Battery Tender: Helping People Keep Their Electric Vehicles Moving

According to recent reports, there are now more than 1.6 billion vehicles on the roads worldwide. Most of them rely on gas or diesel. Unfortunately, analysts predict that the planet’s supply of both of those fuels will be exhausted within the next 50 years or so. If things keep going the way they have been so far, that could leave quite a few conventional vehicles out of commission. 

With that being the case, many people insist that hybrids and electric vehicles are our future. Hybrids use far less fuel than their fully ICE counterparts, and EVs don’t rely on traditional fuel at all. The more people who switch to these alternatives, the further Earth’s fossil fuel reserves will last. Besides that, there are the environmental factors to think about. In terms of emissions, they’re far more eco-friendly than other types of vehicles. Though some might argue about the long-term footprints, they certainly produce fewer emissions than vehicles with gas or diesel engines. 

Still, many people are reluctant to switch to EVs and plug-in hybrids. That’s mainly because of their somewhat limited range and the ongoing need to keep them charged. Battery Tender is doing its part to allay people’s fears and help them keep their EVs running no matter what hurdles they may run into along the way. They offer portable chargers for your electric vehicle as well as other essential charging accessories. 

Home Charging Stations

Anyone who owns an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid needs to have a home charger on hand. These vehicles generally come with standard chargers, but taking matters a step further can’t hurt. Home chargers are available in Level 1 and Level 2 varieties. While the former works with a standard 120-volt outlet, the latter requires a 240-volt outlet like those used for ovens, washing machines, dryers, and certain other appliances.

Level 1 chargers are the ones that come with most electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. They work more slowly than others. They can provide between 3 and 5 miles of range per hour with a full charge taking anywhere from 22 to 40 hours depending on the type of vehicle and other factors. Level 2 chargers are a bit faster. They can add up to 60 miles of range per hour, and they can fully charge most vehicles within 8 hours or so. 

From there, you have Level 3 chargers. Those are the ones that are available for public use. They charge much faster than Level 1 and 2 chargers. They also come at a price. You have to pay to use them, and the cost can quickly add up if you have to use them repeatedly. It’s generally easier and more cost-effective to avoid them when possible. 

On the Road

Having said that, being able to charge their vehicles at home isn’t what holds most people back from investing in EVs and plug-in hybrids. Being able to recharge on the go is their main concern. After all, charging stations aren’t readily available everywhere, and no one wants to run out of battery before they can get to the next charging point. Fortunately, portable chargers are available. They allow you to take your charging power with you no matter where you’re going. 

It’s fair to mention that the basic chargers that come with EVs are portable. As you might imagine, though, their portability can sometimes be problematic. What happens if you forget to take your charger with you when you leave home? Even worse, what would you do if you took it with you and forgot to bring it back home? Leaving that charger at home for safekeeping and having a portable backup to keep in the car may very well be the better option. At the same time, it’s nice to know you have a backup if your other charger stops working. 

As is the case with stationary home chargers, portable chargers require electrical outlets. Some are designed for 120-volt outlets while others can work with 240-volt outlets or both options. Though they need to be plugged in to charge a vehicle, they can still give you a great deal of peace of mind. When you’re visiting friends or relatives, you’ll be able plug in at their houses and recharge for the trip home even if they don’t have a built-in EV charger.

Many stores and restaurants with outdoor outlets will allow people to plug in their EVs as well. You can spend some time shopping or having a nice meal while your battery recoups some of its power. You’ll probably want to stay somewhat close, though, to be sure no one steals your portable charger. 

Those are only a few of the potential charging opportunities. Garages, gas stations, and banks are also possibilities. Virtually any public place with an outdoor outlet is a potential solution, and you’ll find that quite a few businesses are willing to help if you need to plug in for a while. Still, you’ll need your own charger to be able to plug in because those that don’t have public charging stations generally don’t have spare chargers on hand, either.

Taking Charging Power with You

Despite the rise of EVs, in many areas, you’re still far more likely to find a place with an outdoor electrical outlet than one with a charging station. If you have a portable charger to take along with you, that means you’ll be able to recharge no matter where you go. That, in turn, can give you a great deal of added reassurance that planning for the future and helping to save the planet won’t ultimately leave you stranded. 

Although EVs and plug-in hybrids come with their own chargers, only having that one to rely on isn’t a good idea. It’s always nice to have a backup plan. Having a second portable charger to keep in your vehicle can certainly be helpful. It’ll allow you to take charging power with you without fear of accidentally leaving your primary charger behind while you’re traveling. It’ll also give you something to fall back on if your primary charger happens to malfunction. As is the case with tires, it’s always good to have a spare.