“Mr. Sharma is a proud EV owner who recently purchased an electric car for his daily commute. He occasionally takes his electric car on long trips, as it offers a range of roughly 250-300 kilometers once fully charged. One day, he embarked on a long journey to a nearby state with his fully charged vehicle. However, since it was a long trip, his vehicle was left with just 20% battery, and he became a bit worried about what to do next.”

Many people share similar concerns before taking a long trip with an electric vehicle. Due to the misconception that “EVs are not built for long trips,” some refrain from buying a new electric vehicle. In this blog, we will share tips to follow if you find yourself stuck on the highway with your electric car, a low battery, and no nearby EV charging stations. These tips will be your ultimate guide for long trips with your electric vehicle. 

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation Carefully 

It’s common to panic when stranded on highways with a low battery. However, it’s essential to stay calm and assess the situation carefully: 

• Check Your EV Range: Use the remaining battery life displayed on your car’s dashboard to estimate how far you can realistically travel before running out of power entirely. This will help you plan your routes accordingly, allowing you to reach the nearest hotel or charging station to recharge your electric vehicle. 

• Turn Off Non-Essential Electronics: Minimize power consumption by turning off air conditioning, entertainment systems, and heated seats if possible. These additional features consume battery power, so switching them off will add more range to your EV. 

• Activate Eco Mode: Almost all EVs have an “Eco Mode” that reduces power consumption and slightly extends your range. Engage this mode if available when your EV battery is low. 

2. Use an RFID Card for Hassle-Free EV Charging 

The Statiq RFID Card is a smart way to charge your electric vehicle. No internet or cash? No worries! Just tap your RFID card at any Statiq EV charging station to initiate or stop the charging process. This card is helpful in areas with poor network issues. 

3. Plan Your Next Move 

• Locate Assistance: Use your car’s navigation system or smartphone app to find the nearest charging station, towing service, or roadside assistance provider that can help with EVs.  

• Dial 1033: You can also call the Toll-Free “1033” Helpline Number (National Highway Helpline Number launched by NHAI) for 24/7 assistance on NHAI’s tolled stretches in case of emergencies or non-emergency issues. 

• Contact Roadside Assistance: If you have roadside assistance as part of your insurance or car purchase package, contact them immediately. They might be able to send a tow truck with a portable charger or arrange transportation to the nearest charging station. 

4. Prevention is Key 

• Plan Your Route: Always plan your trip with charging stops in mind, especially on long journeys. Use the Statiq EV charging app to find EV charging stations along your route. The Statiq app has a Route Planner feature that allows you to plan your journey with all the EV charging stations en route. Simply add your starting location and your destination. 

• Monitor Your Battery: Keep an eye on your car’s battery level throughout the trip and adjust your driving style or route if necessary. Don’t let the battery level drop critically low (below 15-20%) before seeking a charging station. 

• Charge Regularly: Don’t wait for your battery to be completely depleted before plugging in. Whenever possible, charge your car at every available opportunity during your trip. This will keep your battery sufficiently powered. 

By following these tips and being proactive, you can minimize the stress of a low battery situation on your next EV road trip. Remember, with a little planning and these handy tips, you can keep your adventures rolling and your EV charged up for a smooth and enjoyable journey!