How to Drive on a Battery Longer in 5 Easy Steps
Electric cars and their batteries are different. Some electric car batteries last longer than others. That's why it's important to take the time to find out as much information as possible about your battery and your vehicle. However, there are general guidelines that will extend the life of your battery.
Despite the modifications that battery manufacturers offer for different brands of electric vehicles, they even recommend following general guidelines. Following simple operational guidelines not only extends battery life but also affects range.
Today, every mid-priced electric car has a range of about 150 km. This is enough to drive safely around town for several days without recharging. Even though EV manufacturers are improving battery performance, most battery car owners still worry about getting stuck in the middle of the road. To avoid the worry, there are a few simple tips that can extend the range of your electric car at any time of the year.
In the summer, if possible, open the windows or sunroof instead of the air conditioning. Fuel economy is especially important in sub-zero temperatures. Lithium-ion batteries drain much faster in winter, and some manufacturers have solved this problem by installing a heating system. It promotes normal operation by preventing the batteries from freezing or cooling down too quickly. For most EV owners, however, this problem is acute.
Absolutely all EV manufacturers recommend using lower power modes of operation to conserve battery capacity. For example, they recommend using the interior heater in energy-saving mode and heating the EV while it is charging, so that the already reduced battery capacity doesn't deplete even faster in the winter.
You should also check the technical condition of your electric vehicle before the cold season begins. If the fluids used are designed for the upcoming temperatures and what condition the suspension and wheels are in. For winter tires, you should pay attention to the shape, depth, and pattern of the tread and keep an eye on the tire pressure. These factors not only affect range but are also important for safe driving.
Lightweight electric vehicles will benefit somewhat less because they can't defy the laws of physics to the same extent as larger vehicles. Regeneration capacity not only allows for greater range but also saves braking reserves.
Regeneration is an equally important recommendation. Regenerative systems recover energy from braking. However, the effectiveness of this braking depends on driving conditions, terrain, driving style, and vehicle size.
"Charging" a car is not as expensive as people claim. You can charge it on your home power grid or in most public parking lots. Proper car maintenance doesn't cost much. And the range is enough to keep the battery charged for at least a few days while driving around town. For more information on costs, visit https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/articles/fotw-1149-august-31-2020-cost-charging-electric-vehicle-united-states.
Many drivers still see electric cars as a liability: they are difficult to repair, there is nowhere to charge them, electricity is expensive, and we don't know how long they will last. However, those who decide to buy an electric car, even as a second car, are often happy with their purchase.
Every manufacturer of electric vehicles equips their batteries with a protection system called "battery buffer". This protection system means that only a certain percentage of the battery capacity is available to the driver. For example, if the battery capacity is 20 kW⋅h, the driver will have access to 16 kW⋅h. This means that charging an electric car from 0 to 100% will be equivalent to charging from 10 to 80%. This protection system slows down battery degradation considerably.
There is a statement recommending that electric vehicles be charged with NEMA 14-50 chargers at a temperature no higher than 4/5. The reason is that charging from 0% to 100% is the most intense for a lithium-ion battery. For more information on costs, visit https://evadept.com/nema-14-50-ev-charger-buyers-guide/
Although it is tempting to use maximum torque from the start, remember that a soft start saves the battery considerably. Despite the long range, many electric car owners still try to be sensible about battery consumption. This way, you can not only meet the mileage promised by the manufacturer but also drive a lot more. And the first thing you need to do is to start saving.
Like heating, air conditioning systems use up battery reserves quickly. In the warmer months, if possible, open windows or a sunroof are preferable to turning on the air conditioner.
Depending on the time of year, it is also worth prioritizing the use of cooling and heating systems in the passenger compartment. In sub-zero temperatures, for example, many owners prefer to use seat and steering wheel heaters rather than the heater, if one is included.
By following the manufacturers' recommendations and listening to the advice of owners, it is possible not only to increase range but also to extend the battery life of an electric car. Of course, don't assume that the range will be significantly longer, but don't worry about stopping due to sudden battery discharge either. Almost all batteries come with a manufacturer's warranty of at least 5 years and a certain number of miles. If you buy a used electric car, you need to know how it has been treated. If the electric car has been used properly and the mileage is as stated and within the norm, you don't have to worry about a sudden stop or rapid degradation of the battery. Plan your route by planning it in advance with https://plugshare.com
If you have to drive long distances, avoid hilly and mountainous terrain as much as possible and choose a road with an optimal speed range.
The easiest ways to improve efficiency are to avoid unnecessary items in the boot and minimize the number of optional external accessories. They work particularly well in combination with tire pressure monitoring and route planning.
Know your car better and use high-quality Level 2 charging stations, such as NEMA 14-50 chargers for domestic electric vehicles. This will allow the batteries to degrade more slowly than at public fast-charging stations.