While electric vehicles offer several benefits, such as reduced emissions and lower running costs, one common concern is their range compared to conventional petrol or diesel vehicles. But that shouldn’t discourage you from embracing the electric revolution.
By understanding the factors that affect electric vehicle range and implementing appropriate strategies, drivers can maximise the distance achievable on a single charge.
What are the key techniques to maximise your EV’s range?
Embrace Smooth and Gentle Driving Styles
When it comes to maximising the range of your electric car, adopting a smooth and gentle driving style can make a huge difference. Just as aggressive driving behaviour guzzles petrol, it also depletes EV battery life faster. By embracing a more mindful approach to driving, you can significantly extend the mileage of your electric vehicle and enjoy more time on the road and less time plugged in.
But how do you drive efficiently to maximise the range of your electric car?
- Gradual Acceleration: Avoid jackrabbit starts, and instead, accelerate gently and smoothly. Remember, rapid acceleration consumes significantly more energy than gradual acceleration.
- Anticipate Stops: Look ahead and anticipate traffic flow. By easing off the accelerator and coasting to a stop, you can utilise the vehicle’s regenerative braking system to recapture energy that would otherwise be lost.
- Maintain Consistent Speeds: Avoid unnecessary speeding up and slowing down because maintaining a steady speed, especially within the optimal speed range for your vehicle, helps conserve energy.
- Optimise Momentum: Use the vehicle’s momentum to your advantage, especially when going downhill. While at it, allow the vehicle to coast and gain speed naturally, reducing the need for heavy acceleration.
Adhere to Optimal Speed Guidelines
Whether you’re operating an EV commercial vehicle or a consumer electric car, it’s important to maintain a steady speed within the recommended limits to optimise the range of the vehicle. Just as with conventional vehicles, driving at high speeds can affect the performance of the car in various ways.
However, the impact of speed on range is even more pronounced in electric vehicles, and here are some reasons why:
- Reduced Aerodynamic Drag: As your speed increases, so does the air resistance your vehicle encounters. This resistance requires more energy to overcome, leading to increased battery drain. On the other hand, by driving within the recommended speed limits, you can minimise aerodynamic drag and conserve energy.
- Efficient Energy Consumption: Electric vehicles have an optimal speed range where energy consumption is most efficient, and this typically falls between 40 to 60 kilometres per hour. Driving within this range is also one of the ways you can maximise your EV’s range.
- Regenerative Braking: Maintaining steady speeds reduces the need for harsh braking. At the same time, this allows you to take full advantage of regenerative braking, which captures energy during deceleration and feeds it back to the battery.
Minimise the Use of AC When Possible
While air conditioning provides welcome relief in Singapore’s tropical climate, it can significantly impact the range of your electric car. In fact, studies have shown that using the AC, especially in extreme temperatures, can decrease the driving range by up to 30% due to the increased power drawn from the battery to operate the AC system.
To help you stay cool without compromising your EV’s range, you can follow these tips:
- Pre-Cool Your Car: If your EV is plugged in, pre-cool the cabin while it’s still charging. By taking this approach, you’re reducing the strain on the battery when you start your trip.
- Optimise Temperature Settings: Avoid setting the AC to the coldest setting. Instead, aim for a comfortable temperature that doesn’t overwork the system, especially since each degree cooler can impact your range.
- Park in the Shade: Whenever possible, park your electric car in shaded areas to reduce the cabin temperature and minimise the need for excessive AC use.
- Use Window Tints: Consider installing window tints to help block out the sun’s heat and reduce the workload on the AC system.
Utilise Cruise Control Systems
Cruise control, once considered a luxury feature, is now a valuable tool for maximising the range of your electric car. By maintaining a consistent speed, this feature helps optimise energy consumption and reduce battery drain. What’s more, cruise control is particularly beneficial for highway driving, where consistent speeds are easier to maintain.
Take a closer look at how cruise control contributes to extending your EV’s range:
- Consistent Speed: Cruise control eliminates the subtle fluctuations in speed that occur when manually controlling the accelerator. These fluctuations, even minor ones, can lead to unnecessary energy consumption.
- Reduced Energy Waste: By maintaining a steady speed, cruise control helps avoid excessive acceleration and deceleration, which are major contributors to battery drain.
- Predictive Cruise Control: Many modern EVs now feature predictive cruise control systems which use sensors and GPS data to anticipate changes in terrain and adjust the vehicle’s speed accordingly, further optimising energy usage.
Go the Extra Mile: Maximise Your EV Range
By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide—embracing smooth driving, adhering to optimal speed guidelines, minimising AC usage, and utilising cruise control—you can enhance the range of your electric car and enjoy a more efficient and sustainable driving experience.
And if you’re thinking of buying commercial vehicles that are suitable for the various transport needs of businesses, explore Hong Seh Evolution’s range of electric vehicles. For example, the LEVC VN5 is a fantastic option when you want a versatile and reliable commercial vehicle. With its extended range of up to 513 km, you can confidently navigate the demands of your business without compromising on sustainability.
Whether you need an electric-powered lorry for heavy-duty tasks or a versatile EV van for urban deliveries, we have the perfect solution to electrify your fleet and drive your business towards a greener future.
