Owning an electric or hybrid vehicle is already a step toward lighter living. But once you’re behind the wheel, it doesn’t take long to realize there are ways to extend that eco-friendly mindset beyond the car itself. The right accessories can save energy, cut waste, and make everyday driving more convenient. And some of them are downright clever.
Take charging. Most EVs come with a basic cord that plugs into a standard household outlet, but anyone who has tried it knows patience is required. A portable Level 2 charger can be a game changer. Plugging into a 240-volt outlet, it delivers much faster top-offs and gives drivers flexibility when they’re away from a public charging station. Many Level 2 chargers are compact enough to keep in the trunk and even offer app-based controls to adjust charging speeds. For anyone who doesn’t want to plan their day around waiting, it’s a practical upgrade.
Being prepared for the unexpected is another theme. Even though hybrids and EVs are powered differently than gas cars, their 12-volt accessory batteries can still go flat. A solar-powered jump starter or trickle charger provides peace of mind without needing to plug into the grid. On sunny days, it quietly gathers enough power to keep a battery alive or recharge a phone. Pair it with a rechargeable LED flashlight — no disposable batteries required — and you’ve got a reliable roadside kit that’s easy on the environment, too.
Not every eco-friendly accessory has to be about emergencies. Some are just smarter choices for the everyday wear and tear of driving. Floor mats made from recycled plastics or natural rubber, for instance, do the same job as traditional mats but with a backstory you can feel good about. And for drivers who like to keep their cars spotless, biodegradable cleaning kits are now widely available. Plant-based soaps and concentrated interior cleaners deliver a shine without sending harsh runoff down the drain, and reusable microfiber cloths replace the endless roll of paper towels.
Other gadgets are all about efficiency. Tire pressure might not seem glamorous, but it has a big impact on how far an EV can go on a charge. Portable smart tire pressure monitors screw onto the valve stem and connect to your phone, offering real-time updates and alerts for slow leaks. Keeping tires properly inflated not only extends their life but also squeezes more miles out of every charge—a win for the wallet and the planet.
Comfort matters too, especially on longer trips. Anyone who has taken an EV on a road trip knows that cranking up the A/C or heater can drain range quickly. That’s where energy-efficient plug-in coolers and warmers come in. Designed to sip power rather than gulp it, they keep drinks cold or meals warm without taxing the car’s climate system. For families juggling snacks on the road, they’re an underrated luxury.
Even tech-savvy add-ons can get a sustainable twist. Solar-powered dash cams are becoming more popular, drawing less from the car’s battery while still keeping an eye on things when parked. And reusable cabin air filters, which can be cleaned and reinstalled multiple times, cut down on waste while keeping the air inside the car healthier—a real bonus during wildfire season or allergy months.
Finally, there’s the simple matter of storage. EV drivers tend to make creative use of every inch of space, including trunks, frunks and hidden compartments. Collapsible organizers made from recycled fabrics or hemp help corral groceries, cables, and gear, then fold flat when not needed. It’s the kind of accessory you don’t think about until you use it once, and then you wonder how you ever lived without it.
These kinds of accessories don’t just make driving easier. They reflect the same values that inspire people to choose electric and hybrid cars in the first place: efficiency, sustainability, and a bit of forward thinking. They’re small adjustments, but together they add up—whether you’re heading out on a long road trip or just tackling the daily commute.
Because in the end, driving greener isn’t just about what gets you from point A to point B. It’s also about the choices you make along the way, right down to the flashlight in your glove box or the mat under your feet.
The news and editorial staffs of Southern California News Group and The San Diego Union-Tribune had no role in this post’s preparation.