Tips to Make Your EV Run Longer and Farther
More and more people are opting for electric vehicles (EVs) as their next ride, which is wonderful for the earth. EV technology and longevity continue to improve with each new model that comes out, and yet, still, EV range anxiety is a consistent challenge. It’s not really a surprise, though. People have long wanted their combustion engines to run farther on the same tank of gas. So it’s no surprise that electric vehicle owners want to know how to make an EV go farther on one charge. Same goal, different machines. Root Electric has been installing home EV chargers for years now, and we have 6 tips we’d like to share about extending your EV range:
1. Carry the Biggest EV Battery You Can Afford
When you’re purchasing your EV, budget for the premium electric vehicle battery for your model. Yes, it will cost extra upfront, but it will save you time and even money later on because you’ll have to charge less often and you can go farther on one charge. This is especially true if you plan to commit to the EV lifestyle. If this will be your main commuter car and you plan to go on longer trips with it, this will pay off long-term.
2. Dress Warmly to Avoid Using the Heater
In combustion engines, the heater uses the heat generated by the car’s engine. Since an electric vehicle doesn’t create this kind of heat, using the heater function drains the battery instead, whether your EV has a heat pump or a resistance heater. So, on chilly days, bundle up to save battery.
3. Accelerate Gradually
If you try to “punch it” to accelerate quickly from a stop, you’ll use more energy, whether that’s gas or a battery. Both systems would prefer a more gradual acceleration. In the case of an EV, not only does it require more juice from the battery to accelerate quickly, but you can wear the battery out much faster that way. So, just accelerate gradually unless you have a legitimate safety reason to accelerate fast.
4. Keep the Tires at Optimal Pressure
Poor or uneven tire pressure can decrease the efficiency of your vehicle, whether it’s a combustion engine or an electric engine. The reason tire pressure is a little more important to watch for an EV is that you never have to get your oil changed—which is often the same time somebody will check and adjust your tire pressure. So, schedule that into your vehicle maintenance calendar (once a month is great) and check your tire pressure regularly so that it stays at the best level for the season and conditions.
5. Don’t Weigh Down the Trunk
Aside from your regular grocery run and a few carefully selected emergency items, the less you keep in the trunk, the better. People can load as much as 100-300 extra pounds of stuff in their cars and they just leave it there, which can burn extra gas as well as draining your EV battery faster than it needs to. Get used to traveling light and your EV will travel farther.
6. Batteries Have Never Liked Cold Weather
Your EV’s owner’s manual is a wealth of information about how to extend your vehicle’s lifespan and your battery’s range. One thing to remember is that batteries really don’t like cold conditions. If you have to park outside, plug the car in, or park in a garage if at all possible. Having a home EV charger is one reliable way to make sure your car is ready to run whenever you need it to.
Every brand of electric vehicle works in its own way, so the best policy for making your EV go farther is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. It’s also best to install an EVSE (electric car charger) at your home, using a charger recommended for your particular car. Contact Root Electric today with any questions about EV installation.