Tips to improve the range of your electric car on your trips

The range of an electric car is something that often worries owners of this type of vehicle. And if the plan is to go on holiday and make long journeys, that worry grows. However, the charging infrastructure has already expanded and there are now plenty of charging points to travel with a reasonable sense of security. There are also ways to gain several extra kilometres from the battery charge.

If you follow these tips, you will be able to cover more kilometres on the same charge, since the battery is used more efficiently. You will be able to reach the next charger and drive much more safely on the road, which matters on quite long journeys, without needing to worry about range.

The main tip we can give you is to keep an eye on the weight you are carrying. The heavier the car, the more energy it consumes. Luggage can be a source of consumption that often goes unnoticed, so it is worth controlling to avoid carrying excess weight. Another measure is to plan your route. A route that includes a mountain pass will reduce your range compared with one with gentler gradients. Bends also have an impact, so it is better to choose a route that avoids all of these factors.

Before setting off, it is advisable to switch on the climate control while the car is plugged into the mains. That way the cabin will be ready and at the temperature you want when you start the journey, without using battery energy. And once the route is programmed, the car is charged and all passengers are seated, that is the moment to unplug the charger.

You should never do it before having all of this in place, because that way you avoid using a little energy on preparations, which can cut into your range. And once you are ready to move off, that is when you can start the motor and begin driving. While you are on the road, keep in mind the driving mode you are using.

Electric cars have several driving modes. Usually, there is one mode that prioritises energy saving, and this can be a good choice so as not to use more energy than necessary on the journey. If you opt for the driving mode that delivers the most power, energy consumption is higher and range drops considerably.

In addition, if you use the regenerative braking system, you can slightly increase the number of kilometres you can cover. This is not a solution that will let you reach your destination with a full battery, but it helps you gain a few extra kilometres.

These tips will help you reach your destination without too many problems and without having to worry about running the battery down to its limit.