Maximising your range
Heading out on a road trip in your EV? With over 35,000 EV chargers in the UK, range anxiety is a thing of the past! Though for peace of mind, we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you maximise your range…
1. “Eco-Mode”
EVs are (almost always) fitted with an “eco-mode” option, a great way for drivers to stretch their battery life as far as possible. Use of eco-mode restricts the top speed, climate control capabilities, and other functions that can drain your battery. Many EVs also come with a “sport” mode which gives you max performance but can be very inefficient, so make sure you have it turned off if you are focusing on getting the most miles from the battery.
2. Make sure your tyres are properly inflated!
This is something that you may not think about when trying to maximise your car’s range. When your tyres are under-inflated, more energy is required and you’ll see a significant decrease in the range you get from your car. In the long run, under-inflated tyres can also damage your wheels so it’s always best to keep them pumped. You can find information on the right tyre pressure for your car in the manual or online!
3. Take it easy on the motorway
Driving at speeds above 60mph for long periods of time can reduce your range too, so if you’re on the motorway try taking life in the slow lane to get some extra miles. You won’t have to stop and charge as frequently! Also, when preparing for a long trip in particular, taking the time to map out your journey and any alternatives to make sure you’re taking the most efficient route.
4. Optimise your driving style
Now this one may seem obvious, but it goes a long way. As we’ve already mentioned, driving fast can be a real drain on your battery. Other ways to improve range include being smooth while braking, coasting wherever you can, and avoiding heavy acceleration. A little difference can go a long way.
5. Minimise unnecessary cargo
Travelling with a boot full of unneeded cargo can cut your journey short. While the items you have in your boot may come in handy, it can also decrease your car's range. The heavier your car, the fewer miles you get from each charge, so we recommend travelling light when you can!
6. Try alternatives to full power heating and air-conditioning
Climate control in the car is one of the biggest battery drainers. Using the heating and air-con features on a regular basis when they maybe aren’t needed will have a noticeable effect on your range. Of course, you’ll want to remain comfortable, so we recommend trying your heated seats and heated steering wheel (if your car has them) when you’re feeling chilly, or simply opening your windows when you need to cool down. It will make a difference!
7. Protect your battery
It’s recommended that you keep your car between 20% and 80% charge to preserve the battery as far as possible. Charging times also rapidly increase once your battery goes above 80% so it’s best to stay within the threshold, though charging your car to full can be necessary for longer journeys.
8. Plan ahead
As always before heading out on a long journey, it’s good to make note of where you can stop off to charge in case you might need to. We recommend using Zap Map to locate EV chargers along your route.
How do you prepare for a long journey in your EV? Let us know in the Onto community!