Driving an electric vehicle is exciting, efficient, and eco-friendly. However, understanding what influences your EV’s range is crucial for getting the best performance. Your EV’s range is simply how far you can go on a single charge, and it depends on several factors, from your driving style to how you maintain the car.
In this article, we’ll dive into the key factors that affect EV range and share tips on how you can optimize your driving experience in Nigeria.
Driving Style
Your driving habits have a significant impact on your EV’s range.
- Aggressive Driving: Frequent rapid accelerations and high-speed driving drain the battery faster.
- Smooth Driving: Maintaining a steady speed and avoiding hard braking improves efficiency.
Pro Tip: Use Eco Mode if your EV has it. It optimizes energy usage for smoother and more efficient driving.
Climate Conditions
Weather plays a big role in how far your EV can travel.
- Cold Weather (e.g., Harmattan): Batteries are less efficient in cooler temperatures, which can reduce range. Heating the cabin also consumes more energy.
- Hot Weather: Running the air conditioning to cool the cabin draws power from the battery.
Pro Tip: Pre-condition your car (cool or warm it) while it’s still charging to preserve range during your journey.
Vehicle Weight and In-Car Amenities
The more weight your EV carries, the harder the motor has to work.
- Passengers and Cargo: Heavy loads reduce efficiency and range.
- In-Car Amenities: Using devices like heated seats, air conditioning, or high-powered sound systems increases energy consumption.
Pro Tip: Travel light and use energy-intensive amenities sparingly.
Battery Age and Health
Over time, an EV’s battery may lose a small portion of its capacity due to wear and tear.
New Batteries deliver optimal performance and range while aging batteries may experience slight reductions in range.
Pro Tip: Follow manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules and avoid deep discharges to prolong battery health. Deep discharge is when you let your battery drop below 10%, which is bad for your battery’s health.
Terrain and Route
The environment and landscape you drive in can significantly affect your EV’s efficiency.
for example, hilly terrains reduce your EV range because climbing steep slopes requires more energy. But flat Terrain are ideal for maximizing range. Also, while frequent braking can drain the battery faster, regenerative braking helps recover some energy.
Pro Tip: Plan routes with fewer steep inclines and use navigation apps that suggest energy-efficient paths.
Tyre Pressure and Condition
Properly maintained tyres are crucial for efficient energy use. Underinflated tyres create more rolling resistance, requiring more energy to move the vehicle. Worn-out tyres can also reduce efficiency and compromise safety.
Pro Tip: Check tyre pressure regularly and keep it at the manufacturer’s recommended levels.
Charging Habits
How and when you charge your EV can influence its long-term range.
- Frequent Full Charges (100%): While sometimes necessary, consistently charging to full capacity can wear out the battery faster.
- Partial Charging: Keeping your charge level between 20% and 80% helps maintain battery health over time.
Pro Tip: Use fast charging sparingly, as it generates heat that may stress the battery. For daily use, stick to slower, Level 2 chargers.
Your EV’s range is influenced by many factors, but with good driving and maintenance habits, you can make the most of every charge.
At Possible EVS, we’re here to help Nigerians embrace the electric revolution. If you have questions about EV maintenance or want to explore our range of electric cars, stop by our experience center or give us a call.
