Tips on how to save energy and money with your electric WAV

As more and more people turn to electric vehicles due to their cheaper running costs and greener environmental impact, our first ever electric wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV), eHorizon, is growing more popular amongst customers.

To help you save even more energy and money with your electric WAV, we’ve pulled together a list of tips on how to make your battery last longer and when and where to charge for less.

How to Save Energy and Extend Your Battery Life

Watch Your Driving Style

Much like improving the fuel efficiency in a standard car, a way to extend your electric vehicle’s battery life is to avoid harsh braking and acceleration and to be considerate of your air con and heating usage. A top tip to maximise your battery is to heat or cool your car before you set off on your journey while the vehicle’s charger is still plugged in

Keep Your Battery Between 20-80%

The first and last 20% of your battery will take the longest to charge and therefore be the most costly. By keeping your car between 20% and 80% charge, you will improve the overall longevity of your battery and save time and money on charging.

How to Save Money on Charging Your Electric WAV

Benefit From a Time of Use Tariff

Time of Use Tarrifs are tarrifs that charge different prices for electricity at different times of the day. The cheapest time to charge is typically during off-peak hours as less people are using their electrical appliances meaning there is less pressure on the national grid to produce power. Charging during these off-peak times is a great way to make significant savings on charging your car.

Utilise Free Charging Stations

Although not super popular, many supermarkets, shopping centres, attractions and workplaces have free charging stations available. So, with a little forward planning you can top your WAV battery up for free while you shop, work or enjoy some leisure time. To find out where you can charge your WAV for free you can visit websites and apps like Zapmap and electroverse.

Install a charger at home

As well as looking at ways to save on charging, there are also ways to save on the installation of a residential EV charger. If you own your own electric vehicle, the UK Government are currently offering electric vehicle drivers who own or rent a flat a grant of up to £350 to help with the installation of a residential home charging point. To find out more, click here.

If you lease your electric WAV through Motability Scheme and it is the first electric vehicle you have had on the scheme and you have off-street parking next to your home, then your home chargepoint and standard installation costs will be free of charge.

If you can’t get a chargepoint, you will gain access to over 9,000 public chargepoints with a subscription to the BP pulse network. Motability Scheme customers will also gain access to a Motability Go Charge card giving you access to over 50,000 public chargepoints.

Are you ready to go electric?

Based on the Peugeot e-Rifter, eHorizon™ is Allied Mobility’s first fully electric WAV, bringing you optimum accessibility and driveability.

Offering ample interior space to travel in a wheelchair in comfort, eHorizon™ comes with Peugeot’s impressive Allure specification as standard, including rear parking sensors and a 180° colour reversing camera. It’s the perfect combination of safety, style and comfort.

eHorizon™ is available to buy, hire or lease on the Motability Scheme. Book your free home demonstration or call our friendly mobility advisors on the number above.