5 easy ways to get more range out of your EV
From regenerative braking to ditching roof racks, these tips can help EV drivers stretch their battery life on long trips.
Modern electric vehicles can travel at least 300 miles on a single charge, but for longer road trips or areas with sparse charging stations, a few tricks can help extend range. Here are five ways to keep your EV going longer between charges.
Use regenerative braking
Unlike conventional cars, EVs and hybrids capture kinetic energy during braking and convert it into electricity to recharge the battery. Each manufacturer has its own system, but the electric motor acts as a generator. The US Department of Energy estimates that regenerative braking recovers 22% of energy in combined city and highway driving.
Go easy on the AC
EV air conditioning draws power from the same battery that provides range. Precondition the cabin while the car is plugged in at home, so the initial cooling comes from the grid. While driving, use sunshades, roll down windows briefly to flush out hot air, or opt for ventilated seats to reduce AC load.
Avoid driving in extreme cold
Low temperatures slow chemical reactions in the battery, reducing range. The Department of Energy says freezing conditions can cut range by up to 32%. Consumer Reports found that driving at 70 mph in 16°F weather reduced range by about 25% compared to 60°F. Heating the cabin also drains the battery.
Remove extra weight and aerodynamic drag
Aerodynamics significantly affect EV efficiency. Low drag coefficients, like the Lucid Air's 0.197, help maximize range. Remove roof racks, bike racks, and crossbars when not in use. Also keep the trunk clean—extra weight reduces efficiency.
Control your speed
Flooring the accelerator uses a lot of power. Use cruise control or eco mode for consistent speed. Car and Driver tests with a Kia EV9 showed that driving at 55 mph instead of 75 mph resulted in over 100 miles more range. Higher speeds increase air resistance and decrease efficiency.
