Why does my electric car's range keep changing?
There are so many factors that affect an electric vehicle's range. These include the weather, driving conditions, your driving style over a period of time and your driving style on any given journey. For example, harsh braking or acceleration will negatively impact range, just as it affects fuel economy on a petrol or diesel car. How loaded the car is will also make a difference, as will the use of various systems such as heating or air conditioning. The luxury of heated seats is one you should consider going without if maximum range is your primary goal!
Varying between different driving modes will also affect range: unsurprisingly, eco mode will be the most economical, which typically limits power but is still very usable for most.
How can I plan longer journeys or holidays with confidence in my EV?
The key to successful journeys taken by EVs is excellent planning, efficient driving habits and good knowledge of the charging networks.
First and stating the obvious make sure the car is fully charged before departing for your big trip. Practice efficient driving in the weeks leading up to your journey to help maximise range and take note of your typical mileage on a full charge.
It's great to identify the best rapid chargers en route, but also make sure you have a back-up plan, just in case. And it's worth checking which charging providers need an account (rather than straightforward contactless payment) to use their equipment, to make it as effortless as possible.
What do the different driving modes in an EV do?
Most cars have a choice of driving modes these days, but there are two that are most relevant to EV drivers: eco mode and regenerative braking.
Eco mode makes the car more energy efficient, for example by reducing acceleration response, meaning you will speed up a little slower. Ultimately, this is the mode to choose for maximum range.
Regenerative braking uses the energy created by braking to top up the battery, extending your range. Some EVs let you choose different levels of regenerative braking. It can take a while to adjust to driving in this mode, but it can be a very calm way of driving once you get the knack of it. It is ideal in stop/start urban journeys.
To learn more about EV, watch the Lifestyle EV series on YouTube.
