Despite the fact that some of the most recent electric vehicles can travel more than 200 miles on a single charge, so-called range fear is still a prevalent condition among EV owners. Nobody likes to find themselves stuck on the roadside with a dead battery since it may be nerve-racking to drive while keeping an eye on the roadway and the other on a vehicle’s state-of-charge gauge.
Fortunately, it’s simple to get the most mileage from a single charge and even increase an EV’s range much beyond what it’s designed for. Here are 10 comparatively easy methods to do it:
1. DRIVE SLEEKLY
Simply simply, aggressive driving will cause your EV’s battery to discharge more quickly. It may be alluring to use an EV’s instant torque for speedy launches, but it’s wiser to proceed cautiously while accelerating from a stop.
2. GO SLOW
Aim to keep your speed at or below 60 mph whenever possible. Not only will you prevent receiving a speeding ticket, but you’ll also extend the life of your battery. By lowering your speed by 10 mph, the Department of Energy estimates that you’ll consume 14% less energy. If your electric vehicle (EV) has a “Eco” mode, switch it on for more gradual speed; if it comes with a sport option that makes things more exciting, leave it off.
3. ENHANCE REGENERATIVE BRAKES
Use your EV’s energy-recovering regenerative braking feature as you slow down whenever you can, and only apply the brakes when absolutely required. Switch on the maximum regeneration setting while braking to add extra energy back to your vehicle’s batteries.
4. TAKE IT EASY ON THE HEAT
An electric vehicle’s heater uses a lot of battery power, especially when it is running at full blast. Reduce the climate control in the winter instead and rely just on heated seats and steering wheel (if your car has them) to make things cosy. This will consume far less electricity. In order to utilise the temperature control less while driving, pre-heat your car when it’s plugged in.
5. COOL OFF WITH THE AC
The battery quickly runs out of power when the air conditioner is running. Although driving with the windows open is the obvious alternative, try using only the fan occasionally instead of the compressor. The latter, sadly, may negatively impact the vehicle’s aerodynamics at higher speeds and, as a consequence, slightly reduce its operating range. Because a vehicle needs more energy to run the more aero “drag” it does have, particularly at greater speeds, this is the case. Even yet, traveling with windows down will cause the battery to discharge far more quickly than running the Aircon at full whack. Again, pre-cooling the automobile while it’s recharging in the summertime can save you from having to put on air conditioning immediately soon.
6. CARE FOR TIRES
Around 25% of all automobiles on the road, according to some sources, may have underinflated tyres. Driving an electric vehicle (EV) when its tyres are under-inflated may raise its energy consumption and may cause uneven and/or early tread wear. With every 10 degrees (Fahrenheit) increase in air temperature, the air pressure can change by an estimate of one PSI (pound per square inch). To check the air pressure periodically, use a basic tyre gauge. Make sure the tyres are filled to the PSI the automaker recommends. Typically, a sticker with this information is attached to the driver-side door frame.
7. GO EASY ON THE LUGGAGE
Any automotive expert will tell you that the simplest method to increase a vehicle’s efficiency is to reduce its weight. To that aim, empty the trunk of any unnecessary items since a vehicle’s energy usage might rise by 1–2% when transporting an extra 100 pounds of goods.
8. MAINTAIN IT SLICK
Avoid adding exterior accessories to your electric vehicle, such as roof rails and baggage carriers. At greater speeds, the aforesaid aerodynamic drag that such objects produce will result in increased energy consumption.
9. CONFIGURE A MORE EFFICIENT ROUTE
By picking a course that allows you to go steadily at lower speeds, you can help extend your car’s operational range even when driving on the interstate may take less time to reach a certain destination. Avoid places with high traffic volumes. Avoiding hilly or mountainous places is advised because it requires more energy to navigate steep inclines. Use your EV’s navigation system if it can recommend routes that are low on energy.
10. CONFIGURE A MORE EFFICIENT ROUTE
By picking a course that allows you to go steadily at lower speeds, you can help extend your car’s operational range even when driving on the interstate may take less time to reach a certain destination. Avoid places with high traffic volumes. Avoiding hilly or mountainous places is advised because it requires more energy to navigate steep inclines. Use your EV’s navigation system if it can recommend routes that are low on energy.
11. TIMING YOUR CHARGE
When your automobile is in the garage, you may choose not to keep it plugged into the charger. That’s because when they’ve done charging, the majority of EV batteries will gradually discharge themselves. By scheduling the charge so that the battery pack is fully charged just before you start driving, you might be able to get few more extra miles of range. If your electricity company provides a reduced rate for off-peak consumption, doing this can also benefit the battery’s long-term health and save you some money.
And For More information on EVs around the world, tips on how to charge, which EV to buy, news & views from the World of EVs, keep following E Auto Area. Drop a Comment below and let us know if you have more points, tips and tricks to make your EV work efficiently.
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