“EVs are the future” is no longer valid. Rapid pollution standards are pressuring automakers to boost the efficiency of their ICE engines, but there is always a limit. EVs are becoming increasingly popular and are here to stay. However, the biggest worry of a typical Indian customer is the range of EV. Learn how to get more mileage out of your electric car in the sections below.
Driving an EV is enjoyable since it has instantaneous torque, quick acceleration, and smooth construction. However, there are occasions when a trip is all about getting the most out of a full charge.
Driving an electric automobile isn’t different from driving an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. Sure, it feels different, and you may be more mindful of your range during those early excursions. Still, an EV is the same—except with built-in capabilities to help you get the most of every mile.
What is the significance of mileage?
The primary reason is that you do not want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere with a dead car battery. The Tata Tigor EV is the cheapest and most practical EV, with a 26kWh battery pack and 306km. However, similarly to the ARAI stated mileage for ICE engines, this range can only be reached under optimum driving circumstances. You may anticipate up to 70% of the advertised range in regular everyday use. As a result, the Tata Tigor EV’s real-world range is around 200 kilometers. However, you can do actions to enhance your driving range, including driving and charging.
Fortunately, it’s simple to get the most miles out of a charge and even extend range of EV far beyond its advertised range. Here are a few pretty simple methods:
Drive Smooth
Said, driving aggressively will drain your EV’s battery faster. Using an EV’s instant torque for rapid starts may be tempting, but it’s better to take it slow while accelerating from a stop.
Slow Down
Whenever feasible, try to keep your speed under 60 mph. You’ll avoid a speeding penalty, but you’ll also extend the life of your battery. According to the Department of Energy, you’ll reduce your speed by 10 mph, and you’ll use 14 percent less energy. If your EV has an “Eco” option, use it for gentler acceleration; if it has a sport mode that makes things more exciting, keep it turned off.
Improve Regenerative Brakes
As you come to a halt, use your EV’s energy-recovering regenerative braking feature whenever feasible, and activate the brakes only when required. Enable the highest regeneration setting on your vehicle to send additional power back to the batteries while decelerating.
Take It Easy On The Heat
Running an EV’s heater, especially at full blast, consumes a significant amount of battery juice. In the winter, turn down the climate control and rely on the heated seats and steering wheel (if your car has them) to keep you warm, which consumes significantly less electricity. Also, when your car is plugged in, pre-heat it so you may use the climate control less while driving.
Be Cool With The Air Conditioning
Running the air conditioner depletes the battery quickly. Operating only the fan and not the compressor; driving with the windows open is an obvious option. Unfortunately, the latter will degrade your vehicle’s aerodynamics at higher speeds, reducing its operating range marginally. The more aerodynamic “drag” a vehicle has, the more energy it requires to run, especially at higher speeds. Running the AC at full blast will deplete the battery far faster than driving with the windows down. Again, pre-cool the car while it’s charging in the warmer months to help lessen the need to operate the AC once you’re on the road.
Also Read, 10 Simple Tips Increase Mileage of your Car
Plan A More Effective Route
Driving on the interstate may take less time to get to your destination. Still, you may assist in maximizing your car’s operational range by taking a route that allows you to travel steadily at lower speeds. Avoid regions with high traffic. Traversing high hills requires additional energy, so avoid hilly or mountainous terrain. Take advantage of your EV’s navigation system, which may recommend energy-efficient routes.
Light Travel
As an automotive engineer will tell you, the simplest method to improve a vehicle’s efficiency is to reduce its weight. For that purpose, emptying the trunk and carrying an extra 100 pounds of goods can boost a vehicle’s energy use by 1-2 percent.
On uphill routes, avoid using cruise control.
On a level roadway, using cruise control can assist you in keeping a consistent speed and preserving range (by avoiding excessive acceleration). However, cruise control may drain your battery more quickly if you’re traveling over hilly terrain. This is due to the automobile fighting the slopes to maintain speed, something you don’t necessarily desire. You’re better off letting your pace decrease as you ascend and then picking it back up on the descent.
More miles = warmer weather.
Unfortunately, you do not influence this, but it’s a good understanding to prepare accordingly. On a hot, sunny day, you’ll get more kilometers out of a full charge. When driving in cold weather, your battery needs to work more to maintain optimum temperature, reducing your range. This implies that your summer range may change somewhat from your winter range.
You may also notice this if you travel at a high altitude when temperatures are lower in the mountains. The change will most likely be insignificant, but it’s worth planning for.
Current Situation of EVs
Several automakers have joined the EV market. The government is also doing everything to encourage citizens in metropolitan areas to use electric vehicles. Incentives for EVs, use in government buildings, and the promise of a better charging network are just a few strategies used to boost EV sales. It would be best to remember the key guideline for increasing the range of EV. Little regular steps contribute to improved EV fuel economy. EVs are ideal for day-to-day use in cities, but what about the odd road trip?
Getting more range of EV is about driving smoothly and wisely. Still, it’s also about being conscious of what’s using energy. Driving more slowly, accelerating softly, and using your features wisely will improve your range no matter what automobile you have.