The Beginner’s EV Driving Guide: Charging, Range and Road Tips

A family charges their electric vehicle at a Source charging station. A woman stands with a child while a man connects the charger to the car.

Whether you're considering your first electric vehicle or you're adjusting to driving an EV, understanding how to maximise efficiency and plan ahead can make your journey far smoother. From smart charging habits to range-saving driving techniques, this guide covers the essential tips every new EV driver needs to get the most out of their vehicle.

What Will You Use Your EV For?

Do you know how you plan to use your EV? Larger EVs with bigger batteries have greater range and are good for long commutes, but they are more expensive and need charging more often.

A city car used for short runs has a smaller battery, but may only need charging once a week. Compare EV brands to determine the right vehicle fit for your needs.

Charging your EV

Most EVs are supported by dedicated apps, like the Source EV App, that provide real-time charge point status, route planning assistance, and access to charging networks. These are key tools for efficient EV ownership.

Use a Home EV Charger

Check your electricity tariff and whether you have any off-peak hours you can take advantage of to charge your EV at home. Find details about installing a home charger here.

Tip: Charge your EV battery up to 80% (and no more) to extend its lifespan.

Plan your Journeys

It's easy to manage short runs in a city EV but a longer journey will require a little more planning before setting off.

Your EV app can help you plan longer journeys by identifying available charging points along your route. The UK's charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly. It's now easier than ever to map out reliable, efficient stops, especially when using ultra-rapid EV charging locations like Source hubs.

Maximise your EV's Battery Efficiency

To maximise battery efficiency during longer trips, route planning is essential. Tools like Google Maps now highlight energy-efficient routes with a green leaf symbol, helping EV drivers avoid traffic congestion, steep inclines, and inefficient stop-start driving. Choosing these optimised routes can help conserve battery life, reduce charging stops, and contribute to smoother, lower-emission journeys.

Watch the Weather

Temperature has a significant impact on EV performance, and cold weather in particular. Batteries are less efficient in low temperatures, and using the heating and climate control increases energy demand. According to research from Consumer Reports and the RAC, cold weather can reduce EV range by as much as 20--40% (depending on the model and usage).

Tip: Pre-condition your EV (heating or cooling the cabin) while it's still plugged in to preserve driving range.

Tip: Use seat warmers and steering wheel heaters instead of the main cabin heater --- they consume significantly less power and warm up faster.

On the Road With Your EV

Once you're behind the wheel, how you drive has a big impact on your EV's range and performance. From smoother acceleration to making the most of regenerative braking, these smart driving habits will help you stretch every mile. Together, they can make your journeys more efficient, and extend your battery lifespan.

Maximise Range with Smart Driving Techniques

Driving style has a direct impact on your EV's efficiency. Aggressive acceleration, hard braking and high speeds all consume more battery power. Smooth, anticipatory driving (such as reading the road ahead and avoiding unnecessary speed changes) helps conserve energy and extend your range.

Watch Your Vehicle Weight

Just like petrol or diesel cars, heavier EVs require more energy to move. Remove unnecessary items from your boot or cabin to lighten the load and reduce energy demand, especially on longer journeys.

Use Regenerative Braking Effectively

Regenerative braking captures the energy usually lost when slowing down and feeds it back into the battery. Most EVs have a regenerative driving mode (often labelled 'B' mode or e-Pedal), which can significantly improve range in stop-start or downhill conditions.

✅ Pro tip: Combine regenerative braking with controlled coasting on downhill stretches to recover even more energy and extend your battery range.

With a little planning and some new habits, EV driving becomes second nature. Cleaner, quieter, and more efficient than traditional motoring. With Source's growing network of rapid charging hubs, making the switch has never been easier.