Type 2 Charge Cable
I normally know exactly where my next charge is coming from, but life isn’t always predictable. What if I need to go somewhere and the only charger available is a BYO cable affair? What if I turn up at my favourite restaurant to find they’ve just installed a free charger, but I need my own cable? Having a good Type 2 cable aboard is essential to making sure I can take advantage of those opportunities, but in some cases it might just save the day.
If you need a charger cable, here are some suggestions.
Click here for my Type 2 Cable Review
Click here to buy a Type 2 cable from Amazon
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Here’s a suggestion for a fire extinguisher suitable for an EV.
Buy a fire extinguisher on Amazon
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Fire Extinguisher
I consider this one essential in any car, not just an EV. Let’s face it, if your EV’s main battery is on fire then all the kings horses and all the kings men ain’t gonna save your EV. You need to get out and get far away.
But what if a small amount of smoke appears, or you notice a small fire. There might still be time to get that fire out before it causes major damage.
A good quality dry chemical fire extinguisher might just save your day. So I always have one, safely tucked in the centre console. You can mount one in the passenger side under the dash, but I prefer mine to be in the large centre console (where the gear stick would be in a petrol car).
Get out of the car and let loose at the base of the fire with your dry chemical extinguisher. Even if the fire looks like it’s out, get the Fire Brigade to come check before you restart the car.
I’ve always carried one since starting to drive more than 30 years ago and used it twice, but never on my own car. One guy stuffed $100 into my hand for saving his car. The other bought two fire extinguishers, delivering one to my house as repayment. She kept the other in her car after that.
Important: if your attempts to put the fire out don’t work, don’t hang around, get away and get the professionals in.
Torch
Torches are a matter of personal preference, but try to find one you can put down and still shine light on what you’re doing. A head torch is good, or those magnetic ones you can stick on the underside of your hood.
Whatever you choose, try for something handsfree so you can get both hands on to whatever you need to do to fix your car.
I prefer rechargeable torches, because I have a V2L adapter inside my car, and loads of USB ports. I can periodically plug my rechargeable devices in to the car while I drive around to keep them topped up.
Here are some torch suggestions.
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Here’s an option for a 10mm spanner from Amazon.
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10mm Spanner
Most EVs have major issues if the 12V system isn’t working. Some EVs have had issues with draining 12V batteries, as the traditional battery design isn’t optimised for EVs.
I keep a 10mm socket in my vehicle for two reasons:
If I ever need to fully reset the entire system, I can do so by removing the negative terminal of the 12V battery, being very careful not to let it contact anything, then replacing it. This is a last resort, but I’ve seen it done on YouTube to fix various issues. You should disconnect the high voltage battery before working on the 12V system. Usually done by a switch/fuse next to the 12V battery (consult your user manual).
If I need to replace the battery, I can do so while away from home. I’ve had to do this in my diesel vehicle while on holiday once.
12V Battery Booster Kit and Jumper Leads
Ever get back to your car and it just won’t start? An EV is pretty good at not draining the battery if you leave your lights on. There are still plenty of things that could drain your 12V though. Dashcams, connected phone apps, communicating with keys and other things all conspire to drain your 12V battery.
Driving around will recharge the 12V battery from the main traction battery, but the 12V battery is still vulnerable to failure or going flat, just like in a petrol car.
A decent battery booster should always be part of your kit. Unlike a petrol car, the booster doesn’t need to supply a massive cranking current, it just needs to provide enough to turn on all the computers and management systems. So the trick is to get something with plenty of long term power rather than a short burst.
I’ve chosen a really good little unit to keep in my car, which provides 22 Amps for up to an hour. This should be enough to get you safe in most cases. In the majority of cases your traction battery will start recharging your 12V as soon as you start driving.
Hint: If your 12V battery is dead, you might not be able to do things like open your tailgate. Always keep your battery booster in the front boot, next to the 12V battery, along with some tools. You can use the manual key to open the drivers door and pop the bonnet to connect the booster.
Need a booster? Here’s one I’d recommend.
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If you wish to purchase these items here are some suggestions.
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Protective Gear
Protecting yourself is one of the first rules of any emergency situation. You don’t want to get hurt and make the situation worse.
I purchased a handy little saftey kit with a few items I’d recommend any driver carry. You might want to add a poncho in case it rains, but this kit contains most of the safety items and even some of the other items from my essentials list.
It comes in a nice little bag that your might want to add other items to as well. You can put your 10mm spanner in here to keep it from sliding about and getting lost.
First Aid Kit
Every car should have a first aid kit. If you’re in Australia, then double down by adding a snake/spider bite kit.
Nothing more needs to be said. Make sure you have a first aid kit. The end.
Here are some suggestions for a first aid kit and snake bite kit, bith from trusted names.
St Johns Vehicle First Aid Kit
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If you wish to purchase these items here are some suggestions.
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Small Tool Kit
Pliers, a couple of screwdrivers and a multi-tool are all you really need. You might want to add a hammer and a voltage tester for a complete kit.
For a multi-tool you can’t go past a Leatherman, but for those on a budget there are aother options. I’ve had mine for years and it’s come in useful many times. Whether it’s fixing a broken snow chain on an icy road in New Zealand’s ski fields, or tightening the screws on my sunglasses on the beach, you can’t beat a Leatherman.
If you’re on a budget, then there are many other multi-tools out there to choose from. They might be cheaper, but they’re still excellent to have in a tight spot.
Granny Charger
Just like my Type 2 Charge Cable, I never leave home without the granny charger. As long as this item is in the boot, I can charge my car somehow. Everybody has power points. It might take a long time, but at least I can get enough juice in to get to the next charger.
Maybe it’s a friends house – I might get some kip in on their couch. Maybe it’s another EV with V2L. Could be a ute with a petrol generator on the back… I’m not too proud to use petrol if it’s the only option.
As long as the granny charger is onboard, and I can get access to a power point, I can charge.
Edit: I’ve just updated the link, because this newer charger includes a 10Amp to 15Amp plug converter, meaning you can plug into a 10Amp or 15Amp socket. It’s rated to 15Amps, so plugging into a alower spec 10Amp socket is fine.
Here’s a great granny charger with plenty of options.
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