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The reality is that the actual range of an electric car is often around 20% less than the official figure.
The range of even the best electric cars in real-world conditions is rarely close to what's achieved during testing.
Manufacturers advertise the range of their electric vehicles based on the findings of the tests, which are conducted in a laboratory setting. In other words, the driving is simulated, even if it includes "real world" conditions such as higher average driving speeds, longer journeys and faster acceleration sequences.
The reality is that the actual range of an electric car is often around 20% less than the official figure.
This means an electric car with a claimed range of 300 miles is more likely to offer a “real-world” maximum range closer to 250 miles.
Even then, the range achieved from a fully charged battery is dependent on other factors such as environmental conditions (temperature, terrain, wind), and driving behavior (speed, acceleration, use of climate control).
Here are my top 12 ways to optimize your EV's range.
1. Smooth driving wins the day
Whether you're driving an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) or electric vehicle, sensible driving is the best way increase your car's fuel economy or battery efficiency.
Smooth inputs via the steering wheel and accelerator will put less stress on your EV, resulting in a longer range. Stick to the speed limits and resist the temptation to experience too much instant torque (many EVs accelerate as fast as sports cars). Also, try to anticipate what’s going to happen in front of you by looking well ahead, so that you can slow down in good time.
2. Go easy on climate control
Most systems in a car, such as heating (including the seats and steering wheel) and air conditioning require electrical power from the battery pack, which reduces overall range. Try to limit excessive heating or cooling, as the higher the settings, the more battery energy is consumed.
It is also recommended to pre-heat or pre-cool your car while it’s on charge. If you start from scratch when you get in, you're going to deplete your driving range.
3. Utilize regenerative braking
In simple terms, regenerative braking — or regen — is a way that an electric car can recover energy normally lost during braking, which is then used to charge up the battery. So, regenerative braking is effectively a way of generating "free electricity" for your car.
Make sure you always have the regenerative braking functionality switched on and that you leave enough space for it to slow you down before you need to brake. Downhill stretches of road are also ideal for utilizing regen rather than light braking, allowing you to add vital miles to your range (as much as a few miles on a long, steep hill).
4. Switch on Eco mode
"Eco" (short for 'economical') mode makes sure your EV is more efficient when you're driving, increasing your range. Typically, Eco mode saves energy by reducing your acceleration and throttle response, and prioritizing battery range above luxuries such as air conditioning and heated seats.
5. Use cruise control
Most new EVs are fitted with adaptive cruise control, which is highly sophisticated. As well as maintaining a steady speed, which avoids wasteful rapid acceleration and braking, it constantly adapts to the road in front of you, meaning you’ll drive more efficiently and you’ll always be able to keep a safe distance between yourself and the car in front.
6. Keep it light
The heavier the car, the more energy is required to move it. EVs tend to be heavier than ICE cars anyway because the battery packs are so heavy. However, an EV's range is further reduced when you have passengers on board, you're carrying a heavy load or you are towing a trailer or caravan.
If possible, remove unnecessary items such as roof racks and heavy tools to improve efficiency.
7. Plan your route
When using an app or sat nav, choose the most eco-friendly route. Sometimes, a slightly longer journey time that favours a flatter route might be more efficient in the long run.
Similarly, electric cars use more energy on faster highways, so routes using slower roads can help preserve battery range. Finally, researching your route before you leave could avoid any unnecessary detours to find a charger, which will deplete your range.
8. Fit the correct tyres
Not a lot of people know the difference between standard tyres and EV tyres — and the money-saving benefits they offer. EV-specific tyres are designed to deal with the weight increase of an electric vehicle (batteries are heavy) and the instant torque available — both strains on the tyre.
Additionally, stick to the recommended tyre pressures. Underinflation will increase the tyre’s rolling resistance, and therefore electricity consumption.
9. Road topography matters
Driving up a hill requires more energy (and therefore battery power) than travelling along a flat road. That said, driving downhill does offer some compensation because the battery gets charged on the move via the aforementioned regenerative braking.
10. Choose an aerodynamic model
It's always been the case that the smoother the airflow around a car, the lower the drag and the less fuel you burn. It's the same with EVs except that you use less battery range.
The aerodynamic efficiency of a car's shape is measured by its coefficient of drag (generally known as its Cd figure). The all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS is one of the world's most aerodynamically efficient road cars with a Cd of just 0.20.
11. Bigger isn't always better
Big alloy wheels look great, but they do increase your rolling resistance, therefore reducing your efficiency and your EV's range. Smaller wheels with thicker profile tyres mean longer ranges.
12. Avoid driving in extreme weather
Batteries are at their most efficient when the outdoor temperature is around 68-86 degrees Fahrenheit. They rely on chemical reactions to release electricity and power the car.
Low temperatures slow these reactions down and high temperatures speed them up, both reducing the performance of the battery. So, don't expect optimal battery range when it's too cold or hot.
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