How to Improve Electric Vehicle Battery Range: Tips & Tricks

How to Improve Electric Vehicle Battery Range: Tips & Tricks

EVs have become a popular choice due to their environmental benefits. They also use less fuel, which saves them money in terms of economy. However, many potential buyers’ primary concerns about EVs involve battery ranges. Understanding how to improve electric vehicle battery range is crucial because EV owners tend to want an excellent driving experience and the benefits available from an EV.

This blog looks at a few simple, effective ways to improve the range of an electric vehicle battery. This will help you make longer trips and avoid running out of power on the highway.

Understanding Electric Vehicle Battery Range

Let’s talk about extending the range of your electric vehicle, but first, let’s understand how different factors can influence the range of an electric vehicle. The range is described as the distance an electric vehicle can travel using a single charge. There are many factors affecting the range: the size and capacity of the battery, the driving habits, the weather, and the weight of the vehicle.

The manufacturers give the estimated range of EVs. However, the actual range varies significantly based on various conditions in real life. Proper understanding and practice will help in optimising the electric vehicle battery range in India and other places.

There are two, three and four-wheelers. Electric two-wheelers are mainly used for personal commuting, electric three wheelers are widely used for cargo and passenger transportation, and electric four-wheelers are used for both personal and commercial purposes. Each type of EV has a varying battery range according to its design, weight, and capacity.

How to Improve Electric Vehicle Battery Range: Best Practices

1. Drive Your EV Efficiently

One of the most significant factors that affect electric vehicle battery life is your driving style. To maximise your EV’s range, follow these tips:

  • Accelerate smoothly: Rapid acceleration drains the battery quickly. Try to accelerate gently and gradually to conserve energy.
  • Maintain a constant speed: Try to keep your speed consistent rather than constantly speeding up and slowing down. This will reduce energy consumption and extend battery life.
  • Avoid sudden braking: Hard braking consumes more energy and reduces efficiency. Instead, use regenerative braking to recover energy when slowing down.

By adopting these driving habits, you can significantly increase the range of your EV.

2. Maintain Electric Vehicle Battery Life with Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential for ensuring that your EV’s battery continues to perform at its best. A well-maintained electric vehicle battery can last longer and provide a better range. Here are some maintenance tips:

  • Check tyre pressure regularly: Low tyre pressure increases rolling resistance, which can drain the battery faster. Keep your tyres inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Battery conditioning: Over time, the battery may degrade. Regular battery conditioning, as per the manufacturer’s guidelines, can help maintain the health of your EV battery and improve its range.
  • Software updates: Many EV manufacturers offer software updates that optimise the battery’s performance. For the best results, keep your EV’s software up to date.

3. Follow the Prescribed Load Capacity

Every electric vehicle comes with a recommended load capacity. Overloading your EV will make the motor work harder, reducing the battery’s efficiency and shortening its range. To maximise battery performance, follow the manufacturer’s prescribed load limits.

For example, the popular electric cargo vehicle, the Mahindra Treo Zor, has a range of 80 km and a 550 kg load capacity. Exceeding this weight will result in a significantly lower range. Always keep your load within the vehicle’s specified capacity.

4. Plan Routes and Charging Stops

Planning your trips can help you improve the range of your electric vehicle. By selecting the most efficient route and considering charging stations along the way, you can avoid unexpectedly running out of power.

EV route planning apps are a great way to find charging stations and plan your stops. If you buy an electric three-wheeler from Turno, for instance, you get access to a free interactive telematics mobile app that monitors your EV battery range in real-time. This app helps you keep track of the battery status and plan your routes accordingly.

5. Avoid Extreme Weather Conditions

Both extreme heat and cold can affect the performance of your electric vehicle’s battery. In hot weather, the battery can overheat, causing it to lose efficiency. Cold temperatures can cause the battery to perform poorly and reduce the range.

To maintain your EV battery’s efficiency, try to avoid charging or driving your vehicle in extreme weather. If possible, park your EV in a shaded area during hot weather or inside a garage to protect it from the cold.

6. Mindful Use of Your EV Battery

Experts suggest that you do not allow your electric vehicle battery to discharge completely. Running the battery down to 0% can shorten its lifespan and reduce its overall efficiency. The ideal practice is to recharge the battery when it reaches 20–30%. Additionally, for optimal performance, try to keep the battery’s charge level between 80% and 85%.

7. Maximize EV Battery Life with Charging Best Practices

How you charge your electric vehicle is just as important as how you drive it. Follow these tips to extend the life of your EV battery:

  • Avoid fast charging frequently: While fast charging is convenient, it can generate excess heat and degrade the battery over time. Use slow charging whenever possible.
  • Charge in the right temperature range: Charging your EV in extreme temperatures can affect battery performance. Charge your EV in moderate conditions to ensure a longer battery life.

By following these simple charging practices, you can extend the lifespan of your EV battery and maintain its range.

8. Use Regenerative Braking to Improve Efficiency

Regenerative braking is a feature in most electric vehicles that helps recharge the battery while slowing down the vehicle. This process captures the kinetic energy that would otherwise be lost during braking and converts it into electrical energy, which is then stored in the battery.

By using regenerative braking effectively, you can not only extend the battery life but also improve the overall efficiency of your electric vehicle, giving you an increased range of an electric vehicle.

9. Upgrade Your EV Battery

If you’re serious about extending your electric vehicle battery life and improving its range, consider upgrading to a higher-capacity battery. Many EV manufacturers offer battery upgrades that provide a longer range. However, this option can be expensive, so it’s important to weigh the cost against the potential benefits.

If you’re unsure whether upgrading your battery is the right choice, consult with a professional or the manufacturer to assess the best options for your EV.

How to Improve Electric Vehicle Battery Range in India

The electric vehicle market in India is growing rapidly, with several models offering an impressive battery range. However, various factors, such as traffic, road conditions, and weather, can affect the EV battery range in India.

Here are some tips to improve the electric vehicle battery range in India:

  • Choose the right EV model: Different electric vehicles have different ranges. Choose a model with a range that suits your needs, considering the traffic and road conditions in your area.
  • Plan your routes: Routes can become congested in cities with heavy traffic, draining the battery faster. Plan your routes to avoid traffic-heavy areas and save battery power.
  • Optimise charging stations: Use the growing network of public charging stations across India. Many cities now have fast-charging infrastructure that can help you recharge your EV quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

Improving the electric vehicle battery range is essential for a better driving experience. By following the above tips and tricks, you can ensure that your EV operates at maximum efficiency, saving you both time and money in the long run.

Remember, adopting efficient driving habits, maintaining your EV regularly, and mindfully using your battery can significantly improve the range of your electric vehicle. If you’re in India, consider factors like weather and traffic conditions to get the most out of your electric vehicle.

By making these small changes, you can maximise your EV’s range, reduce your environmental footprint, and enjoy a longer-lasting battery. So, gear up for an eco-friendly ride that takes you farther with a well-maintained electric vehicle battery!