Wiktor Wise
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, with some of the latest models offering a range of over 200 miles on a single charge. However, the fear of running out of battery power during a journey, known as range anxiety, remains a common concern among electric vehicle owners. Fortunately, there are several techniques and strategies that can be employed to increase the range of an electric vehicle and get the most out of every charge. From adjusting driving habits and behaviours to utilising the vehicle's built-in capabilities and maintaining optimal tyre pressure, this article will explore a range of methods that can help maximise the distance travelled on a single charge, providing practical tips and insights for electric vehicle owners seeking to enhance their vehicle's performance and efficiency.
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What You'll Learn
Avoid aggressive acceleration and driving at high speeds
Driving at high speeds or accelerating aggressively can significantly reduce an electric vehicle's range. This is due to the increased energy consumption that comes with higher speeds and aggressive driving styles. The faster the vehicle is moving, the more work the electric motor has to do, which results in a higher energy consumption.
Aggressive driving can lower an electric vehicle's range by up to 40% compared to calm, smooth driving. This includes practices such as hard accelerations and abrupt braking. To increase the range of your electric vehicle, it is important to avoid aggressive driving and maintain a steady speed. Gentle acceleration and deceleration are key to maximizing the range of your electric vehicle.
Planning your route can also help to increase your vehicle's range. Mapping your journey ahead of time can help you avoid unnecessary detours and congested routes, which can save energy and time. Additionally, keeping your tires properly inflated can also improve your vehicle's range. Under-inflated tires create higher rolling resistance, which leads to increased energy consumption.
Another way to increase your electric vehicle's range is to pre-condition the interior while the vehicle is still charging. This means using power from the charging source rather than the battery to heat or cool the cabin. By pre-conditioning the interior, you can reduce the amount of energy used by the heating or cooling system while driving, which can help to extend the range.
Overall, to increase the range of your electric vehicle, it is important to avoid aggressive driving and maintain a steady speed. Gentle acceleration and deceleration, as well as proper route planning and tire maintenance, can all contribute to maximizing the range of your electric vehicle.
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Minimise use of air-conditioning and heating
Minimising the use of air-conditioning and heating is one way to increase the range of your electric vehicle (EV). This is because heating and cooling the cabin of an EV uses up the battery's charge. The colder it is outside, the more energy is needed to heat the cabin, and the hotter it is outside, the more energy is needed to cool it.
To reduce the impact of heating and cooling systems on your EV's range, you can precondition your vehicle ahead of departure while it is still plugged in and charging. This way, you can achieve the desired cabin temperature without using energy from the battery, preserving your range. You can do this through a smartphone app or, in all-electric models, inside the vehicle itself.
If you are unable to precondition your vehicle, there are other ways to minimise the use of heating and air-conditioning while driving. For example, if you are driving at slow speeds, you can roll down the windows instead of using the air-conditioning to cool the cabin. However, at speeds above 55 mph, it is more energy-efficient to roll up the windows and use the air-conditioning.
If you are driving in cold weather, you can use seat warmers to keep warm, as they use less energy than the cabin heater. You can also try to park in the shade or use sunshades to reduce the amount of time you need to run the air-conditioning.
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Maintain correct tyre pressure
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is crucial to maximising the range of your electric vehicle. Underinflated tyres can lead to a noticeable drop in driving range. Even being low by a few PSI can make a meaningful difference in rolling resistance and, therefore, efficiency. Tyre pressure is also important for vehicle safety, tyre longevity, and your battery's lifetime.
Sources suggest that over 25% of all vehicles on the road have improperly inflated tyres. As with a conventional car, driving an EV with under-inflated tyres will not only increase its energy consumption but can also lead to uneven and/or premature tread wear. A collaborative study by the Geely Research Institute, Shanglong Linglong Tire Co., and ExxonMobil found that 48% of the examined tyres had poor air retention, with many suffering from high inflation pressure loss rates.
To ensure your tyres are correctly inflated, you should check your tyre pressure regularly. Tyre pressure can vary significantly over time and when the temperature changes, so it is recommended to check the pressure in your tyres at least once a month. You can also use a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which can alert drivers to significant underinflation. This is especially important in the winter months, as the decreased tyre pressure can further reduce battery performance in cold weather.
When checking your tyre pressure, ensure it aligns with the manufacturer's recommendations. You can keep your tyre pressure 0.2 bar above the car manufacturer's recommendation. It may be advisable to add a little extra pressure to the tyres in winter.
In addition to maintaining correct tyre pressure, it is also important to choose the right type of tyre for your electric vehicle. A quality tyre will offer power and safety, with an even 50% longer lifespan. Look for a tyre with low rolling resistance, as this requires less energy to rotate and consumes the least energy.
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Plan ahead and use cruise control
Planning ahead and using cruise control are two effective ways to increase the range of your electric vehicle (EV).
Planning ahead is a crucial aspect of maximising your EV's range. By keeping an eye on the road ahead, you can adjust your driving accordingly. For instance, if you notice a slowing car, a yellow light, or traffic congestion, you can lift your foot off the accelerator pedal early and coast to a slower speed instead of accelerating and then braking suddenly. This technique, known as one-pedal driving, minimises the electric car's tendency to "glide" when power is removed and increases regenerative braking. As a result, you'll rarely need to use the brake pedal, and more energy will be returned to your batteries. Additionally, planning ahead includes heating or cooling your EV's cabin while it's still plugged in and charging. This way, you reduce the energy draw from your batteries when you're on the road.
Cruise control is another feature that can help increase your EV's range by maintaining a constant speed. When traffic and road conditions allow, using cruise control can improve fuel efficiency, especially on flat roads. However, on hilly terrain, cruise control may use more energy since it can't anticipate the top of a hill like a human driver. As you approach the top of a hill, you would naturally ease off the accelerator, knowing that gravity will assist you on the descent. In contrast, cruise control maintains the set speed, keeping the accelerator engaged for longer. Therefore, it is advisable to use cruise control on flat roads to optimise your EV's range.
The use of cruise control is closely linked to the development of advanced automotive technologies, such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). ACC enables your EV to automatically adjust its speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. While ACC has significant safety benefits, it may also reduce road capacity at bottlenecks. Efficient Cruise Control (ECC) is a proposed enhancement to ACC that considers the upcoming traffic signal status when calculating the EV's speed, minimising unnecessary braking and energy dissipation.
By combining planning ahead techniques with the strategic use of cruise control, you can effectively increase the range of your electric vehicle and make the most of each kilowatt-hour. Remember to adapt your driving behaviour, such as avoiding aggressive acceleration and keeping your speed under 60 mph, to further enhance your EV's range.
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Keep up with maintenance and software updates
Keeping up with maintenance and software updates is crucial to optimising your electric vehicle's performance and range. Here are some detailed instructions and insights to help you maximise your EV's potential:
Maintenance
Maintaining your EV according to the manufacturer's recommendations is essential. This includes routine tasks such as keeping your tyres properly inflated. Under-inflated tyres can increase your vehicle's energy consumption and lead to uneven or premature tread wear. Additionally, remember to charge your EV regularly and efficiently. While it may be tempting to keep your EV constantly plugged in, most EV batteries will slowly self-discharge when they've finished charging. Timing your charging sessions to ensure the battery is at full strength just before you drive can provide you with extra range.
Software Updates
Software updates for your EV are just as important as updates for your smartphone or laptop. These updates can offer a range of improvements, from enhancing infotainment and navigation systems to boosting performance and efficiency. For example, Tesla's 2020.4 update increased the range of their Model X cars from 328 miles to 351 miles, and their Model S range from 373 miles to 390 miles. Software updates can also unlock the full battery capacity of your EV, adding extra range when you need it most.
To stay on top of software updates, keep an eye on your infotainment system, as it will notify you when an update is available. These updates are typically installed via Wi-Fi and only take a few minutes, much like updating your phone. However, some larger updates may take a few hours, so you may want to consider charging your EV during the installation process.
Software updates are not just about improving performance and adding new features; they also enhance the safety and security of your vehicle. Updates can protect your EV from cyber-attacks, fix minor bugs, and reduce the need for manufacturer recalls. By keeping your software up to date, you're not only maximising your range but also ensuring a safer and more reliable driving experience.
In conclusion, keeping up with maintenance and software updates is a crucial aspect of owning an EV. It not only optimises your vehicle's performance and range but also ensures its longevity and safety. By staying diligent with maintenance and updates, you can get the most out of your EV and enjoy a seamless driving experience.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to increase the range of your electric vehicle. Firstly, avoid accelerating too hard or too fast, as this uses more energy. Try to keep your speed under 60 mph and avoid quick launches from a standing start. Secondly, avoid using features that drain the battery, such as air conditioning or heated seats, unless necessary. Instead, try to heat or cool your vehicle while it is still plugged in and charging. Finally, keep your tyre pressure at the optimal level to reduce rolling resistance, which decreases efficiency and range.
You can use cruise control to maintain a constant speed and avoid routes with heavy stop-and-go traffic. Remove any cargo carriers or roof-mounted bike racks, as they decrease range. If your vehicle has one-pedal driving capability, you can get the car into a coasting mode by holding the accelerator at the point between acceleration and regen braking. However, this technique requires a delicate balance and is difficult to maintain.
To maintain battery health, charge your vehicle regularly and keep the battery charge between 20% and 80%. Avoid letting your battery drop to 0% or staying fully charged for too long. Self-discharge occurs when batteries are fully charged, so unplug your vehicle once it reaches the desired charge level. Keeping up with scheduled maintenance and software updates can also help optimise your vehicle's performance and range.
