With the growing popularity of electric vehicles in global and Arab markets, getting the most range from every charge has become a top priority for EV owners-whether for daily use or long trips. The distance your car travels on a single charge is the most important factor in the electric driving experience, and it depends greatly on driving habits, air conditioning use, battery care, and even weather conditions. In this article, we present ten tried-and-true tips to help you maximize your EV’s range and enjoy a more economical, confident drive.
Drive Smoothly and Avoid Sudden Acceleration
Smooth driving is the first key to reducing energy consumption. The calmer your driving-free of sharp acceleration or sudden braking-the less battery you’ll use. Try to press the accelerator pedal gradually and avoid rapid starts or abrupt stops. This habit not only saves energy but also extends battery life and reduces tire and brake wear.
Watch Your Speed and Stick to Moderate Speeds
High speed is the number one enemy of electric range. The faster you go, the more energy is consumed due to air resistance. Try to drive at moderate speeds-ideally under 100 km/h on highways-for the best efficiency. Maintaining a steady speed with cruise control (if available) also helps reduce battery consumption.
Use Regenerative Braking
Most modern EVs are equipped with regenerative braking, which returns some energy to the battery when decelerating or going downhill. Anticipate stops and lift your foot off the accelerator early to activate regenerative braking instead of traditional braking, which can noticeably increase your range.
Limit Air Conditioning and Heating Use
Air conditioning and heating systems consume a significant amount of battery power. On mild days, use natural ventilation or open windows instead of running the AC. In winter, use seat or steering wheel heaters instead of heating the whole cabin, as these use less energy.
Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and energy consumption. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep it at the manufacturer’s recommended level. Proper tires not only extend your range but also improve safety and reduce tire wear.
Plan Your Route to Avoid Traffic and Hills
Choosing less congested and flatter routes reduces energy use. Use smart navigation apps to select the most efficient route for your trip and avoid frequent stops and heavy traffic whenever possible. Flat roads are much better for range than hilly or crowded ones.
Reduce Vehicle Weight and Carry Only Essentials
The heavier your car or the more unnecessary cargo you carry, the more energy you use. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk and avoid carrying heavy loads unless needed. Even roof racks or bike carriers affect aerodynamics and increase consumption.
Turn Off Unnecessary Devices and Accessories
Every extra electrical device-screens, phone chargers, extra lighting, or powerful sound systems-draws from your battery. Use only what you need while driving, and try to minimize accessory use, especially on long trips.
Keep Battery Charge Between 20% and 80%
Avoid frequent full charges or deep discharges, as this helps maintain battery efficiency and extends its life, which positively impacts your car’s overall range. Partial charging is best for daily use, while a full charge is preferable only before long trips.
Take Advantage of Software Updates and Regular Maintenance
Keep your car’s system updated, as some manufacturers release updates to improve energy management and battery efficiency. Don’t neglect regular maintenance to ensure all systems-especially cooling and battery thermal management-are working efficiently.
Maximizing your EV’s range isn’t just about battery size-it’s directly linked to your daily driving habits, maintenance, and smart use of your car’s features. Follow these tips and you’ll notice a clear difference in your range, enjoy greater peace of mind, reduce the need for frequent charging, and make your electric driving experience more enjoyable and reassuring.
Tamara is an editor who has been working in the automotive field for over 3 years. She is also an automotive journalist and presenter; she shoots car reviews and tips on her social media platforms. She has a translation degree, and she also works as a freelance translator, copywriter, voiceover artist, and video editor. She’s taken automotive OBD Scanner and car diagnosis courses, and she’s also worked as an automotive sales woman for a year, in addition to completing an internship with Skoda Lebanon for 2 months. She also has been in the marketing field for over 2 years, and she also create social media content for small businesses.
