Battery range is top of mind for most electric vehicle owners and potential buyers. That is why it is important to know where the battery power in your electric car is going, and how to preserve drains on your EV battery.
Driving
Driving your electric car will always drain the battery. The purpose of any EV battery is to provide power to propel the car along the road. Higher speeds require more energy than lower speeds. Additionally, the general rate at which driving will drain the battery varies based on how much energy you use on other power-draining items in this list.
Steady driving at highway speed drains the battery much faster than driving in stop-and-go traffic. Electric cars have regenerative braking systems that put some energy back into the battery when coasting and braking. So, unlike gas-powered cars, EVs typically get better mileage driving in the city compared to cruising down the interstate.
Acceleration
How hard you press the pedal greatly impacts your battery range. Higher acceleration requires a significant burst of energy. This surge is especially noticeable in vehicles with a boost button or other quick-power features. Smooth acceleration helps support a longer battery range. If you’re trying to maximize every charge in your EV, go easy on the “go” pedal.
Weather Conditions
Environmental conditions will cause your battery range to fluctuate. Weather-related battery drain can especially be a serious issue for EV drivers in cold climates as frigid temperatures can drain the battery significantly faster. EV range can drop by up to 32% in freezing temperatures, so you’ll likely need to charge your EV more frequently during the winter months. This is important to keep in mind if the full range of the EV is needed for it to be usable in everyday driving.
Heat and Air Conditioning
Controlling the cabin and battery temperature is the biggest power drain second to driving the vehicle. Unlike gas-powered automobiles which use the heat from engines to keep the car cabin warm, turning up the heat for comfort requires more energy from the battery during periods of extreme cold. Similarly, blasting the air conditioner when it’s hot outside cuts the battery range.
While running the heat may drain the battery, turning on the heated seats uses much less energy. This feature typically operates by warming up a heating element, which doesn’t require any fans to move the air around. Getting those circulation fans spinning can cause some battery drain, whereas just turning on the heated seat heating element barely uses the battery.
Weight
Just as the size of a car, the total passenger load, and how much cargo is being hauled all play a role in fuel economy for gas-powered vehicles, the same goes for vehicle range and draining the battery in EVs. Batteries expend less energy to move lighter loads, so keep that in mind during your next road trip. Pack light if your goal is to stop less often for a recharge. EV drivers wanting better battery efficiency can follow some of the same tips for hypermiling with gas cars. For example, keeping unnecessary gear and heavy things out of the vehicle can help extend the time between charging sessions.
Navigation and Infotainment Systems
Today’s larger dashboard infotainment systems require more energy to operate than those from a few years ago. If your EV has screens for the rear passengers and if you use USB ports to charge electronic devices, these can also contribute to draining your battery. Still, using all these electronic safety features in a new electric car might equate to about a mile of range per hour of driving, which is likely worth it to make driving safer and more comfortable.
Identify Your Battery Usage
Many electric vehicles have features that show what functions of the car are using the most battery power. You also may be able to check key statistics such as battery health and average range per trip. Consult your owner’s manual or mobile app (if applicable) to start maximizing your battery range with every drive.
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