In the driver's seat
With David Haswell, GeniePoint customer
We love speaking to our customers about what they love most about having an EV, so we wanted to create a place to share these stories, and help spread the word about how great EVs truly are.
For this post, we spoke to David Haswell. David lives in Chester-Le-Street, Durham and works as a Senior Support Technician.
What EV do you drive and how long have you had it?
I I own a Citroen eC4 and have had it for 8 months.
Were there any pre-conceptions you had before you bought your EV, and how do you feel about that now?
To be honest, no. Back in 2011 my work got hold of a Peugeot iOn from a local garage and I was lucky (unlucky?) enough to be given it to test drive for a month.
Since then I’ve been watching YouTube videos like Fully Charged about EVs and all things electric. So I kind of knew what I was getting into and was excited. For those wondering, the iOn was fun for the novelty of being electric and silent, but as a car it was awful.
What’s your favourite thing about driving an EV?
Despite the eC4 not being the fastest EV in the world, I still love being able to put my foot down and leave the surprised looking fossil burners behind me. All without making a sound.
"Since then I’ve been watching YouTube videos like Fully Charged about EVs and all things electric. So I kind of knew what I was getting into and was excited."
What's your most important EV etiquette tip?
There’s so many! I wish I could have more than one but here you go.
When you’re at a rapid charger don’t wait until you get to 100% charge. Just put as much in as you need and move on because almost all EV’s charging rate drops off a cliff at around 80%. Mine does it at about 84%. If you stay until 100% you’ll end up blocking a charger that someone else needs for well over an hour while you trickle the last 20% into a battery that doesn’t really want it.
What do you typically do whilst charging, when you charge on the go?
Have a coffee or something to eat. Or both.
What’s the most productive thing you’ve done whilst waiting for a charge?
Went shopping for an emergency sewing kit to fix someone-who-shall-remain-nameless’s ripped clothing whilst in Wales... (!)
"When you’re at a rapid charger don’t wait until you get to 100% charge."
Interested in being in the driver’s seat next? Get in touch with us on Twitter @GeniePointEV to share your story!