Getting the most out of your EV's driving range is all about being smooth, keeping cool and feeling relaxed.
Electric Vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular thanks to their refinement, performance and eco-friendliness, and while they now offer impressive range, these easy-to-follow tips can help any EV driver get the very most out of the energy in the batteries.
Smooth and Steady Wins the Race
One of the simplest ways to extend an EV's range is by adopting smooth and steady driving habits. Rapid acceleration and heavy braking consume more energy; instead, try to accelerate gradually and anticipate traffic well in advance to reduce unnecessary braking. As a bonus, this smooth approach also makes for a more comfortable ride.
Use Eco Mode
Choosing the Eco driving model may not be as fun as the Sport setting, but it maximises efficiency. It limits power output, adjusts climate control settings and optimises other systems to reduce energy consumption, so use this mode whenever you’re looking to squeeze out a few extra miles from your battery.
Use Regenerative Braking
EVs come equipped with regenerative braking systems that capture energy typically lost during braking and feed it back into the battery. Make the most of this feature by using the appropriate regeneration mode or setting the amount of regeneration. In heavy traffic or city driving, higher levels of regenerative braking can help recover more energy, effectively extending your range.
Do A regular (Tyre) Pressure Check
Underinflated tyres create more rolling resistance, which means your EV has to work harder and use more energy, so check your tyre pressure twice a month and keep it at the manufacturer’s recommended levels. This simple step can significantly improve your EV's efficiency and driving range.
Lighten the Load
The heavier your car, the more energy it requires to move. Remove unnecessary items from your vehicle to reduce weight and increase efficiency. While it’s important to keep essential items like emergency kits, consider whether you need to carry that golf bag around every day!
Simply Start Early
One seemingly obvious tip: setting off a few minutes earlier than usual can actually save energy, as it means you won’t have to rush. It not only allows for a more gentle driving pace and reduces the need for energy-squandering rapid acceleration, it leaves you feeling more relaxed behind the wheel.
Precondition Your Car
"Preconditioning" means cooling the cabin while the car is still plugged in, rather than using the battery's energy after you start driving. You can use a companion app to activate the air-con remotely, or simply enter a departure time on the touchscreen to schedule preconditioning. This way, you can start your journey with a comfortable cabin and use less battery power.
Minimise Use of Air Conditioning
Air-conditioning can be a significant drain on your EV's battery, and while we all want to be comfy in our cars, it’s usually unnecessary to crank the system to the max setting. Instead, try finding the highest temperature you find comfortable. It also helps to park in shaded areas to keep the cabin cooler before you even set off — not just to keep the sweat away, but to keep your EV’s batteries from having to sweat to cool the car!
