Get More from Your EV by Avoiding These Rookie Mistakes

woman using a cell phone at a gas station, common EV mistakes to avoid
Get More from Your EV: Common Mistakes to Avoid with ONEEV

Owning an EV is one of the smartest moves you can make—quiet, efficient, and future-ready. But even seasoned drivers can slip into habits that quietly eat away at performance and driving pleasure.

Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of, so you can get the very best from every mile with ONEEV at your side.

Not Checking Charger Availability

Few things are more frustrating than pulling into a busy charging hub only to find every bay taken. A simple fix? Use the ONEEV app to check live charger availability before you set off, so you know exactly where the free spaces are—and get back on the road faster.

Always Charging to 100%

It feels logical to max out your battery every time, but that isn’t always the best choice. For everyday use, charging to around 80% keeps your battery in better long-term health. Save the full 100% for long trips where every extra mile counts. The Energy Saving Trust confirms that maintaining balanced charging habits helps protect battery performance over time.

Running Below 20% Too Often

Just as overcharging can cause issues, letting your battery run too low on a regular basis (below 20%) can shorten its lifespan. Keep your EV topped up, and don’t forget to maintain a healthy charge level if the car will be sitting unused for a while. Insights from the National Grid ESO highlight how smarter charging behaviour benefits both drivers and the wider UK energy network.

Ignoring Tyre Pressures

Under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance, forcing your EV to work harder and use more energy. The fix is simple: check tyre pressures regularly and keep them at the manufacturer’s recommended level. You’ll save energy, money, and tyres in the long run.

Not Planning Your Route

Long drives feel much smoother when you know your charging options in advance. With ONEEV, you can plan your trip, see every charging stop along the way, and check what’s nearby—from food and coffee to shopping—so you can recharge both your car and yourself.

Driving Aggressively

Rapid acceleration and sudden braking aren’t just bad for passengers—they drain your battery faster too. Smooth, steady driving uses less energy, meaning you’ll travel further on every charge and enjoy a calmer journey.

Overstaying at Public Chargers

Charging bays are there for everyone, so overstaying can block others and may even incur a fee. With ONEEV, you can keep track of your charging time and move on once your session is complete—helping the next driver out and avoiding unnecessary costs.

Skipping Preconditioning

Preconditioning warms or cools your EV battery before charging, improving efficiency and longevity—especially in extreme temperatures. If your vehicle supports it, make this a regular habit to protect your battery’s health year-round.

Carrying Too Much Weight

Extra weight means extra energy consumption. Clear out the golf clubs, heavy work gear, or anything you don’t really need on the journey. A lighter load means more range and better efficiency.

Not Using ONEEV for Smarter Charging

Regular public charging doesn’t have to mean higher costs. ONEEV gives you access to thousands of charge points across the UK, transparent real-time pricing, and reward points every time you charge. No subscriptions. No hidden fees. Just smarter charging that works for you.

Final Thought

By avoiding these simple mistakes, you’ll enjoy longer battery life, smoother journeys, and a more rewarding EV lifestyle. ONEEV is here to make every part of the experience easier, from live charger maps to seamless payments and driver rewards.