Top 5 Mistakes New EV Owners Make — and How to Avoid Them
- kbilyk
- May 22
- 3 min read
Thinking of making the switch to electric? Or maybe you've just picked up your first EV? Welcome to the future! Electric vehicles are efficient, quiet, and fun to drive, but let’s be real, the learning curve can be a bit shocking (pun intended).
To help you out, here are the top 5 mistakes we see new EV owners make and how you can navigate them like a pro.
1. Not Planning Charging Stops
The mistake: Heading out on a road trip assuming chargers will be everywhere.
The fix: Download charging apps like FordPass for Ford owners or PlugShare for non Ford vehicles to map out charging stations in advance. Even in Alberta, rural routes can be a little sparse, so planning is key. Quick Lane Lacombe can also point you toward local charging spots!
2. Ignoring Cold Weather Impact
The mistake: Underestimating how much winter affects your EV’s range. If you're in central Alberta like us, you already know winter doesn’t play around. Cold weather can reduce your EV’s driving range. Why? Because batteries work less efficiently in the cold, and heating the cabin pulls extra power from the battery.
The fix:
Precondition your EV while it’s still plugged in. Most EVs let you heat the cabin and warm the battery before you drive, using energy from the charger instead of the battery. This keeps your range up and your ride comfy.
Use heated seats and steering wheel instead of blasting cabin heat. They use way less energy and warm you up faster.
Keep your EV plugged in overnight when it's really cold, even if it’s fully charged. This helps maintain battery temperature and health.
3. Waiting Until the Battery Is Almost Dead to Charge
The mistake: Treating your EV like a gas car and waiting till the last second. Unlike gas-powered vehicles, EVs don’t love being run all the way down to 0%. Letting your battery get too low too often can shorten its lifespan over time, and it also puts you at risk of being stuck with no charger nearby, especially in smaller towns or on highway routes with fewer charging options.
The fix: Try to charge when you're around 20–30% instead of running it all the way down. This helps preserve long-term battery health and gives you a nice buffer if plans change or detours come up. Charging is quicker (and easier on the battery) when the battery isn’t totally drained. Unless you're heading out on a long trip, topping up to 80% is better for everyday driving. Most EVs let you set a charging limit in the app or car settings.
4. Skipping Regular Maintenance
The mistake: Thinking EVs don’t need any maintenance.
The fix: True, EVs need less upkeep; no oil changes, fewer moving parts, but they still need brake checks, tire rotations, cabin filters, and software updates. Quick Lane in Lacombe offers EV-friendly service with easy pickup/drop off and shuttle services.
5. Not Learning the Tech
The mistake: Getting overwhelmed and ignoring the car’s smart features.
The fix: Take some time to explore your EV’s infotainment system, driving modes, and app integration. Trust us, those features are designed to make your life easier (and can even save you energy). If you need a walkthrough, we’re happy to help.
Final Thoughts
Owning an EV is awesome, but like anything new, it comes with a bit of a learning curve. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Lacombe Quick Lane Tire, Auto & EV Centre are here to help you drive electric with confidence, whether it’s routine maintenance, tech questions, or finding the right tires for your EV.
Located at Lacombe Quick Lane Tire, Auto and EV Centre| EV-certified technicians | All makes & models welcome
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