Taking a break during any long journey is important. It gives you a moment to refresh and get your focus back. And it keeps everyone safer on the road. If you’re not sure what to do while you’re charging your electric vehicle (EV), we’ve got you covered.
Ever wonder how long you can drive before you’re supposed to take a break? The Highway Code recommends you stop for at least a 15-minute comfort break every two hours. We also have some tips in our article about spotting signs you’re too tired to drive.
Driving demands a lot of focus, especially if you’re on unfamiliar roads. So it’s important you stop for a rest, even if it’s a short break.
Whether you like a caffeinated coffee or taking a power nap, the important thing is you rest and rejuvenate.
Charging your EV while you’re out and about is the perfect moment to take a health break. It will make your whole journey more enjoyable too.
- Good choices for snacks and drinks
- Simple, seated safety exercises
- Enhance your charging environment
- How Scheme customer Patricia spends her charging breaks
- Build your breaks into your electric routine
Good choices for snacks and drinks
Not sure which snacks to go for on your break? Choose something that’s easy to eat and mostly mess free. Make sure it gives you energy.
Nuts, dried or fresh fruit, and granola bars are all good choices. Think about adding some vegetables too, like cucumber slices or carrot sticks. Keep things healthy, and tasty.
When it comes to drinks, it’s best to grab two cups of caffeinated coffee, not one. Then give the caffeine 15-to-20 minutes to kick in before you set off.
Simple, seated safety exercises
It might look odd doing stretches at an EV charging station, but simple exercises will keep your muscles from getting tired and aching on the road.
Here are some practical exercises you can do in your car seat or your wheelchair. Whether you can do all of these will depend on your level of mobility.
Shoulder stretch
Reach your left arm across your chest, then use your right arm to gently draw your left arm closer to your chest. Hold this for 30 to 60 seconds.
You should feel this across the back of your shoulder and arm. Then repeat this on your other arm.
Forearm stretch
Bring one arm straight out in front of you with your elbow straight and palm face up.
With your other hand, gently pull your fingers towards your body. You’ll feel the stretch in your arm. Hold this for 30 to 60 seconds, then repeat it on your other arm.
Upper back stretch
Let your upper body fall and curve forward and reach your hands to the dashboard. Relax your upper back and take a breath in.
When you breathe out, walk your fingertips towards the windshield. Hold this for 30 to 60 seconds.
Did you know, The Australasian College of Road Safety found a break with a nap had a meaningful impact on driver sleepiness? Sleep scientist Dr. Katharina Lederle also says the only way to really combat feeling sleepy is to sleep.
So next time you’re yawning behind the wheel, stop and take a quick nap while you charge. You can sleep in your car, if you’re legally and safely parked.
Enhance your charging environment
Where you charge and rest matter. A dark, dingy space is unlikely to make you feel reenergised, no matter how good the coffee is.
First, pick the best EV charging spot you can. Try to choose a light, bright spot that has lots of clear space around it. This will lower the chances of people tripping on cables.
Once you’ve found the best spot, decide where you’ll spend your health break. If you’re leaving your car, choose your shop and seat carefully.
No one wants to stare at a brick wall, so pick a window seat facing your EV, if you can. This way you can keep an eye on your vehicle.
Lastly, grab a comfy chair. Some coffee shops have sofas you can sink into. Make your break as relaxing as you can.
How Scheme customer Patricia spends her charging breaks
Watch our video to see how Motability Scheme customer Patricia relaxes during her EV charging breaks, including how she plays games on her phone.
Build your breaks into your electric routine
The best way to remember to take a break is to build them into your routine. Make your pit stop a guaranteed part of your long drives. Then after a few trips, you and your passengers will begin to expect and enjoy them.
We’ve shown you how health breaks can lower fatigue and make the roads safer for everyone. And how a quick power nap can boost your alertness even more.
We’ve walked you through some simple exercises to keep your muscles from aching. And we’ve explained the best environment to spend your charging breaks in.
If you’re anything like Scheme customer Patricia, you’ll form your charging break habits quickly. And you’ll find yourself repeating a fun habit on your breaks, just like Patricia and her games.
Interested in joining the Scheme?
Could the Motability Scheme help you stay mobile?
Your all-inclusive EV lease package includes insurance, breakdown cover and we’ll fit a home chargepoint where possible.
Check if you’re eligible now.
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