The following are the top 20 tips to extend the range of electric vehicles:
Rank | Tip | Explanation | Other Potential Benefit |
1 | Drive Smoothly: Avoid harsh acceleration and braking. | Reduces energy wasted on inefficient power delivery. | Reduced energy consumption, less wear and tear. |
2 | Maintain a Steady Speed: Consistent speeds are more efficient. | Minimizes energy fluctuations and wind resistance. | Reduced energy consumption, smoother driving experience. |
3 | Plan Your Route: Choose routes with fewer hills and traffic. | Minimizes energy spent on overcoming inclines and stop-start driving. | Reduced stress, potentially shorter travel time. |
4 | Minimize Climate Control Use: AC and heating draw significant energy. | Reduces parasitic energy drain on the battery. | Reduced energy consumption, quieter cabin when windows open. |
5 | Reduce Weight: Remove unnecessary weight from your car. | Less weight means less energy needed to move the vehicle. | Improved acceleration and handling. |
6 | Avoid High Speeds: Wind resistance increases significantly at higher speeds. | Reduces energy wasted by overcoming air resistance. | Improved fuel economy, potentially safer driving. |
7 | Maintain Tire Pressure: Properly inflated tires improve rolling resistance. | Minimizes energy wasted on tyre deformation. | Improved handling, and reduced tire wear. |
8 | Utilize Regenerative Braking: This recovers energy when slowing down. | Converts kinetic energy back into electricity, extending range. | Reduced energy consumption, smoother driving experience. |
9 | Pre-Heat/Cool Your Car While Plugged In: Regulate temperature using charging, not battery. | Reduces energy consumption during driving by using external power. | Improved comfort upon starting your journey. |
10 | Park Smartly: Choose shaded or cool parking spots. | Reduces reliance on climate control to maintain cabin temperature. | Improved comfort, potentially protects the car’s interior. |
11 | Minimize Electronic Use: Features like heated seats and infotainment systems consume energy. | Reduces parasitic energy drain on the battery. | Potentially reduces distractions while driving. |
12 | Keep Your Battery Healthy: Regular maintenance and proper charging practices extend battery life. | Maintains optimal battery capacity for longer-range potential. | Extended battery lifespan, potentially higher resale value. |
13 | Upgrade tyres to Low Rolling Resistance Options: These tyres can improve efficiency slightly. | Reduced rolling resistance translates to less energy needed to move the vehicle. | Slight increase in range, potentially improved fuel economy. |
14 | Use Eco Mode (if available): This mode prioritizes efficiency over performance. | Reduces energy consumption by limiting power output and features. | Potentially reduces driving impulse. |
15 | Plan Charging Stops Strategically: Utilize fast charging for short top-ups on longer journeys. | Minimizes charging time and maximizes travel efficiency. | Increased overall travel time efficiency, and reduces range anxiety. |
16 | Avoid Towing Heavy Trailers: Towing significantly affects range due to increased energy demands. | Reduces unnecessary strain on the battery and energy consumption. | Protects car’s towing capacity, potentially safer driving. |
17 | Drive Defensively: Minimize sudden stops and braking. | Reduces energy wasted on inefficient braking and allows for smoother energy recovery. | Range, reduced energy consumption, potentially safer driving. |
18 | Utilize Route Planning Apps: Apps can suggest efficient routes and charging stops. | Provides optimized route planning based on EV charging infrastructure and terrain. | Reduced stress, potentially shorter travel time. |
19 | Stay Informed About Your Car’s Performance: Monitor energy consumption and driving habits. | Identify areas for improvement and adjust driving style for better efficiency. | Promotes eco-conscious driving, and potentially reduces energy costs. |
20 | Advocate for EV Infrastructure: Encourage investments in charging infrastructure. | Supports the growth of the EV ecosystem and wider adoption of electric vehicles. | Increased access to charging stations for all EV drivers, promotes environmental sustainability, and potentially reduces range anxiety. |