EV Range Extending Tips

Whether you're new to electric vehicle (EV) ownership or just wondering how to get farther off of a single battery charge, knowing ways to extend your EV's driving range can provide peace of mind as you make your way around Mission Viejo, California. New battery technology allows the latest EV models to go quite far before you have to plug them in. However, it's good to know a few tricks to keep your EV on the road a little longer. Use this list of EV range-extending tips to help you get the most from your EV driving experience.

Check Your Tires

Regardless of the type of vehicle you drive, keeping your tires properly inflated will reduce friction, resulting in a more efficient drive. The ambient temperature outside and the heat caused by driving affect the air in your car's tires. Check your EV's tire pressure frequently to ensure each tire has the proper pressure according to manufacturer instructions. Typically, this information is listed on a sticker attached to the driver's side door frame. Maintaining the correct tire pressure will help you get the best range in your EV. 

Park in the Garage

Parking your EV in the garage comes with many benefits. Not only does the garage's roof keep your car out of the elements, but it also helps maintain the temperature in your car so it won't get as hot or cold. This means you don't have to run the heater or air conditioner at full blast to get your EV's cabin comfortable. Running the heater or air conditioning uses a lot of energy, so keeping it off or on the lowest setting is a great way to conserve battery power for moving your vehicle. 

If you need to adjust the temperature inside your car, try to do it while you still have it plugged into power. Doing so ensures you leave with a full battery, and if you can keep the temperature controls off while you drive, you can extend your EV range.

Empty Your Trunk

The stuff that accumulates in your vehicle adds weight to your ride. The more your car weighs, the less efficient it is. You can extend your EV range by simply emptying your trunk and keeping your car clean. The less stuff you have in the car, the longer you can go between charges. You don't need to have a lot of emergency supplies or "just in case" items piling up in an EV, as even just 100 pounds can reduce efficiency by up to 2%.

Avoid Adding Accessories

Adding accessories to your EV increases its weight and reduces its aerodynamic qualities. For example, if you add aftermarket roof rails or a cargo carrier, it increases drag. As a result, your EV will be less efficient and require more energy to drive around Mission Viejo. Your estimated range is based on the car's factory design, so every accessory you add decreases the range estimate and reduces the battery's efficiency. Keeping your EV sleek allows for optimal range.

Keep Your Battery Properly Charged

Most EV designers recommend an 80/20 charging rule, meaning you want to keep the battery above 20% and below 80% charged. Keeping your EV battery within this ideal charging range will get you the best driving range and extend the battery's overall life. Of course, there are times when charging the battery to 100% makes sense, such as when you're taking a long trip, but you don't need to keep it completely full daily. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations on the ideal levels to keep your battery charged.

Plan an Eco-friendly Route

While you might want to stick to the fastest or most familiar route from point A to point B, this isn't always the best option when driving an EV. Planning an eco-friendly route that requires a lower speed and less starting and stopping can help you extend your EV range. Check your map app or navigation system to see if it suggests an economical route for your trip. Taking the recommended eco-friendly directions can require less charging time because you're driving more efficiently and getting more from your battery.

Practice Smooth Driving Habits

Aggressive driving will reduce your EV's battery efficiency. By accelerating slowly and easing into your stops, you save energy. This means more battery power for moving you along the roads and interstates in and around Mission Viejo. The longer you can drive at a consistent speed, the less energy it requires to move you, so practice smooth driving habits for better EV range.

Take Advantage of Regenerative Braking

Your EV has a special braking system that can send energy to the battery when you press the brakes down. The regenerative braking system usually has different settings that allow you to control how much power you want to go to the battery when you decelerate. By maximizing this unique EV feature, you can add power to your battery whenever you stop. Another benefit of regenerative brakes is that they extend the life of your braking system. So you can get more range and put less wear and tear on this mechanical part.

Get More EV Driving Tips at Volvo Cars in Mission Viejo

At Volvo Cars Mission Viejo, we have an extensive inventory of EVs just waiting to be discovered. If you have more questions about the range of an EV or need other tips on driving these new and exciting models, contact us to learn everything you need to know. We work with a few charging partners in the community to help our customers set up charging systems in their homes that make it easy and convenient to plug in an EV. If you're ready to drive an all-electric car, let us guide you through the switch to make it hassle-free.

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