Renting electric cars: how to save on charging?
Recently, there has been only talk among drivers about electric cars. «Teslas» and «Leaves», «eGolfs» and masterpieces of the Chinese auto industry… What seemed like a fantastic future a dozen years ago is today a reality that drives along the roads of Ukrainian cities and villages, causing a lot of surprise and discussion.
But, unfortunately, the current cost of such cars puts them in the category of «luxury». And although over time, they will really become a «means of transportation», today not everyone can afford the same Tesla. But how eager are you to try it and find out if these cars are really as convenient and economical as they say...
Well, everyone has this opportunity: just contact rental companies with a request for an electric car. And most of them will offer you an electric car "in the color, in the choice", so that you can not only try yourself behind the wheel, but also "work out" ways to save on its charging in the future. How? Let's figure it out!
How to choose an electric car for rent?
Electric cars are nothing new for the auto industry. However, they have been released into "production" relatively recently. Therefore, most people have real difficulties with choosing such cars. Well, let's fill this gap!
The best models for an economical trip
To prevent various accusations of bias or «paid advertising», we will not specify specific car models. But we will tell you what the ideal electric car should combine:
- Economy. After all, this is what is presented as the main advantage of electric transport over «classic» cars;
- Compactness. A point that is important especially for cities, especially – large ones, where finding a free parking space – is another quest;
- Maneuverability. Also a fairly important criterion that will save you from many road accidents.
Battery capacity and range
A fairly important criterion that you need to pay attention to first. After all, you have probably heard these wonderful stories when an electric car ran out of power in an open field, and to get out of the situation, its owner used a... Gasoline generator.
In order not to find yourself in such a situation, when choosing an electric car for rent, it is very important to ask about the battery capacity. After all, it is it that determines the very "range". On average, a full charge of a "budget" An electric car (provided it is in full working order) has a range of 100-150 km, which is an ideal option for daily trips around the city.
Availability of charging stations in the region
If there are no problems with this in the capital (anymore), then in the regions you may encounter a banal lack of places where you can recharge your car. Or rather, they will be there, but the queue for "charging" will be such that you will not save on the waiting time, since you will be forced to use taxi services.
Ways to save on charging
Despite the fact that electric cars are much more economical than gasoline and diesel models, both owners and those who rent such cars are looking for ways to save on charging them. Well, we have a few!
Using free charging stations
Since electric cars are a “new” for Ukraine, and the government is doing everything it can to promote them, you can find free charging stations in most large cities (mostly regional ones). In Kyiv alone, there are several dozen such points where you can charge your car for free at any time. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Most of the time, the number of hours at “free” charging stations is limited;
- The number of “freeloaders” will also be quite large.
Night tariff for savings
An option for those who charge "from a socket". Most cities have a "night tariff", at which the cost of 1 kW of electricity is significantly lower than during the day. And this is a great opportunity to save not only on household appliances, but also on charging your rented electric car.
Tips for effective charge management
First, do not be shy about using the existing "economy modes" in the car's firmware. After all, they are "planned" precisely to reduce consumption and increase range.
Second, turn off "not absolutely necessary systems", for example - air conditioning or music. This will save you a few invaluable kilometers, which can be critically important.
Also, if you need to cover a long distance, try to plan your route so that every 30-50 km there is at least 1 charging station where you can "refuel" your car.
Additional life hacks to reduce costs
Well, we looked at ways to save on car chargingOh. But that's not all! After all, while electric cars are a novelty and there is a trend (which, by the way, is supported by the authorities in every way), you will have additional options for if not free, then very cheap charging.
Using applications to find cheap charging
You will be surprised, but even the same gas stations where you can refuel a diesel or gasoline car may also have a charging station for an electric car. But how to find out about this? Very easy! If you use mobile applications that show current gasoline prices, as well as the location of gas stations on the map, you will most likely be able to choose «electricity» on a par with other types of fuel.
Loyalty programs and discounts on charging
As in the case of gasoline and diesel fuel, gas stations and companies that own charging stations offer discounts for regular customers as part of their “Loyalty Programs.” For more detailed information, just go to the websites or social networks of these companies. Also, from there you can find out about current promotions, bonuses and raffles.
Route optimization for minimal energy consumption
Not the most obvious, but quite logical way to save on charging an electric car is to plan your route so that you get from point “A” to point “B” as quickly as possible. If you are traveling between cities, try to plan your trip so that there is at least one charging station every 30-50 km of the route.
In any case, knowing how to save on charging (and even charge for free), renting an electric car will allow you to significantly optimize your costs for “refueling” it!