Maximizing the Range of Your Electric Vehicle: 10 Tips and Tricks

As an electric vehicle (EV) owner, you're probably well aware that the range of your car is an important factor to consider. It determines how far you can go without needing to charge up again. But did you know that there are things you can do to extend the range of your EV? In this blog post, we'll explore the various factors that influence an EV's range and give you some tips on how you can get the most out of your electric car.

What Determines an EV's Range?

There are several factors that contribute to an EV's range. The most obvious is the capacity of the battery. The larger the battery, the further you can go before needing to charge up. Another factor is the energy consumption of the car itself. Some EVs are more efficient than others and use less electricity to move forward, which means they can go further on a single charge. Plug-in hybrids, on the other hand, have both an electric battery and a combustion engine, so their total range is calculated by adding the range of the battery to the range of the engine. It's worth noting that the range of the electric battery in a plug-in hybrid is usually limited and only accounts for a small percentage of the total range.

External factors can also affect an EV's range. Things like weather, temperature, road conditions, and driving style all play a role. For example, driving fast into a headwind on the highway will drain the battery more quickly than cruising at a leisurely pace on a sunny country road. This means that you have some control over your EV's range simply by the way you drive.

Tips for Maximizing Your EV's Range

So, how can you get the most out of your electric car's range? Here are a few tips:

1. Drive smoothly and efficiently: As mentioned before, the way you drive can have a big impact on your electric vehicle's range. Hard accelerations and braking can quickly drain the battery, while a smooth, steady driving style is more efficient. To maximize your range, try to anticipate stops and slowdowns and use regenerative braking where possible.
2. Use the right charging equipment: It's important to use a charger that is specifically designed for your electric vehicle. This will ensure that you're getting the fastest and most efficient charge possible. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for the best charging equipment to use with your vehicle.
3. Keep your EV well-maintained: Regular maintenance is crucial for maintaining the range of your electric vehicle. This includes keeping the tires properly inflated, keeping the battery charged, and following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. By taking care of your EV, you can help ensure that it's running at its best and getting the most out of its range.
4. Plan your trips: If you know you'll be driving a long distance, it's a good idea to plan your route in advance. Try to avoid hilly terrain or heavy traffic, which can drain the battery faster. You might also want to consider using a trip planner or navigation system that takes electric vehicle range into account.
5. Use features like regenerative braking: Many electric vehicles have a feature called regenerative braking, which captures energy from the brakes and uses it to charge the battery. By using this feature, you can help extend your EV's range. Look for opportunities to use regenerative braking, such as when slowing down for a stop or when driving downhill.
6. Precondition your vehicle: If you have a PHEV or an EV with a range extender, you can use the onboard gasoline generator to heat or cool the cabin while you're still plugged in. This can help to reduce the load on the battery, allowing you to save some of your electric range for later in the trip.
7. Use a lower power setting for heating and cooling: Most EVs have a number of power settings for the heating and cooling systems. By using a lower power setting, you can reduce the load on the battery and extend your range.
8. Minimize the use of accessories: Accessories like the headlights, wipers, and audio system can all drain the battery. Minimize the use of these accessories, or turn them off when they're not needed, to save energy.
9. Keep your battery charged: Make sure to keep your battery charged to at least 50% to extend its lifespan. If you're not planning on driving your EV for an extended period of time, it's a good idea to keep it plugged in to a charger to maintain a healthy battery.
10. Use eco-mode or similar driving settings: Many EVs have a special driving mode that helps to optimize energy use and extend the range. Look for an "eco-mode" or similar setting and try using it to see if it helps to increase your range.

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Conclusion

By following these tips, you can get the most out of your EV's range, making your electric driving experience a better and more relaxed one. And if you want to sell your EV/HEV, be sure to check out Cardino. We can sell your electric vehicle quickly, easily, and at the best price. Start by using our valuation tool down here to see how much you can get from it! It’s juste a few clicks and it’s free.