How to optimise your electric car driving

When you’re driving an electric vehicle (EV) there are many ways that you can maximise its range. One of these is how fast you drive your EV. CTEK has some useful tips on how you optimise your electric car driving, to increase efficiency and maximise range. 

Firstly, you probably already know this but let’s just make it clear - your driving speed has a direct impact on an EV’s range.  The faster you drive your vehicle, the more energy will be consumed – so in other words you will drain the battery quicker and, in less km reducing driving range.  

So, what’s the optimal speed when driving an EV? This differs depending on what type of vehicle you are driving, but the optimal speed is usually 80-100 km/h. If you drive at this speed, the energy consumption will be minimized, so you can travel further on a single charge.  

However, this speed might not always be possible especially if you are traveling on the highways. In these cases, you need to use some strategies to maximise your EV’s range. Here are five top tips for driving on the highway.  

Avoid aggressive acceleration 

If you accelerate aggressively, it increases the amount of energy that your EV consumes. The regeneration in the car becomes the braking effect, this makes your car slow down and the energy this creates is recycled back into the battery. You should also try to accelerate smoothly and gradually to minimize the energy consumption.  

Use the vehicle’s regenerative braking feature 

A lot of EV’s have a regenerative braking system which allows the vehicle to capture energy from the vehicle’s motion and use it to charge the battery when reducing speed. By using this feature, you can help to extend your EV’s range. 

Plan your route in advance 

When you know where you’re going, you can plan a route that takes advantage of your EV’s range. If you’re planning ahead, you can make sure you have plenty of time to reach your destination, so you won’t have to drive at a higher speed for longer periods of time - which can drain your battery.  

Avoid using features that consume energy 

Features in your vehicle such as air conditioning or the heating system, can drain your battery faster. This will consume more energy and affect your EV’s range. When you’re driving, try to limit your use of these features if you want to maximise your vehicle’s range.  

Keep the battery within 20-80% SoC 

"Battery Leveling" is a common practice among EV owners. 

By keeping the battery within the 20-80% range, you can ensure that you are getting the fastest possible charging times while also maximizing the battery's lifespan. However, it's important to note that the exact level that best suits your EV may vary, so it's always best to consult the manufacturer's guidelines for specific recommendations.  

For the fastest possible charge, always make sure to navigate to the next charger as the car's battery will then be preheated and will charge faster.