5 Tips to Improve Your Electric Vehicle’s Autonomy

If you are anxious about your electric car’s autonomy, or enjoy playing with energy efficiency, here are 5 tips to optimize it daily.

On an electric vehicle, the main data everyone monitors is range. While it is much more comfortable than before, ranging from 200 to 600 km depending on the model, it can vary significantly with your driving style and a few small tricks.

Do Not Automatically Drive at the Speed Limit

The faster you go, the more electricity you consume. When driving an electric car, you are not required to drive at the speed limit; it is not an obligation. This is especially advised on highways, where the consumption difference between 110 km/h and 130 km/h is very noticeable, around 25%, depending on the model. Instead of 20 kWh/100 km at 110 km/h, you will probably increase to 25 kWh/100 km at 130 km/h. This means an autonomy of 200 km with a 50 kWh battery, compared to 250 km at reduced speed.

Play with Energy Recovery

All electric cars feature kinetic energy regeneration during deceleration and braking. This process recharges a bit of electricity into the battery, allowing you to gain several kilometers, or more if you optimize your driving. To maximize this benefit, anticipate every braking and use downhill sections with this system.

However, not all electric vehicles have the same energy recovery systems. Some, like Peugeot, Citroën, or Opel, do not allow adjusting the level, with only a “Brake” or “B” mode different from coasting. Conversely, some cars like Hyundai or Mercedes-Benz offer 3 to 5 modes, adapting to speed. It is best to have a strong regeneration in city driving or downhill, and a weaker one on expressways or highways to avoid too sudden a slowdown.

Drive Cool to Preserve Range

This advice applies to any type of vehicle, even petrol or diesel. Stepping on the gas pedal demands heavily on the battery, using 5 to 10 times more energy than a so-called normal drive. If you want to reduce electrical consumption, accelerate gently at green lights or after stopping, to avoid undoing all the gains from regenerative braking. Consuming more means recharging more often and paying more for your trip.

Prioritize the Eco Mode of Your Electric Car

Most electric cars feature multiple driving modes, including an “eco” mode. These modes vary from one model to another but often limit the maximum motor power, acceleration, or the use of air conditioning. Example: the Peugeot e-208, the best-selling electric car in France, restricts the motor from 100 kW to 60 kW.

Drive Fully Inflated

This is a tip often overlooked by drivers. As a reminder, the tire is the only element connecting your car to the road and is therefore crucial. It must be inflated to the correct pressure because under-inflation increases the contact surface with the ground and the rolling resistance. As a result, at the same speed, your electric car will consume more energy to move.

Also read: Electric Car: How Much Does Charging Cost?