Holiday charging tips every EV driver should know

With holiday trips and reunions coming up, EV drivers have one more thing to plan: charging stops.  A few small steps before and during your trip can make a big difference. Here’s how you can charge smart while enjoying your holiday travels.

Holiday traffic means more EVs on the road and longer lines at public charging stations. Before you head out, use apps like PlugShare, ChargeMap, or your car’s built-in navigation to map out charging points along your route. Check which ones have fast chargers and note backup options in case your first choice is full or offline.

It also helps to estimate your car’s range with some buffer, cold weather, traffic, and luggage can affect battery performance. Plan to charge when your battery drops to around 20–30 percent instead of waiting until it’s low, so you’ll have more flexibility if a station is busy or out of service.

When staying at hotels or visiting family, ask ahead if they have EV charging available. Many hotels, resorts, and even malls now offer free or discounted charging for guests. Plugging in overnight ensures your car starts each day with a full battery without having to wait in line at public chargers.

If you’re stopping for meals or sightseeing, look for restaurants and attractions with EV charging stations in their parking lots. Destination charging helps you make the most of your downtime while keeping your battery topped up, a smart move especially during long holiday trips.

Unlike colder countries, the main challenge for EV drivers in the Philippines is heat. High temperatures can make your battery work harder, which may reduce efficiency. Try to park in shaded areas or under covered spots to prevent your car from heating up while charging or parked.

You can also pre-cool your car while it’s still plugged in, so you won’t use as much battery power when you start driving. Avoid charging immediately after a long drive; let the battery cool down for a few minutes first. These simple steps help maintain good battery health, especially during hot and busy holiday trips.

Electric vehicles make holiday travel easier and more enjoyable when you plan your charging right. Make sure to keep your battery ready and your route set before every trip. If you’re thinking about getting an EV for your next drive, check out your options at AutoDeal.com.ph.