-
Can't Find What You're Looking For? Start a Custom Order.
- Ford Custom Order
- CDJR Custom Order
If you drive an electric vehicle, you know how important range is. With constantly improving technology, the range for new EVs has increased from 75 miles per charge to 300 miles per charge and higher. Even if your EV has been getting that 300 miles per charge, you likely would still like to improve the range.
Why Worry So Much About Range?
If you live in an area that’s heavily populated, chances are that there are plenty of charging stations in the vicinity of your home, office, or shopping mall. If you live in the country though, you may not find a convenient place to charge your batteries. Also, if you’re planning a road trip, you may be worrying that you’ll be stuck somewhere with dead batteries. If this is the case, you may be developing “range anxiety”. To help you overcome that condition, here are five steps you can take to maximize your vehicles range.
- Don’t Carry Around a Bunch of Stuff
Before you set out to drive, check to see what you’re carrying in your car. Are there golf clubs in the trunk or bike racks on the back? If you have any accessories attached to the outside of the car, like roof rails for example, know that they not only add weight, but can also increase aerodynamic drag which will affect your EVs range. Take anything out of your car that you don’t need for the trip that you’re getting ready to embark upon.
- Take Care of Your Battery
You can increase the range your battery is providing by avoiding extremely high or low levesl of charge. Repeatedly charging your battery to 100% and then letting it run down to 0% can cause the battery to run down more quickly. It’s a better idea to keep it charged between 10% and 90%, and only fill it to 100% when you’re embarking on a trip.
When you’re in a jam and need a quick charge, a fast charger can get your battery back up quickly. However, constant use of fast chargers has been shown to significantly reduce battery life. It’s better to use these chargers sparingly to help your battery do its best.
- Check Your Tires
Keeping your tires inflated to the pressures recommended by your EV’s manufacturer can help to increase your range. Underinflated tires can reduce your range by .02% for every pound per square inch under the recommended pressure. It’s also important to make sure your wheels are properly aligned, as that can help to improve your range as well as give you a smoother ride.
- Avoid Extremely High of Low Temperatures
EVs operate best at temperatures between 70° and 85°, so if you can avoid extremely high or low temperatures, you can help to increase your range. In the summer, try to park in a garage or in the shade. In winter weather, avoid leaving your car outside. If you don’t have access to a garage, try parking your car in direct sunlight to help moderate the temperature.
- Adjust Your Driving Style
If you’re following these tips, your EV will be operating at its peak efficiency, and now it’s time to look at your driving habits. Driving more smoothly with a regular gas fueled vehicle can save on gas, and the same is true for the battery life in your EV. The first step is to slow down, as that can increase your range. Reducing your driving speed by as little as 5 miles per hour can have a significant impact on your range. A fringe benefit of driving slower is that you may discover that you’re more relaxed at the lower speeds.
Next, try to drive more smoothly to keep your speed as steady as possible. Unnecessary braking, steering, and accelerating wastes precious energy and reduces the comfort of your passengers. Driving a bits slower and anticipating turns and stops will increase your range and make you a safer driver.
Final Words
Your EV will work best and will run longest if you are deliberate in trying to maximize its battery life. With a little bit of preparation before a trip, and with smooth steady driving, you can maximize the range of your EV and you’ll become a safer driver in the process.
For over 50 Years V&H Automotive has been serving Marshfield and Central Wisconsin with New Ford, Lincoln, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and RAM Trucks. From Wausau to Wisconsin Rapids, or Stevens Point to Medford – we’re a short drive from anywhere for friendly service and very competitive pricing. If you have any automotive needs, check out our website or contact us at 715-387-2545. Better yet, stop in for a visit!
Connect with us
