Driving an Electric Car? 7 Must-Know Tips for Beginners to Maximize Range and Efficiency

Mastering EV Driving: 7 Essential Tips for Maximizing Range and Efficiency

Switching from traditional petrol or diesel cars to electric vehicles (EVs) comes with a learning curve. While EVs are known for their eco-friendliness and cost savings, getting the most out of them requires adopting new driving habits. Let’s explore some valuable tips to enhance your EV experience, maximize range, and avoid common mistakes like range anxiety.

1. Monitor Tyre Pressure

One often overlooked factor affecting an EV’s range is tyre pressure. Always check the manufacturer-recommended PSI (usually mentioned on the car’s door frame or manual). For instance, if the recommendation is 32 PSI, ensure the tyres are inflated accordingly, especially before long trips. Underinflated tyres can drastically reduce range, as seen during a trip where incorrect tyre pressure reduced an EV's expected distance from 400 km to 250 km.

Pro Tip: For better efficiency, slightly increasing the PSI (e.g., to 33-34) can help without compromising safety.

2. Smooth Acceleration

Hard acceleration is a common mistake among drivers transitioning to EVs. Unlike diesel or petrol cars, aggressive use of the accelerator drains an EV’s battery faster. Instead, adopt a gentler driving style, focusing on smooth acceleration to conserve energy.

Why It Matters:

Keeping acceleration smooth aligns with the regenerative braking system, which helps recharge the battery during deceleration.

3. Use the Right Driving Mode

Modern EVs often have multiple driving modes, such as Eco, City, and Sports. Each mode impacts energy consumption differently. For instance, Sports mode may deliver an exhilarating experience but significantly reduces range.

When to Use:

• Eco Mode: Best for long trips to maximize range.
• City Mode: Ideal for urban driving.
• Sports Mode: Use sparingly, only when you want an energetic drive in short bursts.

4. Leverage Regenerative Braking

EVs feature regenerative braking, which helps recharge the battery during deceleration. Many models offer adjustable levels for regenerative braking, often controlled by paddle shifters.

How It Works:

• Lighter modes (e.g., L1) provide minimal braking but allow smoother coasting.
• Stronger modes (e.g., L3) can slow the car significantly, even eliminating the need to press the brake pedal in some situations.

This technique is beneficial on downhill roads, where you can regain battery charge instead of losing energy.

5. Optimize Air Conditioning

The air conditioning (AC) system in EVs can be a significant energy drain. Keeping the cabin at an excessively low temperature (e.g., 18°C) can reduce range by 40-50 km.

Efficiency Tips:

• Set the AC temperature to 23-24°C for a balanced cabin environment.
• Increase the fan speed instead of lowering the temperature to save energy without compromising comfort.

6. Master Coasting

Coasting involves allowing the vehicle to maintain momentum without using the accelerator or regenerative braking. This technique is particularly effective on highways or slopes.

Steps to Coast:

• Release the accelerator on downhill stretches.
• Turn off regenerative braking if possible to maintain momentum smoothly.

7. Regular Maintenance

Keeping your EV in peak condition ensures optimal performance and range. Regular servicing, timely checks, and addressing any issues promptly are vital to extending your EV's lifespan and efficiency.

Final Thoughts:

Driving an EV isn't just about switching vehicles-it's about adopting smarter habits. From monitoring tyre pressure to optimizing regenerative braking and AC usage, these tips will help you avoid range anxiety and make every trip enjoyable and efficient.

Do you have questions or suggestions? Drop them in the comments below, and let’s make the EV community stronger together.