NCC Guide to towing with an EV - Manual / Resource - Page 8
AVOIDING RANGE ANXIETY
TIPS FOR STRESS-FREE TOURING
❏ When considering buying an EV,
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think about your style of touring
and ask yourself a few questions.
Do you typically drive short
hops between sites or go longer
distances beyond the battery
range? How do you use the EV
when not hitched to your caravan?
Then do your research on the type
of car within your budget, its range
and how you can recharge it when
touring.
Route planning is important
when towing a caravan with a
petrol or diesel car, especially
on smaller countryside roads. In
addition, when towing with an EV,
make sure you identify potential
charging locations and 昀椀nd out
what type of facilities they offer.
Think about hills when route
planning, which can drain
more power – is there a 昀氀atter
alternative?
If touring between sites, can you
plan it so that a full charge will get
you to where you want to go each
time? You can then recharge once
pitched-up and unhitched before
the next stage of the tour.
Have alternative recharging
options on a route in case the
battery supply will not get you
there or the facilities are busy.
Factor in the possibility that you
may need to unhitch the caravan
before a charge – and how you will
ensure it is secure.
8 NCC Electric Vehicle Towing Guide
❏ Consider shorter distances closer
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to home and within range when
having a weekend break in the
’van.
If your EV has a ‘tow mode’
remember to switch it on.
Most EVs put power back into
the battery through regenerative
braking and so lifting your foot
off the throttle can cause more
sudden slowing. Experts at the
Camping and Caravanning Club
say this can be ampli昀椀ed with
a caravan on the back, so when
possible ease off the accelerator
gradually.
It’s always good to have
breakdown cover regardless of
the type of car you tow with. If
you do 昀椀nd the charge runs out,
breakdown recovery vehicles often
now carry emergency mobile
charging systems to give the
motorist just enough power to get
to a recharging point – or maybe
even home. The RAC’s EV Boost
system is one such example.
And remember the journey is part
of the tour. So good planning – not
to mention a ‘can-do’ attitude – will
help you enjoy the trip ahead to
ensure you arrive at your location
ready to relax and enjoy your
caravan holiday.
