This post is written in collaboration with Valerie Carver
Today, electric vehicles (EVs) have become more popular and accessible to the general population. Aside from being better for the environment, as well as convenient features, people opt for EVs as a safer alternative to petrol cars. Many recent EVs today come with a safety rating, such as the latest 2023 MG 4 that earned five stars. Awarded by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), this is the second time an MG electric vehicle earned a five-star safety rating.
Of course, beyond the MG 4, other EVs are also produced with safety ratings in mind. As mentioned above, the safety features offered by EVs are some of the compelling reasons people are switching over to electric. Many electric car models that were tested have been declared safer than models with petrol engines due to a more passenger-friendly use of space — due to the lack of petrol engines and gas tanks. EVs also take into account the lower centre of gravity, improving stability.
However, in spite of all the safety ratings and features, it’s still important to consider safety practices when driving your electric vehicle. Below, we’ll share four essential tips for staying safe while driving your EV:
Wear sunglasses
One essential EV driving accessory you need is a pair of sunglasses. According to Monash University’s National Road Safety Partnership Program, sun blindness, sun glare, or sun dazzle is a real danger on the road and increases the likelihood of road accidents. Aside from causing momentary blindness, sun glare also impacts drivers physically by fatiguing the eyes.
As a solution, wearing sunglasses from an established brand can help provide sun protection for your eyes, blocking or filtering harmful UV rays from the sun while reducing bright glares that may distort your view while driving. For extra safety, you can opt for polarised lenses that help further reduce glare while driving.
Plan your routes
Depending on your destination, the temperature and terrain may require more frequent charging for your vehicle, so it’s important to plan your route so that you always have a charging station within reach without risking running out of battery.
So, when planning your next EV-powered road trip, try to keep short distances between recharges, and avoid recharging at peak times. Of course, if you know your battery is low, you shouldn’t push it and drive long distances without knowing when and where the next station is.
Keep EV software updated
Like most other electronic devices — your smartphone or computer, for example — EVs have an operating software that helps keep your machine running and performing well. Regular software updates are crucial to ensure your EV runs at its best.
You can easily find your EV’s software version information in your vehicle’s settings menu or in the owner’s manual. Most EV manufacturers will also send out notifications when new updates are available. When you see a new update available, it’s almost always best to download it as soon as possible to ensure your EV is up-to-date and can perform optimally.
Practice battery maintenance
Finally, aside from your software, you should also be mindful of your EV’s hardware. Your EV battery is a key component that keeps your vehicle running, so regular maintenance is as essential as traditional gasoline engines.
As mentioned above, be mindful of temperature changes and periodically fully charge your battery to maintain its “memory”. If you have a bidirectional charger at home, making use of its vehicle-to-home technology to power your home or appliances can ensure your battery gets regular use and maintain its life. Experts recommend not leaving your battery to sit at maximum charge for longer than eight hours.