While today’s electric vehicles (EVs) can go miles on a single charge, it can be nerve-wracking to think about the car’s dead battery in the middle of a trip. There are still far fewer charging stations than gas stations. And of course no one wants to be stranded on the side of the road. The good news? It’s easy to get the most out of a charge and extend the range of your electric vehicle. Here are five EV driving tips you can follow:
This EV driving tip really holds true whether you’re driving a hybrid, gas-powered car, or an EV. When you accelerate hard, you are using more battery power. The best thing you can do is try to avoid this. The smoother you accelerate, the less energy you’ll use to get up to speed.
“This may be hard for some EV drivers to resist, as the initial acceleration is very hard – and a lot of fun – on most EVs. But look at that power meter in the instrument cluster. The lower you can hold that bar or needle, the less energy you’re using to get to a given speed.”
Chances are you’ve heard this driving tip before. After all, this is advice that is shared with gasoline cars. To get the most out of your EV, especially when it comes to range, be sure to keep your EV’s tires properly inflated.
As Car and Driver explains, “For electric vehicles with low rolling resistance tyres, this is especially crucial to ensure the tires are inflated enough to reduce their contribution to drag. Read the tire pressure settings (usually on a label on the front left door jamb), keep a tire pressure gauge in the glove box, and use it regularly.”
If you know you’re driving on the highway, choose the right routes that allow you to drive more steadily, he recommends. MyEV.com. And if you can, try to avoid that heavy traffic. Some electric vehicles come equipped with a navigation system that suggests energy efficient routes, which is extremely helpful.
Most of the time, electric vehicles come equipped with an Eco mode that reduces energy consumption and accelerates smoothly. Many electric vehicles will also show a significant increase in miles remaining once turned on.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when employing this EV driving tip. According to FuelEconomy.gov“Economy mode can limit aspects of vehicle performance, such as acceleration, to save fuel.”
If you need more advice on how to manage your energy use, it is strongly recommended that you consult your owner’s manual. After all, all electric vehicles are different. Your automaker knows how to maximize your fuel economy, driving range, and battery life.
The most efficient way to drive an electric vehicle is by following the tips above. One of the most important things you can do is drive carefully and not speed too hard. MyEV.com states: “Try to keep your speed below 60 mph whenever possible. Not only will you avoid getting a speeding ticket, but you’ll also increase your battery life in the process.”
Planning routes in advance and knowing where the nearest charging stations are can also help. You can also use Eco Mode and consult your owner’s manual for more information on your specific model. Happy driving!
RELATED: Top 10 Electric Vehicle Charging Map Apps to Download in 2022
Table of Contents
Leave a comment