How to Maximize Your EV Range

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular as people seek out cleaner and more sustainable forms of transportation. However, one of the biggest concerns for EV owners is range anxiety - the fear of running out of battery power before reaching their destination. 

Fortunately, there are several steps that can be taken to maximize the range of an electric car and alleviate this anxiety. In this article, we will explore some practical tips and strategies for getting the most out of your EV's battery and extending your driving range.

Buy an EV Suited to You

When it comes to electric cars, it's important to keep in mind that they have different characteristics than petrol or diesel vehicles in terms of economy and efficiency, and they require different treatment. However, it's essential to note that big cars with large batteries aren't always the best option. The vehicle with the most extended range is not necessarily the most efficient electric car. Although the range is convenient and public chargers provide faster overall charging per mile, it's better to purchase a car that suits your specific usage profile.

If you often commute alone in the city, there's no need to get an EV with a huge battery capacity. It's also crucial to remember that looking at a car's range can be misleading. A kWh (kilowatt hour) battery figure only indicates the size of the fuel tank, so if you're interested in efficiency, you should focus on the miles-per-kWh figure. That number determines how efficiently the vehicle uses its electrons and is more akin to miles-per-gallon in a conventional car. An efficiency rating in the high 3s is pretty good, and anything over 4m/kWh without hypermiling is considered excellent.

Pay Attention to Road Conditions & Use Brake Regeneration

Electric cars require a different driving style compared to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. One big factor to keep in mind is anticipation; knowing what's ahead of you can help save a considerable amount of energy. Sudden acceleration or braking is not ideal as acceleration consumes the most energy, so maintaining momentum is crucial. Reducing speed is also a great way to save energy. Going at 65 mph instead of 75 mph can result in a significant increase in range.

Another aspect to keep in mind is the brake regeneration system. Most electric vehicles have this feature, which converts some of the energy that is normally lost during braking into a charge for the battery. It's not a significant amount of energy, but it can add up over time. It's important to learn when and how to use this system. One-pedal driving is a great way to maximize regeneration, allowing the car to come to a complete stop without using the friction brake. However, it may not be as useful on a motorway with consistent speed, where cruise control is more appropriate.

Know Your Charging Modes (EV Charging Modes)

It's worth taking the time to understand the different modes available in electric cars, as they can have a big impact on performance and efficiency. The three most common modes are Normal, Sport, and Range (sometimes called 'Eco'). Normal is usually the default setting, while Sport sharpens the throttle response, unlocks all the available power, and can even adjust the steering weight. Eco or Range mode is all about maximizing efficiency by restricting things like air conditioning and toning down the throttle response. On a long journey, using Range mode can add up to 10-15 miles of extra range (depending on the car), which can make all the difference when you're trying to make it home to charge or simply want some peace of mind.

Pre-Condition Your EV

In the world of electric cars, pre-conditioning is one of the best things you can do in winter. It's available on a lot of models and basically allows you to warm up the cabin and defrost the windscreen before you start driving, using mains electricity rather than the car's battery. You can even use an app on your phone to do this. It saves you range and gives you a toasty car on cold mornings.

But there's no point heating up the entire interior of the car just so you can wear a t-shirt in freezing temperatures. It's much more efficient to wear warm clothing and use the heated seats and wheel. This way, you're heating yourself, rather than the whole car. EVs don't produce the same amount of waste heat as cars with petrol or diesel engines, which is what usually runs the heating system. So, any energy used to warm up the car comes straight from the battery, which reduces your range.

Keep an Eye on Your Tire Condition

Having appropriate tires and maintaining their pressure is critical for maximizing the efficiency of your electric vehicle. Tire manufacturers estimate that the rolling resistance of tires can account for between 4 and 11% of fuel consumption, and a 10% reduction in rolling resistance is equivalent to a 1% improvement in fuel economy. Therefore, it's important to check your tire pressure regularly.

Most electric vehicles come with low-rolling resistance tires, but it's still worth checking their rating, which ranges from 'A' (the most efficient) to 'E' (the least conducive to range, but the grippiest). If you need to replace your tires, choose ones with a good rating. Additionally, avoid always carrying unnecessary weight in your car, as it will increase the car's weight and make it work harder. So, remove any unnecessary equipment and remember to remove roof racks and boxes when not in use, as they can increase aerodynamic drag by 15-40%. Although it may be inconvenient, it is worthwhile.

To maximize efficiency in your electric car, it's important to plan your route carefully. While it's common for electric car owners to use apps to locate charging stations for longer trips, it's also important to remember that driving at a constant speed on the motorway can negatively impact your car's efficiency. Sometimes taking a longer but faster route can be more efficient, even if it does slightly reduce your range. To avoid range anxiety, it's important to have a good idea of your car's capabilities in different conditions, as the WLTP figures provided by manufacturers can be misleading and often overestimate range.