3 tips for getting the most out of your EV during the festive period

The festive season is here, and for many of us that means planning road trips to visit friends and family. As the popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to rise, more drivers are hitting the road in their EVs for Christmas journeys. However, winter weather and longer trips can pose unique challenges for EV owners, from managing battery performance to driving efficiently in colder weather.  

To ensure your holiday travels are smooth, stress-free and energy efficient, we’ve put together three essential tips to help you get the most out of your EV this Christmas. Whether you’re a seasoned EV driver or new to the experience, these practical insights will keep you powered up and ready to enjoy the season’s festivities. 

1. Plan your charging stops 

One of the keys to stress-free longer journeys is planning your charging stops ahead of time. Use route planning apps or your vehicle’s onboard navigation system to identify charge points along your route, especially if you’re traveling through unfamiliar areas.  

The UK has seen a rapid growth in EV charging infrastructure in recent years. Research carried out by Zapmap in November 2024, found that there are now over 72,000 charge points nationwide, making charging on the go easier than ever. However, it’s still important to consider the following points when planning your journey: 

Availability: Look for stations with multiple charge points and check real-time availability to avoid long waits, as chargers may be busier during the holiday season. 

Factor in weather:  Cold weather can impact battery performance, reducing your EV’s range. Most EVs use 15–20% of the battery's charge to heat and maintain optimal battery temperature. For maximum efficiency, it's recommended that you keep your charge level between 20–80%. To stay on track during your journey, plan for shorter intervals between charging stops to ensure you never run low. 

Optimise charging time: Combining charging stops with rest breaks or meals can be a smart way to make charging more convenient. However, other EV drivers might have the same idea. The busiest time to charge is usually around 1 pm, as many drivers take the opportunity to charge while stopping for lunch. To avoid crowds, consider planning your stops during quieter times—charging at 10am or 5pm is typically less busy than peak hours. 

By mapping out your journey with reliable charging options, you can enjoy longer trips without the stress of running out of charge. 

2. Preheat your battery  

Preheating your EV’s battery during the winter is essential for maximising performance and efficiency. Cold temperatures reduce battery efficiency by slowing down the chemical reactions that generate energy, which can significantly impact your range. This means that by preheating your battery before your trip, your battery will use less power while you’re on the move.   

Preheating while your car is still plugged in ensures the battery reaches an optimal operating temperature without drawing power from your charge, preserving energy for the drive. It also warms the cabin, reducing the need to rely on the heater, which can drain the battery further. Additionally, preheating minimises the strain of cold starts, protecting the battery's long-term health.  

So, how do you preheat your EV? 

Most modern EVs allow you to schedule or manually activate preheating through an app or in-car settings, making it an easy step to include in your winter travel routine. Set the preheat schedule to activate while the car is still charging. If your EV has a heat pump, make sure it’s enabled for efficient heating. 

By incorporating preheating into your holiday plans, you’ll maximise efficiency, improve range and make your Christmas journeys smoother and more enjoyable. 

3. Drive efficiently  

Driving efficiently is key to getting the most out of your EV during the festive season. Maintaining a steady speed and avoiding sudden acceleration or frequent braking can help conserve energy, with cruise control being particularly useful on motorways. Utilising Eco mode, if your EV has it, optimises power output and reduces energy usage from non-essential features. Minimising heating use by relying on seat warmers instead of full cabin heating can also help conserve battery power. Additionally, planning your route to avoid congested, stop-start traffic can improve efficiency. 

Safe travels 

As you prepare for your festive travels, keeping these tips in mind will help you make the most of your EV. From planning your charging stops to preheating your battery and driving efficiently, a little preparation can go a long way to helping you overcome the challenges of winter driving. With your EV powered up and ready to go, you can focus on the joy of catching up with loved ones and celebrating the season. Safe travels and have a wonderful festive break!

About Energy Park

Every great EV journey begins at home. Charging overnight is not just convenient—it’s the perfect way to ensure you’re ready for the road ahead, whether it’s a daily commute or a longer adventure.  But if you live in an apartment building, it’s likely you don’t have access to EV charging at home or you’re paying public charge prices. 

At Energy Park, we believe that everyone should have access to seamless, low-cost EV charging at home. That’s why we’re committed to making EV ownership more inclusive by offering residential landlords a fully funded, maintained and managed EV charging solution for their apartment buildings. 

Our funded solutions are financed by the Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund (CIIF), which is sponsored by the UK Government. 

You can find out more about our funded solutions here.