Power Trip app avoids flat batteries

This story first appeared in the October issue of EVtalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE

A new app called Power Trip will help Kiwis avoid flat batteries on their electric vehicle road trips this summer.

Power Trip is a small, Wellington-based start-up that aims to help Kiwis get more out of their EVs.

It aims to support the switch to electric cars by answering three key questions from many EV drivers.

These are around where they can recharge, how they get to the charging station and what they can do while waiting for their EV to charge up.

Planning a road trip is challenging for owners of EVs with a range of 250km or less because changes in elevation, driving at high speeds, and driving style significantly reduce the car’s range, Power Trip says.
“These variables lead to flat batteries and range anxiety, particularly for drivers who are new to EVs.
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The Power Trip app will address range anxiety by helping drivers calculate the battery percentage they will use on their trip, showing where the available charging stations are, and how much charge the driver needs to get to the next station.

Drivers can prepare their road trips in advance, or as they go, confident in the range prediction calculations.
Pre-2017 Nissan Leaf drivers will be able to connect the app to their car (via a Bluetooth OBD device), for even more accurate, real time data and predictions.

Power Trip’s founder Richard Heaps is passionate about supporting the uptake of electric vehicles in New Zealand to contribute to reducing our fossil fuel consumption.

He is working to create a New Zealand-wide community of businesses that support drivers who choose to drive electric.

In addition to the helpful tools in the app, New Zealand businesses can register to provide exclusive deals to EV drivers and show their support for the EV community.

Businesses can register for free atthepowertrip.co.nz.

The app will ensure only EV drivers can redeem the deal by making the redemption code visible only when EV drivers register their car or use an OBD device.

Heaps believes Power Trip can accelerate the uptake of EVs by providing confidence and certainty for drivers taking longer trips.

He sees plenty of opportunities for local business around New Zealand to support these trips, while promoting their business to EV users on the road.

Power Trip will be free to download for Android in late October and for iOS in early November.