How To Maximize The Mileage Of Your Electric Car

EVs continue to skyrocket in popularity among American drivers.  Whereas there were only 400,000 electric vehicles on the roads of the USA in 2018, there are now more 1.7 million. There are a number of things a prospective EV owner has to consider before signing on the dotted line. Out of all of these considerations, mileage is probably the most critical. Ever-involving charging technology makes it possible to travel further on a single charge. There are also other ways to extend the mileage of your EV. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Make the Most of Regenerative Braking

Of all the advantages EVs have over gas-powered cars, their ability to recapture energy is probably one of the most impressive. Regenerative braking is an energy recovery system that slows down the vehicle by converting the kinetic energy it produces into stored energy that can be used when required. By using regenerative braking, as much as 70% of the energy that would have been lost otherwise, will be used to recharge the battery. Although the amount of energy that is generated might not sound like a colossal amount, it can increase your range by quite a bit. The exact make and model of your EV will ultimately determine its regenerative capabilities with some vehicles even making provision for one-pedal driving.

Stick to the Speed Limit

The old saying ‘slow and steady wins the race’ is particularly apt when it comes to extending the battery life of your EV.  When you stick to the speed limit you will not only avoid getting a speeding ticket, but the range of your battery will increase too. In fact, the Department of Energy has found that reducing your speed by as little as 10 mph can result in a 14% in energy reduction. In addition to driving slower, also try and make your driving smoother. This basically requires you to refrain from braking suddenly and accelerating quickly as this will drain your battery significantly faster.

Go Easy on the Heat and AC

Your EV’s climate control settings can end up being a big battery drainer if you are not careful.  If it is particularly warm, consider opening a window for some fresh air instead of turning on the aircon. On a cold day, on the other hand, try and rely on other heating features of the car such as its heated seats or steering wheel instead of cranking up the climate control. While these measures can help extend your mileage, it is even more important to ensure that you are both comfortable and protected from the elements. Don’t ever open a window or ignore the need to turn up the heat unless it is perfectly safe to do so.

Electric vehicles are currently enjoying a very notable surge in popularity. Although the mileage of an EV is often a big concern, knowing how to maximize it can make the decision to change to an electric vehicle much easier.