Electric vehicles (EVs) are the future, but let’s be real—range anxiety is still a thing. No one wants to be stranded in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery and a charging station miles away. The good news? With a few smart habits, you can squeeze out more miles from your EV and make every charge count. Here’s how to keep your battery in top shape and extend your driving range.
1. Drive Smoothly – No Need to Show Off
Unlike gas cars, EVs love gentle acceleration and braking. Aggressive driving drains the battery faster, so ease into the accelerator and coast when you can. Use regenerative braking to recapture energy instead of slamming the brakes. Think of it as driving like you’ve got a cup of hot coffee on your dashboard—smooth and steady wins the range race.
2. Keep Your Speed in Check
We get it, the instant torque of an EV is fun. But driving at high speeds rapidly depletes your battery. Stick to moderate speeds, especially on highways, to maximize efficiency. If your EV has an “eco mode,” use it—it adjusts acceleration and power consumption to help stretch your range.
3. Mind the Temperature
Extreme temperatures—both hot and cold—can mess with your battery performance. In cold weather, precondition your EV while it’s still plugged in so the battery doesn’t have to work overtime once you hit the road. In hot weather, park in the shade or use a sunshade to reduce the load on the air conditioning.
4. Optimize Climate Control
Blasting the AC or heater eats up battery power. Instead, use seat warmers or ventilated seats when possible—they use less energy. Pre-cooling or pre-heating your EV while it’s plugged in also helps reduce energy drain during your drive.
5. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Underinflated tires create more resistance, making your EV work harder and consume more energy. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep them at the recommended levels. Properly inflated tires not only improve range but also enhance safety and handling.
6. Travel Light
The heavier your car, the more energy it needs to move. Avoid carrying unnecessary weight—clean out that trunk filled with random stuff you never use. If you don’t need a roof rack, remove it; it reduces aerodynamics and increases energy consumption.
7. Charge Smartly
Frequent fast charging can degrade your battery over time. Use DC fast chargers sparingly and rely more on Level 2 home charging when possible. Also, try to keep your battery charge between 20% and 80%—fully charging or fully draining the battery too often can reduce its lifespan.
8. Use Regenerative Braking Effectively
Most EVs come with regenerative braking, which converts kinetic energy back into battery power when you slow down. Learn how to use it efficiently by coasting whenever possible and avoiding sudden stops.
9. Plan Your Route Wisely
Apps like Google Maps and PlugShare can help you find EV-friendly routes with charging stations along the way. Avoid steep inclines and heavy traffic whenever possible—both drain your battery faster.
10. Keep Your Software Updated
EV manufacturers frequently release software updates that optimize battery performance and efficiency. Make sure your car’s software is always up to date to get the best possible range.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your EV’s battery isn’t rocket science—it just requires a little mindfulness. By driving smoothly, managing your speed, and optimizing climate control, you can significantly extend your EV’s range. And if you’re ever in doubt, just remember: treat your battery well, and it’ll take you further. Literally. Happy driving!