How to maximize the driving range of an electric vehicle
Fear of running out of battery is one of the most persistent obstacles when buying an electric vehicle for the first time. This can be caused by a fear that the battery will run out before you reach your destination or more generally by a concern about the lack of charging options.
While charging infrastructure still has a lot of room for development, the expansion of charging networks combined with advances in automotive technology has turned the fear of running out of battery into more of a perception issue.
In fact, driving range — the distance an electric vehicle can travel before the battery needs to be recharged — has increased significantly in recent years. The average range for 2024 models is 455 kilometers, more than four times the range in 2011.
For most people, this is more than enough for both daily commutes and longer trips, although there are factors that can reduce range, including cold temperatures, hills, and high speeds.
Top tips for maximizing driving range with an electric vehicle
1. Preheating or cooling
Before you set off, "pre-condition" the interior of your electric vehicle by heating or cooling it while the vehicle is plugged into the charger.
This preparation uses energy from the electrical grid, instead of the battery, to power the heating or air conditioning.
Some electric vehicles also have a battery preheating feature that prepares the battery for optimal charging, preserving its long-term strength.
2. Minimize heating
Once you're on the road, you can reduce energy consumption by lowering the cabin temperature on cold days and using heated seats and steering wheel (if your car has these features).
Air conditioning systems have less of an impact on batteries than heating — the effect is often negligible until outside temperatures reach around 35°C (96°F). On hot days, aim for a comfortable, but not too cold, cabin temperature and park in the shade whenever possible.
3. Be careful when accelerating
Pressing the accelerator pedal in an electric vehicle is a signal to send electrical energy from the battery to the motor.
The faster you accelerate, the more energy it takes to reach your desired speed. Light pedaling is more energy efficient, so be careful with it and keep an eye on the dashboard indicator, which will warn you of a sharp increase in energy consumption.
Some vehicles have a "Chill" mode that softens acceleration. Check your vehicle's manual to see if this mode is available.
4. Use regenerative braking
Electric vehicles don't just get their power from batteries. Most new models use a system called regenerative braking (or "regen"), which turns the motor into a generator.
When you release the accelerator pedal, the motor works in reverse to slow the vehicle and capture kinetic energy that would normally be lost in conventional friction braking.
The energy is then returned to the battery. (An added benefit: replacing braking with regenerative braking minimizes wear on the brake pads, extending their life.)
The level of regeneration can be adjusted in some vehicles, with the highest settings providing the best range.
5. Obey the speed limits…
As an electric vehicle travels, it overcomes air resistance, which increases its energy requirement.
The amount of drag is determined in part by the aerodynamics of the vehicle, as well as wind, humidity, and other atmospheric conditions.
Air resistance increases with speed, and it increases significantly faster than speed itself. So if you want to maximize energy efficiency on the highway, drive at the lowest acceptable speed.
6. Minimize air resistance
Roof racks, roof racks, and their cargo also increase drag. Consumer Reports found that a 2019 Nissan Altima lost 11 percent of its range after adding a roof rack, which increased to 19 percent when a cargo liner was added.
When British electric vehicle retailer R Symons fitted a canoe to a 2019 Tesla Model 3, energy consumption increased by around 10%.
Reducing speed can help offset this extra resistance, or better yet, remove these items when not in use, if possible.
7. Check your tires
Electric vehicles typically have higher optimal tire pressures compared to gasoline cars.
As tire pressure decreases, rolling resistance increases and fuel efficiency decreases. So check your tires regularly — at least once a month — and maintain the manufacturer's recommended pressure (PSI).
8. Plan ahead
You can increase the scope of your trip simply by planning your trip with a little care.
Apps like Google Maps now recommend the most energy-efficient routes, or you can simply choose the route with the fewest highway miles and hills and the most opportunities to charge through regenerative braking until you can plug in for a full charge.
