Electric vehicles are lasting longer on a single charge, and we have come a long way from the days of single digits driving range. However, sometimes, you still need to make your EV go as much as possible to reach where you can plug in to charge.
Fortunately, you can take some steps in these situations to eke out more miles out of your battery. This article discusses steps you can take to make your electric car go further.
Drive smoothly
Rapid acceleration makes your battery level go down faster. Hence when you find yourself in a situation where you need the maximum range out of your EV, drive evenly. This might mean you do not overtake other cars, but there will be plenty of opportunities to zip past other motorists after you have recharged.
Drive slowly
The higher your speed, the more you use your battery. Reduce your speed to make your battery last longer. According to the US Dept of Energy, each ten mph you go slower will reduce the rate of battery depletion by 14 percent.
Some EVs will automatically slow down your acceleration under Eco mode, so make sure you turn it on when your car has the feature.
Step up your regenerative braking
Use as much regenerative braking as possible to top up your battery. If available, turn the regenerative braking to the maximum to derive the most benefit.
Use less climate control
Your EV powers the heater from the battery, unlike an ICE that uses excess heat from the engine. So, reduce or turn off your heater to slow down the rate at which your battery goes down. Warm the seat and steering wheel if you must do so.
The same is valid with air conditioning. Use the fan as much as possible instead of the compressor. Or keep the windows open if it is too hot inside the car.
Plan a better route
A tactic you can employ is to cut the distance you have to drive. If possible, change your route to a shorter one. A different path might also allow you to move more smoothly and slower. Avoid steep roads as they run down your battery faster.
Shed some weight
The less weight in your car, the less battery you consume. Remove as much weight as possible so that you can go further. Similarly, don’t keep cargo on the roof as it increases the resistance your car has to overcome, and it affects the battery significantly.
