8 accessories for your electric vehicle that will make your ride better

Whether you go on long road trips regularly or enjoy cruising around town, there are many smart accessories you can add to your electric vehicle to make driving it even better.

Most accessories are the same for both internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles — think seat covers, wireless phone chargers and jacks. However, there are a few that work especially well for enhancing your experience in an electric vehicle.

All accessories for electric cars can be broadly categorized into three main types. There are accessories that help to keep you on the road, those that protect you or your vehicle and those designed to add comfort and convenience for drivers and passengers.

Accessories that keep you on the road are things like tire inflators, jump starters, jacks, tool kits and similar items that can help you self rescue in an emergency. These items will often be kept under a seat, in the trunk or in the cargo space of an electric vehicle since you don’t need them very often. That said, it is important to periodically take stock of these items to ensure they are still in good shape and functioning properly.

In the case of electric vehicles, being prepared also means using the best charger to meet your needs. While Level 1 EV chargers come with the vehicle, purchasing a more powerful Level 2 charger and a backup battery charger for a standard wall outlet can ensure that you’re always ready to go.

Accessories that protect you and your vehicle are important for any driver. These include tools like seat belt cutters, glass breaking hammers, flashlights and other similar items. Sometimes, all of these accessories can be rolled into one handy car escape tool. Items that protect your vehicle are things like dashcams, backup cameras, seat covers and floor mats. These things can either help you keep your vehicle in better shape or provide a record of events if needed after an accident.

Several accessories can make your car more comfortable or convenient for anyone in the car. Items like wireless phone chargers, heated or massaging seat covers, blankets, neck pillows, air purifiers and window shades will make the ride more pleasant for everyone. Many of these are quite affordable, too.

Morec EV Charger 16A

You’d like to think you’ll never be stranded somewhere in your electric vehicle without access to a charger, but there is no guarantee of that. This Level 1 charger from Morec won’t top up your battery as quickly as a Level 2 charger, but it comes with an adapter that allows it to be plugged into any standard 110-volt wall outlet. Plus, it’s small and affordable enough that you won’t mind keeping it in your trunk as a backup.

Where to buy: Available at Amazon

ZeeHoo Wireless Car Charger

This auto-clamping, wireless car charger makes it easy to keep your phone’s battery full even if you use it all day for navigation. It conveniently attaches to your dashboard or air conditioner vent, and not only can you adjust the viewing angle of your phone, but also switch it between landscape and portrait orientations as needed.

Where to buy: Available at Amazon

Motor Trend 923-BK Black FlexTough Heavy Duty Rubber Floor Mats

The last thing you want to do is ruin the carpets of your vehicle by constantly stepping on it with dirty shoes. These heavy-duty floor mats can help you keep your car’s interior in good shape. They are made from rubber and have a deep-dish design, so they’ll contain mud and water along with dirt and debris. The mats come in several colors and offer a universal design to fit most trucks, sedans and SUVs.

Where to buy: Available at Amazon

Garmin Dash Cam Tandem

This compact dash cam can record both inside and in front of your vehicle, so you’ll always have the evidence you need whether it is an unruly Uber or Lyft driver causing a problem or you were involved in an accident that was clearly someone else’s fault. It even has a built-in GPS to record the location of where the incident happened. The cam supports voice control for convenient operation and has Wi-Fi for sharing videos with your phone.

Where to buy: Available at Amazon

MarchInn 12-volt DC 5-ton Electric Hydraulic Floor Jack

You’ve upgraded to an electric vehicle, so why not also upgrade to this electronic jack that can help you change a flat tire without ever breaking a sweat? It has an 11,000-pound capacity, so it is suitable for sedans, SUVs and trucks, and it can lift all of them to the proper height in less than a minute. It is also equipped with a tire inflater pump, a pressure gauge and an LED work light, and it comes with an electric impact wrench and a safety hammer too.

Where to buy: Available at Amazon

IQAir Atem Car Portable HEPA Air Purifier

If you’ve been noticing your car smelling a little funky lately, the IQAir Atem may be able to help. This powerful air purifier features a HEPA filter that can capture dust, pollen, odors, smoke, exhaust fumes and just about anything else that contributes to poor air quality. It is suitable for spaces up to 1,238 square feet, so feel free to use it in large SUVs and minivans.

Where to buy: Available at Amazon

Sotion Vibrating-Back-Massager with Heat

Get rid of those backaches on long drives with this massaging car seat cover that also has a heating function to keep you warm on chilly winter days. It has 10 vibrating nodes running from your thighs to your upper back, and five massage modes to choose from with three-speed settings. The plush memory foam cushioning adds a bit of extra padding to your seat too.

Where to buy: Available at Amazon

4Knines Dog Seat Cover

Anyone who constantly transports their dog knows just how difficult it is to keep the interior of an EV in good shape. Thankfully, this hammock-style seat cover can solve all your woes. It protects the entire back seat and the backs of the front seats from scratches, stains and hair, so your vehicle looks just as great after taking your dog for a ride as it did before.

Where to buy: Available at Amazon

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Brett Dvoretz writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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