This guide provides a thoughtful breakdown of essential items for new EV owners. Here’s a summary of each category and why it’s relevant:
1. Portable Level 1 & 2 Charger/Home Charger
Why Important: Many EVs, like the Kia EV6, don’t include a charging cable. A portable charger ensures flexibility for home use and road trips.
Notable Choices:
Webasto Go: Trusted due to Kia’s endorsement and high-quality assurance.
AMPROAD iFlow P9: A dual-purpose wall mount and portable charger option.
ChargePoint Home Flex: Good for utility rebates but may not save money long-term.
2. 12-Volt Battery Booster
Why Important: EVs rely on the 12-volt battery to connect the main battery to the motors. Frequent battery drain can leave you stranded.
Notable Choice:
AstroAI Jump Starter with Air Compressor: Combines a battery booster and air compressor, addressing tire inflation and jump-start needs.
Noco Boosters: Offers reliable options, including a harness for easier use.
3. Battery Monitor
Why Important: Allows monitoring of the 12-volt battery’s health via Bluetooth, reducing unexpected failures.
Notable Choice:
ANCEL BM300 Bluetooth Voltmeter: Affordable and reliable for proactive battery management.
4. Tesla to J1772 Adapter
Why Important: Enables access to Tesla destination chargers when other chargers aren’t available.
Notable Choice:
TeslaTap Mini: Reliable compatibility compared to cheaper options like Lectron.
5. Portable Air Compressor/Spare Tire
Why Important: EVs like the EV6 lack a spare tire, making portable solutions critical for flat tires.
Notable Choices:
Tire inflation kits or spare kits from companies like Modern Spare.
Dual-purpose devices like the AstroAI Jump Starter.
6. Insulated Tools
Why Important: Essential for safely working on high-voltage EV components.
Consideration: If you plan to do your own EV maintenance, invest in high-quality insulated tools.
7. Transfer Switch for Home Power Backup
Why Important: Enables your EV to power essential home circuits during power outages.
Options:
Transfer Switch: Pre-select circuits for safe and easy power use.
Generator Interlock Kit: Lower cost, more flexible but requires careful usage.
Notable Choice:
Nature’s Generator Power Transfer Kit: Simple plug-and-go functionality during outages.
Additional Notes for EV Newbies:
Preparation Matters: Items like chargers, battery boosters, and spare tire kits ensure you’re equipped for common challenges.
Proactive Maintenance: Monitoring tools and insulated tools help prevent issues and allow for safe DIY maintenance.
Backup Power Utility: Leveraging your EV for home backup is a smart addition, especially in areas prone to outages.
This list is an excellent starting point for EV owners to tailor their preparations based on personal needs and usage scenarios.
1. Portable Level 1 & 2 Charger/Home Charger
Why Important: Many EVs, like the Kia EV6, don’t include a charging cable. A portable charger ensures flexibility for home use and road trips.
Notable Choices:
Webasto Go: Trusted due to Kia’s endorsement and high-quality assurance.
AMPROAD iFlow P9: A dual-purpose wall mount and portable charger option.
ChargePoint Home Flex: Good for utility rebates but may not save money long-term.
2. 12-Volt Battery Booster
Why Important: EVs rely on the 12-volt battery to connect the main battery to the motors. Frequent battery drain can leave you stranded.
Notable Choice:
AstroAI Jump Starter with Air Compressor: Combines a battery booster and air compressor, addressing tire inflation and jump-start needs.
Noco Boosters: Offers reliable options, including a harness for easier use.
3. Battery Monitor
Why Important: Allows monitoring of the 12-volt battery’s health via Bluetooth, reducing unexpected failures.
Notable Choice:
ANCEL BM300 Bluetooth Voltmeter: Affordable and reliable for proactive battery management.
4. Tesla to J1772 Adapter
Why Important: Enables access to Tesla destination chargers when other chargers aren’t available.
Notable Choice:
TeslaTap Mini: Reliable compatibility compared to cheaper options like Lectron.
5. Portable Air Compressor/Spare Tire
Why Important: EVs like the EV6 lack a spare tire, making portable solutions critical for flat tires.
Notable Choices:
Tire inflation kits or spare kits from companies like Modern Spare.
Dual-purpose devices like the AstroAI Jump Starter.
6. Insulated Tools
Why Important: Essential for safely working on high-voltage EV components.
Consideration: If you plan to do your own EV maintenance, invest in high-quality insulated tools.
7. Transfer Switch for Home Power Backup
Why Important: Enables your EV to power essential home circuits during power outages.
Options:
Transfer Switch: Pre-select circuits for safe and easy power use.
Generator Interlock Kit: Lower cost, more flexible but requires careful usage.
Notable Choice:
Nature’s Generator Power Transfer Kit: Simple plug-and-go functionality during outages.
Additional Notes for EV Newbies:
Preparation Matters: Items like chargers, battery boosters, and spare tire kits ensure you’re equipped for common challenges.
Proactive Maintenance: Monitoring tools and insulated tools help prevent issues and allow for safe DIY maintenance.
Backup Power Utility: Leveraging your EV for home backup is a smart addition, especially in areas prone to outages.
This list is an excellent starting point for EV owners to tailor their preparations based on personal needs and usage scenarios.