How to Boost the Range of Your Electric Car

Since electric vehicles are still new to many owners, there remains a concern about whether they can drive more miles even if they are fully charged. It can risk your safety if you drive and constantly have to look at the charge gauge.

Nobody wants to be stranded on the road with no charge to run the car. As a new EV owner, you should take measures to maximize miles out of a charge and extend the range of your EV beyond its rated distance.

Here are some effective and simple ways that can help you boost the range of your electric car so that you can drive without worrying about the battery charge.

Drive Smoothly

Make sure to drive your EV at a slow speed of under 60 mph. It will help you avoid being fine with a speed ticket and also help boost the battery range. If you drive at a faster pace most of the time, it could easily drain the battery at an accelerated rate.

Drive smoothly whenever possible and take short routes when you can. Take it easy when accelerating the car from a standing start and avoid quick launches.

Learn more about operating your electric car by attending an EV training presentation program.

Use the AC Moderately

If you keep the air conditioning on for most of your ride, it can drain out the battery faster. Whenever possible, drive with a window open to maintain the battery for longer periods. But this option also has its flaws since at higher speeds, it takes more energy.

But operating the AC at full speed takes up more battery charge than when the windows are down. Try running the fan only and not the compressor when you turn on the AC. One smart trick is to pre-cool the car when it is charging so that your EV remains cool once you hit the road.

Go Easy on the Heater

If you run the heater of your electric car on full blast, it could quickly drain the battery power. During the winter, you can rely on heated seats and heated steering wheels to keep the car warm as it uses less energy.

Another way is to preheat the car while it is charging so that you can reduce the use of the heater while on the road.

Regularly Check the Tire Pressure

Checking on the tire pressure is even more important for an electric car since an inflated tire leads to more energy consumption. You can use a simple tire gauge to check the air pressure daily.

The tire pressure changes especially when there is a significant temperature change so make sure to get it checked.

Choose Energy Efficient Routes

Maximize the operation range of your car by choosing a route that allows you to drive at lower speeds. Whenever possible, avoid roads that are known for heavy traffic.

If you use routes with hilly and steep grades, it can use up more energy. Get a navigation system installed in your electric car to find routes that are more energy efficient.

Tips to Extend the Range of Your Electric Car

If you electric car’s range is low, there are a few things you can do to increase it.

First, make sure you’re properly maintaining your car. This includes regularly checking the tire pressure and alignment, as well as making sure the brakes are in good condition. These measures will help reduce drag and improve efficiency.

Second, try to avoid excessive idling. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s best to turn off the engine to conserve power.

Third, use the regenerative braking feature if your car has one. This captures energy that would otherwise be lost when braking and puts it back into the battery, extending your range by a small amount.

Fourth, be mindful of your speed. Driving at high speeds uses more energy than driving at lower speeds, so try to stick to the speed limit or below when possible.

Finally, plan your route in advance and avoid hills if possible. Hills require more energy to climb, so flat routes will help conserve power and extend your range.

Check Tire Pressure Regularly

It is important to check your tire pressure regularly to ensure that your car is running as efficiently as possible. Tire pressure can drop for a number of reasons, including changes in temperature and driving conditions.

If you notice that your car’s range is decreasing, one of the first things you should check is the tire pressure. Low tire pressure can have a significant impact on fuel economy.

There are a few easy ways to check your tire pressure. You can use a digital tire gauge or an analog gauge. Most gas stations also have air pumps that can be used to measure tire pressure.

When checking your tire pressure, be sure to do so when the tires are cold. This means that you should check the pressure before you’ve driven the car for at least three hours. Once you’ve checked the pressure, add or remove air as needed to reach the recommended PSI for your vehicle.