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Maximizing Your Electric Car’s Range and Efficiency
Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular due to their eco-friendliness and low operating costs. Most EVs available today have a range of over 200 miles, and with the availability of fast DC charging stations, it is now easier than ever to travel long distance in electric cars. However, there are still benefits to maximizing your electric car’s range. This can save you money in the long term since electricity is not free. Here are some tips to maximize your electric car’s efficiency and range.
1. Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly
Tire pressure is crucial to ensure optimal performance and efficiency of your electric car. EVs come with special low rolling resistance rubber that increases range. However, underinflated tires create extra drag and friction, reducing efficiency and increasing wear. Make sure to inspect your EV’s tires periodically to ensure they are correctly inflated and free of damage.
2. Make Smarter Use of Climate Controls
According to a 2019 study by the AAA, blasting air conditioning on a hot day can reduce an EV’s range by up to 17%. Similarly, warming an EV’s cabin with resistive heating elements can reduce winter range by as much as 41%. Turning off climate control has the most significant effect on an EV’s range. Preconditioning your car’s cabin before you start your trip can help balance comfort and range. Make use of the eco-climate settings and heated or ventilated seats to cool or heat your body.
3. Know When (and When Not) to Regen
The regenerative braking system in an EV recaptures kinetic energy when slowing down, boosting efficiency. Adjust the amount of regenerative braking available via paddle shifters or a menu and use one-pedal driving modes that allow the car to come to a stop with maximum regeneration by lifting the accelerator. High regen levels can help boost range in urban driving. Conversely, on the highway, where speeds are higher and maintained over longer distances, using low regeneration, coasting when possible, and maintaining a consistent speed will help stretch as many highway miles as possible.
4. Slow Down, Smooth Out
Acceleration and speed are the biggest determining factors for EV range. Rapid starts and hard launches use more energy than gentler acceleration. Smooth acceleration saves energy and increases range. Use the Eco drive mode to smooth out acceleration. On the highway, air resistance and drag increase exponentially with respect to speed. Shaving off even 5 to 10 mph from your cruising speed can have a noticeable effect on how many miles you get out of each kilowatt-hour.
5. Other Ways to Boost Range
Removing roof racks when they are not in use, avoiding external accessories that increase the aerodynamic profile of the vehicle, and removing excess weight can all help increase range.
Conclusion:
Maximizing the range and efficiency of your electric car will save money in the long term. Checking tire pressure, making smarter use of climate controls, knowing when to regen, slowing down and smoothing out acceleration, and removing excess weight are some of the best ways to maximize your EV’s efficiency and range.
FAQ:
1. What is the range of most electric cars available today?
Most electric cars available today have a range of over 200 miles.
2. How can checking tire pressure help maximize efficiency?
Properly inflated tires reduce drag and friction, increasing efficiency and reducing wear.
3. Why is turning off climate control important for maximizing range?
Blasting air conditioning on a hot day can reduce an EV’s range by up to 17%, while using resistive heating elements can reduce winter range by as much as 41%.
4. What is regenerative braking?
Regenerative braking is a system that recaptures kinetic energy when slowing down, boosting efficiency.
5. How can removing excess weight help increase range?
A heavier EV requires more energy to accelerate, so removing excess weight can help increase range.
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