How to Stretch Your EV’s Range

The idea of running low on fuel – or even running out – can be a pretty big point of anxiety for any driver. And although electric vehicles (EVs) use a different form of energy than their gas counterparts, even EVs can’t drive forever.

Each EV has a maximum range it can travel before needing to get recharged, and as a new EV driver you may feel a little ‘range anxiety’ over how far you can go, or how frequently you need to recharge your vehicle.

But don’t worry. This article will tell you everything you need to know including what EV range means and how you may be able to extend it. Let’s dive in.

• What is EV range?
• Change Your Driving Style
• Inflate Your Tires to the Correct Pressure
• Slow Down
• Use Eco Mode
• Use an EV Route Planner
• Make Use of Regenerative Braking
• Be Aware of Weather Conditions
  • How Does Cold Weather Affect EV Range?
  • How Does Hot Weather Affect EV Range?
• Use In-Car Functions Appropriately
• Only Carry What You Need

What is EV Range?

An EV range is the distance an electric car can travel on a single charge.

A reduced range is inconvenient because it requires more visits to a charging station. Losing range quicker than you expect means that you may not find your ideal charging facility in time – it could be a slower charge than you need or an expensive option.

Change Your Driving Style

Have you ever heard of economic driving? Anticipating the road and driving in a smoother style with a consistent speed can save energy. Avoid putting your foot down for immediate acceleration once the lights go green. At traffic lights, try to speed up slowly and smoothly to avoid draining the battery unnecessarily. A light touch can go a long way.

By focusing on the road ahead, you’re better prepared to take corners, roundabouts and intersections in your stride – and avoid the need for aggressive braking.

Inflate Your Tires to the Correct Pressure

Just like a car that runs on gas, an EV’s battery range will be positively or negatively affected by tire pressure. Driving with under-inflated tires will increase your energy consumption, which can lead to early tread wear. In fact, between 4-11 percent of fuel consumption is down to the rolling resistance of the tire. It shows how far a full tire can get you.

It’s important to use a tire gauge to check the air pressure frequently. By making sure that your tires meet your EV manufacturer’s recommendations, you can extend the life of your tires and improve your mileage.

Slow Down

It’s a simple rule of thumb – the faster you go, the more energy you’ll use and the quicker your battery will drain. Single-speed transitions of an electric car mean that the motor works harder the faster the car goes. To save energy, it’s better to keep your speed down and accelerate gently. It’s worth knowing that you’ll lose 14 percent less energy if you slow down by 10mph – so there’s another great reason to take it easy on the roads.

Use Eco Mode

Switching on Eco (short for economy) or range mode has tons of benefits. It’s the most battery-friendly driving mode, helping to make your driving more efficient. Basically, it helps you to achieve the maximum distance with less fuel. It even regulates air conditioning to save energy there too. If you want your money to go further, Eco is the mode for you.

Using Eco mode on long journeys could add 10 to 15 miles to your range. Sport mode, on the other hand, is much more energy-intensive, as it increases acceleration and makes the throttle more sensitive. It goes without saying that if you want to extend your EV’s range, you should use Sport mode sparingly.

Use an EV Route Planner

The truth is that cruising down the freeway at high speed isn’t best suited to getting the most out of your EV’s battery. Using a route planner – and ideally, one that can offer routes tailored for EVs – might mean that you take a different series of roads to reach your destination. Going the scenic route has many benefits though. To paraphrase Robert Frost, the roads less traveled may make all the difference.

You should try to avoid high-speed roads where possible, as your EV will burn through more energy the faster it goes. Although this may take longer, you may be able to avoid making a pit stop to charge the car – saving you time (and battery charge) in the long run.

Make Use of Regenerative Braking

The great thing about Regen braking is that it sends unused power back to your EV’s batteries while you slow down. Using the electric motor as a generator, it transfers energy to the battery when you take your foot off of the accelerator. This extra energy helps to increase your EV’s range.

Some EV vehicles can also offer one-pedal driving, where you can stop the vehicle just by lifting your foot off of the accelerator – with no need to touch the traditional brakes. 

Be Aware of Weather Conditions

Extreme weather conditions can have a big impact on your EV’s range. EV batteries are designed to work at an ‘optimal temperature’, usually around 20C/68F. This means that much colder or warmer conditions than this could cause the battery to be less efficient – lowering your vehicle’s range as a result.

How Does Cold Weather Affect EV Range?

Freezing temperatures make it harder for your EV’s battery to hold its charge. Not only does the cold slow down chemical reactions, but the use of in-vehicle climate control to keep the EV’s cabin warmer and more comfortable during cold weather also drains the battery.

Temperature also has a big impact on your EV’s ability to charge quickly. In fact, cold weather can almost triple charging times. It might be a good idea to wrap up and wait somewhere warm while it charges up.

How Does Hot Weather Affect EV Range?

Similarly, using your EV in hot weather could mean that you’ll need to use your air conditioning. AC can significantly reduce your EV’s range as it’ll drain your battery power. Put simply, the more heat the battery absorbs, the more rapidly it loses its charge.

Use In-Car Functions Appropriately

Everything from your radio to AC will use up the battery and lower your range, so think twice before you use them. If your EV has a ‘pre-condition’ mode then it can warm itself up while plugged in before you enter the vehicle, further saving battery and improving range.

Only Carry What You Need

Any unnecessary weight in your car can reduce range, so make sure your electric vehicle is as light as possible to maximize energy efficiency. Check that your boot is clean and clear of unnecessary clutter. Remove anything that is unnecessarily affecting the aerodynamics too – like bike holders or roof racks. Cleaning and waxing your EV may even slightly help to reduce drag too. At the least, it will make it shine!

There are many ways to reduce your EV battery usage. Some will make a bigger impact than others, but, regardless of whether you rent or buy, ensuring you’re consistent in following as many as possible will help to extend your range between charges.