How Do I Extend The Range of My EV?

Any electric vehicle (EV) owner knows the fear of running out of power in the middle of nowhere without access to a charging point. Whether you need to manage your EV's range in a pinch or want to maximize your battery life on a daily basis, there are some helpful strategies you can use to extend your EV's range and stay on the road for longer. In this article, we at Mercedes-Benz of Temecula explore several tips and tricks for improving your EV's range so you can enjoy a worry-free driving experience without running out of charge.

Why Should I Try To Extend My EV's Range?

With most EVs averaging 200 miles of range and the availability of DC fast charge ports expanding, maximizing your EV's battery life may seem like less of a problem than before. To an extent, this is true; it's easier than ever to recharge your car in as little as half an hour while you're still on the road. However, electricity isn't free, so stretching out your battery life can save you money. Being more efficient with your charges can also lessen your vehicle's environmental impact since electric charging points often rely on electricity generated from non-renewable sources, such as fossil fuels. 

Control Your Speed To Reduce Your EV's Performance Requirements

An EV battery's overall range is heavily influenced by the level of performance your journey demands. Fast acceleration and braking maneuvers over busy crossroads and interchanges drain your EV battery more quickly than steady cruising in cities or on highways because these actions require greater changes in speed and, thus, more power. To save the maximum amount of energy possible, try to drive as smoothly as you can with gentle stops and starts to reduce power draw. Some EVs have an Eco mode that changes your accelerator pedal's responsiveness to help manage this issue.

Get Clever With Regenerative Braking To Maximize Your Range

Regenerative braking systems improve EV efficiency by recapturing kinetic energy while braking and transferring it to the battery rather than releasing it as traditional friction braking systems do. However, the system isn't fully closed and 100% efficient; there's always some energy that's not successfully recaptured, so ideally, you want to brake as little as possible. Furthermore, hard stops and abrupt braking use more of the car's traditional friction braking, so aim for smoother stops when you can.

Most EVs allow you to adjust how much regenerative braking is used compared to friction braking using paddle shifters on the steering wheel. So, to maximize energy recapture, set your regenerative braking high and brake early before a stop so you can slow down more gradually. Using the brakes in this way can significantly boost the range of your EV and reduce wear on your braking system. Maintaining consistent speeds, slowing down gradually, and maximizing regenerative braking all help to make your EV battery as energy- and cost-efficient as possible. 

Check Your Tires To Reduce Drag on the Vehicle

Even though tires may seem unrelated to electrical efficiency, they can significantly impact the amount of drag that affects your vehicle. Many EVs come with low-rolling-resistance tires, which require less energy to move and are designed to maximize the battery's efficiency and range. Check whether your tires are underinflated, as tires with insufficient air can increase rolling resistance and, therefore, battery consumption. Some high-end EVs include pressure monitoring hardware that informs you when your tire pressure is too low to help mitigate this effect. 

Plan Your Routes Around Efficiency

Another significant factor affecting the range of your battery is the type of terrain you're facing on your journey. Most EV ranges assume an ordinary level of performance along unchallenging terrain, but anything from uneven ground to high winds can cause a drop in your EV's range efficiency. Avoid areas of high air resistance and routes with hilly terrain that require additional power for your vehicle to overcome. Also, limit what you carry and avoid cumbersome attachments, such as bike racks, that could increase drag. Consider using routing tools that take into account elevation and terrain when planning your journey.

Use Your Climate Controls Sparingly

As with a regular car, using the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in your EV consumes energy and can cause a significant reduction in range. In a gas-powered car, heat is generated naturally by combustion, but an EV generates heat using electrical heating elements, requiring additional power consumption. As a result, using your climate controls sparingly can increase your EV's range dramatically.

To keep you comfortable during Temecula's winter months, switch on your EV's heated seats rather than reaching for the ambient heating controls. Heating your body directly instead of the car's air is more efficient and saves range. Some EVs also include remotely activated climate controls, allowing you to perfect the temperature of your car's cabin from the charging port. Doing this before a journey can help you to increase your effective range.

Charge Up With Mercedes-Benz of Temecula

If you're in the market for a new EV or want to discuss how to get the best out of your existing electric Mercedes-Benz, we at Mercedes-Benz of Temecula in California are here to help. Give us a call at 951-330-3188 to speak to a member of our friendly sales team about any of our EVs that you have your eye on. We're here to answer your questions, help you schedule a test drive, and walk you through the financing and trade-in process. Alternatively, call our service line at 951-355-7074 to discuss your EV's battery life with our service team.