More and more people are choosing electric cars as their next ride, which is great for the Earth. Electric vehicle technology and longevity continue to improve with each new model introduced, however, range anxiety for electric vehicles remains a consistent challenge. It’s not really a surprise. People have long wanted their combustion engines to run farther on the same tank of gas. So it’s no surprise that electric car owners want to know how to make an electric car go farther on a single charge. Same goal, different machines. Root Electric has been installing home EV chargers for years, and we have 6 tips we’d like to share about extending your EV range:
1. Carry the largest electric car battery you can afford
When purchasing your electric vehicle, budget for a premium EV battery for your model. Yes, it will cost you extra up front, but it will save you time and even money later because you will have to charge less and you can move forward with one charge. This is especially true if you plan to commit to an electric car lifestyle. If this is your main passenger vehicle and you plan to take it on longer trips, this will pay off in the long run.
2. Dress warmly to avoid using a heater
In combustion engines, the heater uses the heat generated by the car’s engine. Since an electric car doesn’t produce this type of heat, using the heater function drains the battery instead, whether your electric car has a heat pump or a resistance heater. So, on cold days, pack your bags to save battery power.
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 battery. Both systems prefer a more gradual acceleration. In the case of an electric car, not only does it take more battery to accelerate quickly, but you can also drain the battery faster that way. Therefore, accelerate gradually unless you have a legitimate security reason to accelerate quickly.
4. Keep tires at optimum pressure
Poor or uneven tire pressure can reduce the efficiency of your vehicle, whether it’s a combustion engine or an electric motor. The reason it’s important to monitor tire pressure in an electric vehicle is so you’ll never have to change the oil — which is often the same time someone checks and adjusts your tire pressure. So, schedule it into your car maintenance calendar (once a month is great) and check your tire pressure regularly so it stays at the best level for the season and conditions.
5. Do not burden the trunk
Aside from your usual groceries and a few carefully selected emergency items, the less you keep in your trunk, the better. People can load up to 100-300 extra pounds of stuff into their cars and leave it there, which can burn more fuel as well as drain an electric car’s battery faster than it needs to. Get used to traveling light and your electric car will travel farther.
6. Batteries have never liked cold weather
Your EV owner’s manual contains a wealth of information on how to extend your vehicle’s life and battery range. One thing to remember is that batteries don’t really like cold conditions. If you have to park your car outside, plug it in or park it in a garage if possible. Having a home EV charger is one reliable way to make sure your car is ready to go whenever you need it.
Each electric car brand works in its own way, so the best policy to make your electric car go further is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. It’s also best to install an EVSE charger in your home, using the recommended charger for your particular vehicle. Contact Root Electric today with any questions about EV installation.
