings are not only fuel, but also wear and tear, as most moving parts in a conventional vehicle no longer exist in an EV.