Seven tips for driving efficiently in an EV

The EV revolution is in full swing, and it's pretty exciting! More and more folks are making the switch to EV, and they quickly get used to driving their new car. But if you have only ever driven a petrol or diesel vehicle there are differences.

We’ve used our extensive knowledge to put together a short guide to efficient driving for those unfamiliar with EVs. With our help, you can get behind the wheel of your EV and enjoy the journey knowing you’re making the most of your car battery and keeping it in good shape.

Understand your EV’s range

Before hitting the road, it's crucial to know the range of your electric car, which is the distance it can travel on a single charge. Keep in mind that factors like weather, driving habits, and terrain can impact your car's range. Plan your trips accordingly and make sure you have a good understanding of where charging stations are located along your route.

Keep your EV well-maintained

Before starting any trip, whether it's long or short, make it a habit to regularly check your car's tyres. Some cars have a feature that tells you if the tyre pressure is low, but it's useful to visually inspect them every couple of months. Tyres naturally lose a bit of air over time, so consult your car's manual to find out the correct tyre pressure.

If your tyre pressure is too low, it can make your brakes less effective, affect your comfort while driving, and increase the chances of accidents. If you're unsure how to add air to your tyres, take your car to a garage or ask an EV specialist for professional help and guidance.

Make sure you regular service your EV and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for servicing, ensuring every component, including the battery, operates at peak efficiency.

Plan in advance and choose the right route

Apart from keeping your EV well-maintained, planning your trips is a big deal for efficient driving. A useful tip is to use your favourite GPS app to pick a route that's good for the environment, more direct, and involves slower driving to save battery power.

You could also make your trip more interesting by planning a scenic route that includes a break for charging. To find charging stations easily, just download the bp pulse app. Planning these charging stops can also help reduce worries about how far your EV can go on one charge. Plus, it gives you a chance to take a break, grab a coffee, and then get back on the road refreshed.

Adopt efficient driving habits

When you're behind the wheel of your EV, there are some nifty habits you can adopt to make your drive smoother and more efficient. First off, try to drive smoothly and always keep your eyes on the road ahead. This helps you anticipate traffic and slow down gradually instead of slamming on the brakes, which can be a bit risky for you and other drivers.

Accelerating slowly is also an efficient driving habit, as EV range can drop dramatically at higher speeds, as you use more power so go easy on the pedal.

Now, if you're cruising down a long, flat road with no hills in sight, why not give your right foot a break? Many EVs come with cruise control, so you can just set your speed and let the car do the work. It's a great way to save some energy and keep things steady on the road.

Use regenerative braking

Regenerative braking is a technology used in electric and hybrid vehicles that converts some of the energy lost during braking into electricity, which is then stored in the vehicle's battery. It works most efficiently when you’re driving in traffic. So, if the system is available in your vehicle, engaging in regenerative braking allows your car to recover energy, as you decelerate – another reason that slower braking is a good habit to develop.

Control your climate

Heating and cooling an EV can use a lot of energy so try to use it efficiently. In hot weather consider pre-conditioning your car. This means that you adjust your settings and determine the temperature you want while your EV is charging. In turn, you get into a comfortable car, ready to embark on your journey and your battery’s power is conserved. Similarly in cold weather you can adopt the same habits or if your EV has it use seat and steering wheel heaters as they are more energy-efficient than heating the whole car.

Monitor your energy consumption

Many electric cars provide real-time information on energy consumption. Pay attention to this data, as it can help you understand how your driving habits affect your car's efficiency. You can adjust your driving style accordingly to maximize your EV's range.

By following these tips and adopting a more mindful approach to your driving habits, you can maximise your EV’s range, and enjoy a smoother and more cost-effective driving experience.