Modern electric vehicles are engineered to deliver outstanding performance in various environments, including the desert. However, you still need to use good judgment when traveling in hot, dry climates. Here are the top tips for driving an EV in the desert.
Keep Tabs on Tire Pressure
Develop a habit of regularly checking your electric vehicle's tire pressure. Underinflated tires are more prone to experiencing a dangerous blowout, especially when traveling on hot surfaces. It's also important to visually inspect the tires. Desert environments often have higher levels of dust and sand, which can cause tread depth to diminish at a quicker rate. It may be time for a replacement set if you notice any cracking or abnormal wear. Remember, degraded tires ultimately compromise safety.
Plan Your Charging Stops
If you plan to venture outside your local area, plan your route in advance. You need to know where the available charging stations are located. The last thing you want is for your EV to run out of power in the middle of the desert.
Precondition the Interior
Running an electric vehicle's air conditioner at the maximum level can drain the battery. While your EV is plugged, don't hesitate to cool down the interior using its “precondition” feature. This will ultimately enable the battery to operate more efficiently on a hot day. When you are ready to hit the road, there will be no need to crank up the AC.
Use the Eco Mode
Take advantage of its eco mode to maximize your electric vehicle's driving range. This is especially true if traveling beyond the city limits. Because the desert tends to feature a lot of flat land, you won't need peak power when cruising along the highway.
Keep Your Phone Charged
You never know when an emergency may occur. To be on the safe side, keep your phone charged. There may come a time when you need to call for roadside assistance.
Replace the Cabin Air Filter
Remember to replace your EV's cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. If you travel through the desert often, this filter will become dirty sooner than usual. Aside from removing allergens and dust from the air, the filter also helps the climate control system perform at its best.
Contact FIAT of Scottsdale today if you have questions about driving your electric vehicle in the desert.
