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Weather is finally warming up and as we welcome back summer, this is the perfect time to start planning your next road trips. However, if you’re driving an electric vehicle, warm weather can have an impact on your EV range as it can affect the rate and efficiency of the chemical reactions inside a battery. In other words, higher temperatures can lead to faster degradation.
According to research carried out by AAA, temperature alone could reduce range by 10-12%, with use of in-car climate control increasing that loss to 40%.
However, are you wondering what can you do to maximise your EV range?
In this blog, we’ve outlined some of the ways you can make the most out of your car’s battery and get prepared for your next road trips:
- Check the temperature
If you’re charging your EV at home, one of the best features of your vehicle is pre-conditioning. Pre-conditioning allows you to pre-heat or pre-cool the interior of your vehicle before setting off through a button on your smartphone app.
Given that your vehicle is plugged into a charging point, the electricity for pre-conditioning is taken from the mains rather than from your vehicle, thus helping you save energy and start your journey with a full battery.
In terms of your battery range, pre-conditioning is helpful, as you won’t have to blast the aircon straight away as you get in the car and you won’t lose your battery capacity.
2. Avoid Rapid Chargers
If you usually charge your EV at home or at work, then a good suggestion is to avoid using rapid chargers in order to maximise your driving range.
Rapid Chargers cause the battery to heat up quickly, therefore, your cooling system starts and that can affect your battery range.
3. Watch the weight
Going on a road trip is always an exciting moment, however, the more luggage you add to your EV’s boot or rack, the more energy your vehicle will use in order to keep moving.
To maximise your fuel efficiency and driving range, make sure you only pack the essentials, and you don’t overload your car with heavy luggage. Travelling light will help decrease your energy consumption and ensure your range is being used efficiently. Therefore, make sure you remove any bike racks from your vehicle or any large boxes from your boot and take only what you need with you.
4. Make use of all your EV’s features
Understanding your EV settings and facilities can make a difference in the way your car performs and it will improve your range.
If you’re an EV owner, your vehicle will most likely have an ‘Eco’ mode, designed to optimise your energy consumption and preserve your car’s battery. The Eco mode can regulate your acceleration, the air conditioning, as well as limit the braking to ensure your energy consumption won’t increase over the limit.
If you’re unsure about your EV’s instructions, make sure you read the car’s handbook to improve your battery performance.
5. Keep your EV plugged in during the night
Contrary to popular belief, keeping your EV plugged in during the night won’t overcharge your battery. The battery management system won’t allow overcharging and will avoid draining the battery for all the electrical processes.
For instance, if you keep your car switched off overnight, you can still notice that the battery has dropped in the morning. The reason behind it is that the cooling of the battery is still taking place along with other processes, which causes the levels to decrease.
If you’re owning an EV or you’re thinking to go electric, installing a charging point at your premises is one of the best things to ensure your battery range remains effective. Our Electricians pride themselves on the quality of their work, and our company’s aims are to maintain high standards of workmanship and customer care at all times.
With many years of expertise, our engineers can install a smart charging wall unit named the Rolec WallPod:EV HomeSmart at your home. Weatherproof, corrosion resistant, fire retardant and with an impact-resistant design available in 30 different colour combinations, this charging unit can also be controlled via a smartphone or web-enabled device, allowing you to monitor and record all its charging activity, data and history.
Let EV Charging Company help you start your EV journey today. Contact our team of experts on 01625 569574 or email [email protected]
