How can I get more range out of my EV?
Most new EVs can travel between 150-300 miles on a single charge and with battery technology improving all the time this will only get better. There are also ways you can help improve your range to make it last longer including:
- Buying an EV with a bigger battery. The bigger the battery the further it will go. For example, the Solterra has a 71.4kWh battery delivering a range of up to 289 miles compared to the Nissan Leaf with a 39kWh battery delivering a range of up to 168 miles.
- Make better use of regenerative braking which is a way of taking the wasted energy from the process of slowing down a car and using it to recharge the car’s batteries. On a normal ICE car, braking simply wastes energy - but with regenerative braking, some of the energy is able to be reused. In the Subaru Solterra you can also drive in one pedal mode (S-Pedal) which allows you to adjust the level of regenerative braking using paddle shifters so you can come to an almost complete stop without ever touching the traditional brakes.
- Running the air-conditioning will zap energy fairly quickly, especially when it’s trying to heat or cool the cabin in extreme temperatures. So, it’s best to pre-cool or pre-heat your car before your journey from the comfort of your own home via a smartphone app and while the car is plugged in and charging. This way it only has to maintain the set temperature during your journey, which uses less energy. It’s also worth remembering that batteries prefer warm weather rather than colder conditions. The Subaru Solterra features a heat pump fitted as standard to maximise the driving range in all conditions – even when you have the heating running in colder months. This allows our all-electric SUV to be used daily with a competitive cruising range compared to other manufacturers.
- Watch your speed. The faster you drive, the more energy you will use, which in turn will reduce the range. In an EV, the motor works harder the faster you go, so increased speeds, particularly on motorway journeys, will take a toll on the predicted battery range as will harsh acceleration and braking. Planning your journey to take the most efficient route can also be a huge help to get more miles for your kilowatt.
- Check if your EV comes with an ‘Eco’ mode which will regulate acceleration more gently to preserve power and range. Likewise, avoid ‘Sport’ or ‘Power’ mode which will use more energy.
- Be mindful of how much extra weight you add to the car, whether that be additional passengers or loading your car with extra luggage. The heavier the car the more energy it will use to move. Therefore, before a journey and to help with fuel efficiency, empty the boot of anything you don’t need, remove any roof racks, roof boxes or bike racks and be sure to close any windows/sunroof when travelling at higher speeds to reduce drag and make the vehicle more aero dynamic.
- Get into the habit of checking your tyre pressures. Driving an electric vehicle on under-inflated tyres will significantly increase energy consumption and impact predicted range, as well as cause damage to the tyres themselves. It’s also really dangerous and can lead to accidents.