5 Tips for Driving Your Electric Vehicle Like a Pro
Electric vehicles (EVs) have come a long way, but range anxiety is still a concern for many drivers. With fewer charging stations than gas stations, the fear of getting stranded on the side of the road is real. However, there are simple steps you can take to maximize your EV’s range and get the most out of your charge.
Charge Up Your Driving Experience: 5 Tips for Driving Your Electric Vehicle Like a Pro
Here are five driving tips to follow:
Drive Gently
Whether you drive a hybrid, gas-powered car, or EV, accelerating hard uses more battery energy. The key is to avoid this by gently accelerating, reducing energy consumption, and increasing driving range. It may be tempting to show off your EV’s off-the-line acceleration, but watching the power meter on the instrument cluster and keeping the bar or needle low can help conserve energy.
Inflate Your Tires Properly
This tip is shared with gas-powered cars and is just as crucial for EVs. Properly inflating your EV’s tires, especially those with low-rolling resistance, reduces drag and helps you get the most out of your battery. Check your tire pressure settings, which are usually on a label on the left-front door jamb, keep a tire pressure gauge in the glove compartment, and use it regularly.
Plan Your Routes Ahead of Time
Planning can help you avoid heavy traffic and select routes that allow you to drive more steadily, which conserves energy. Some EVs have a navigation system that suggests energy-efficient routes, so use this feature if your vehicle has one.
Turn on Eco Mode When Possible
Most EVs have an Eco mode that reduces energy consumption and engages gentle acceleration, which helps extend your range. However, be aware that the economy mode may limit aspects of the vehicle’s performance, such as acceleration, to save fuel.
Consult Your Owner’s Manual
All electric vehicles are different, and the best way to manage energy use is to reference your owner’s manual. Your automaker knows how to maximize fuel economy, driving range, and battery life, so be sure to take advantage of this resource.
The Most Efficient Way to Drive an EV
To get the most out of your EV, drive gently, keep your tires properly inflated, plan your routes ahead of time, turn on Eco mode when possible, and consult your owner’s manual. MyEV.com recommends keeping your speed under 60 mph whenever possible, which helps conserve energy and bolster your battery range. These tips give you a happier, more efficient driving experience.
Are you looking to optimize your electric vehicle (EV) driving experience?
Here are ten real-time stats and facts to help you drive your EV more efficiently:
- Regenerative braking technology can recover up to 30% of the energy lost during braking and convert it into usable energy.
- Driving more smoothly, and avoiding sudden accelerations and hard braking, can increase your EV’s range by up to 10%.
- Charging an EV during off-peak hours can save you up to 50% on your electricity bill.
- The average EV in the United States travels about 4 miles per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity.
- Driving an EV on the highway at speeds over 60 mph can significantly reduce your range and decrease efficiency.
- The range of an EV can be reduced by up to 40% in extreme cold weather conditions.
- Air conditioning or heating can reduce an EV’s range by up to 25%.
- The efficiency of an EV’s battery can be affected by its temperature, with optimal battery performance occurring at temperatures between 20-25 degrees Celsius (68-77 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Over 80% of EV charging takes place at home, making having a reliable and efficient home charging setup essential.
- The driving range of an EV can vary significantly depending on the make and model, with some EVs able to travel up to 400 miles on a single charge.
By staying informed about these real-time stats and facts, you can make the most out of your EV driving experience. With careful planning, efficient driving techniques, and a reliable charging setup, you can maximize your EV’s range, minimize your environmental impact, and save money on your energy bills. So why try these tips and take your EV driving to the next level?
