How to increase electric car range?

Electric car range anxiety

One of the most Google’d questions when it comes to electric cars is how long the battery will last in between charges. Although Ireland is gearing up for more electric cars being on the road, there is still a limited number of public charging points.

Of course, each electric car is different, with a range varying from around 100 miles to over 400 miles for some top range electric vehicles. Despite the battery size and efficiency of the electric car, there are some actions that drivers can take which will help answer “how to increase electric car range”.

Are all electric car chargers the same?

Not all electric vehicle chargers are the same, though almost all modern electric cars come with Type 2 sockets which are compatible across all the variations of charger. This is with the exception of a handful of very early models which use a Type 1 charger.

Home chargers require an AC single-phase supply which most Irish homes have and charge at a rate of 7kWh. Public chargers (known as rapid chargers) are usually DC and charge at much faster rates between 50kWh – 150kWh, though usually for a higher cost. Public rapid chargers found at charging stations, are also tens of thousands of pounds in comparison to commercial fast chargers or home chargers which are. fraction of the price.

There are also 22kWh chargers available, (known as Fast Chargers) for your home or workplace, though the premises would require a 3 phase supply to charge at these faster rates. These types of charger are often used on commercial premises. Equally, not all vehicles can charge at these higher rates of AC, so it’s worth checking if your vehicle can handle 22kWh charges. That said, you wouldn’t do any damage plugging into a 22kWh charger, instead your vehicle would simply revert to charging at the slower 7kWh rates.

If you do have a 3 phase supply, we’d recommend opting for a zappi 22kWh charger to utilise faster charging rates, though for most residential homes we’d recommend opting for a zappi 7kWh charger.

Our top tips

Regenerative braking

All electric cars feature regenerative braking. This is a system that uses the electric motor as a generator to send energy back into the battery every time you lift off the accelerator or brush the brakes. By effectively and slowly breaking each time, you can produce small amounts of energy which is diverted by to the battery. Harsh or sudden breaking however will not produce the same effect.

Heating and cooling

Air conditioning and heating your electric car, much the same as a conventional petrol or diesel vehicle uses energy. So to help increase the range of your electric car, you can switch to conditioning your car while it is charging. Most modern electric cars have the option to heat or cool the interior of the vehicle, even when it is stationary. Whilst charging your electric car simply heat or cool your car according to the exterior conditions, getting it to the perfect temperature before setting off. Once on the move, maintaining the temperature will require some energy, but not as much. And therefore helps increase your cars range.

Control your speed

It’s basic physics when it comes to speed, the faster you go, the more energy you will use. Gentle and progressive acceleration to your desired speed is much better for your overall range than trying to get to the speed limit in as quick a time as possible. While it might be tempting to put your foot down and indulge in the quick blasts of power which your new EV capable of, if you’re trying to increase your range, this won’t do you any favours!

Using eco settings

Eco settings in your electric car can help control multiple settings. From the ability to put your foot down and expel energy, to the amount of power which is diverted to controlling other electrics such as the air-con settings. Using ‘eco’ will often disengage with air conditioning compressor which saves battery life and therefore helps increase your electric car range. Another top tip: heated seats use less power to run than the heating system, so pre-condition your car while on charge then engage your heated seats for a warm and comfortable drive while limiting your energy usage.

The lowdown

So have we helped to answer the burning question of how to increase electric car range?

Just remember to follow these top tips:

Slow down
Be gentle on the pedal
Pre-condition to the right climate while on charge
Switch to eco-mode
Plan your journey in advance

Products featured in this guide

zappi

Discover zappi

Contact our team

Get in touch with us today if you have a question about any of our products.-

+353 12 003003
ireland.admin@myenergi.com
1a Maple Drive, Bundoran Donegal Ireland

Get in Touch