Six Ways to Increase the Range of Your EV

April 7, 2023

The transportation sector as a whole is one of the leading contributors to global warming, accounting for roughly a quarter of all carbon leaking into our atmosphere. And of that, combustible engine passenger vehicles make up approximately 10% of c02 emissions.

As communities worldwide work to reduce their carbon footprint, electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly popular choice for people looking to do their part to help contribute to a more sustainable future.

However, the transition to EVs has not been without its challenges. While EVs have come a long way since the first commercial models were introduced, range anxiety continues to be a concern for many drivers. Fortunately, there are several ways to improve the range of your EV and alleviate that anxiety.

This blog will explore several ways drivers can help improve the range of their EVs.

EV Charger Installation

Investing in EV home charger installation is the most convenient way to charge your EV and ensure it’s always ready to go. While most EVs come with a charging cable compatible with your standard 120V electrical outlet, it can take up to 40 hours to fully charge a 400km range EV on a level 1 charger alone.

Home level 2 EV charger installation allows you to charge your EV in a fraction of that time. The same 400km range EV that would take 40 hours to charge with a level 1 charger would take 8-10 hours to fully charge using a level 2 charger.

Adjust Your Driving Habits

The way you drive has a significant impact on your EV’s range. Aggressive driving, excessive braking, and speeding consume more battery power, thus reducing your EV range. To get more mileage from your battery, focus on smooth acceleration and steady driving, and take advantage of regenerative braking.

You can also reduce the load on your EV’s battery by avoiding unnecessary idling and driving at moderate speeds and you’d be amazed at what a difference 10 kilometres an hour can have on your battery life. Optimizing your driving habits can improve your EV’s range by up to 20%.

Use Eco-Mode

Most EVs come with multiple performance options including an eco-mode that scales back certain features to help maximize battery efficiency. Eco-mode reduces the power consumption of the air conditioning, heating, and other auxiliary systems, such as lights, sound systems, and power windows. It also modifies the throttle response, making it less sensitive and more efficient.

Using eco-mode, you can extend your EV’s range by up to 10%. However, eco-mode may affect the vehicle’s acceleration and top speed, so use it when you don’t need to push your EV’s limits.

Plan Your Route Wisely

Unlike gas-powered vehicles that typically see mileage improvements when traveling at constant speeds down a highway, EVs do not do as well at maintaining high speeds over long periods. Sometimes, it will turn out that your most direct route is not the most efficient option.

Plan your trips to take advantage of “eco-friendly” routes; they may not always be the most direct, but they will help improve the range of your EV.

Keep Your Tires Inflated and Maintained

Tire pressure and maintenance play a crucial role in your EV’s range. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which consumes more energy and reduces your EV range. Checking your tire pressure regularly and keeping them inflated to manufacturer specifications can go a long way to extend your EV range. Likewise, make sure your tires are well-maintained and have adequate tread depth. Replacing worn-out tires can improve your EV’s range by up to 5%.

Be Cautious of Extreme Temperatures

Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can significantly impact your EV’s range. Extreme cold weather, in particular, can dramatically reduce EV range as your vehicle takes longer to warm up, and the heating system consumes more energy.

While you can’t control the weather, be aware that your typical EV range will be reduced in extreme cold and heat. You can help diminish the impact of temperature by pre-heating or cooling your EV while it’s still plugged in and by being conservative with your temperature settings while driving; doing so can improve your range by up to 10%.