What affects electric car range and how can you improve it

EVs are known for their long driving range and high energy efficiency. However, the range advertised by manufacturers is often based on ideal testing conditions.

The real world EV range shows the actual distance an EV vehicle can travel on a full battery in everyday driving situations.

This figure can be lower than the official estimate because it accounts for various real-world factors like your driving style and topography.

Understanding what affects your electric car range is the first step towards maximising it.

Aggressive driving can dramatically increase your energy consumption. When you hit hard on the accelerator or go into Sport mode, your battery energy depletes much quicker than when you were driving at a constant high speed. So to improve your EV battery range, we recommend that you go easy on the accelerator and opt for the steady EV-friendly driving style.

A smooth approach to driving is always more efficient. Avoid rapid acceleration and sudden braking whenever possible. Anticipating traffic flow helps you maintain a consistent speed which puts less strain on the battery and helps increase EV range.

The outside temperature also affects your electric car range. In extreme hot or cold weather, EV batteries require higher energy consumption to operate.

How hot weather affects EV range

An EV battery's cooling system must work harder to prevent overheating and damage to the battery cells in hot weather conditions. This diverts energy from propelling the vehicle, which reduces your car's overall range.

How cold weather affects EV range

Similarly, cold weather significantly reduces your EV range. The chemical reactions inside the battery slow down at lower temperatures making them less efficient. Your vehicle will also use a considerable amount of energy to heat the cabin and the battery itself which further drains power.

Topography and terrains

The landscape you drive on has a direct impact on your electric car range. Driving uphill requires a lot of energy to overcome gravity which drains the battery much faster than driving on flat ground. While some of this energy can be recovered when driving downhill through regenerative braking, the net effect of a hilly route is usually a reduction in range.

The surface of the road also plays a role. Driving on rough or poorly maintained roads creates more resistance for your tyres. This means the motor must work harder and use more energy compared to driving on smooth tarmac.

Tyres

Your tyres are a critical link between your car and the road and they significantly affect your EV battery range. The rolling resistance of a tyre which is the energy required to keep it moving, is a key factor. Tyres with low rolling resistance are designed to improve energy efficiency.

Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance which leads to higher energy consumption. It is essential to check your tyre pressure regularly and ensure it matches the manufacturer's recommendation. The right tyres can make a noticeable difference in how far you can travel on a single charge.

Adapting to these EV-friendly driving tips can make all the difference to your electric car range.

Drive smoothly

To increase your electric car range, avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking. It is recommended that you anticipate the pace of the traffic and maintain a steady pace for better energy efficiency.

Use regenerative braking

Lifting off the accelerator early allows the regenerative braking system to send more power back to the battery. For the best results, use the highest regenerative setting in long city traffic.

Precondition your car

Heat or cool your cabin while your car is still connected to the charger. This uses the power directly from the power grid instead of your car’s battery and helps it reach its ideal temperature before you take off.

Investing in the right tyres is a smart way to enhance your driving experience and reduce EV range anxiety. Original Equipment (OE) tyres like Michelin e-Primacy and Michelin Pilot Sport EV are designed with special compounds to extend your electric car range without compromising on traction, handling and longevity. In fact, all Michelin tyres are EV-ready, so you can choose the right tyre for your vehicle with confidence.