EV owners often report that they don’t get the driving range they expect from their new cars. This can be a concern for new EV buyers. There are several driving habits that can significantly reduce the range of an electric vehicle.
Rapid acceleration can deplete the battery quickly. Using an aggressive driving style, with quick acceleration and sudden braking, puts extra load on the battery, causing higher energy consumption. This in turn affects other parts of the EV. This is true for any car, EV or gasoline-powered, so it’s important to be mindful of how you drive to avoid reduced mileage and range.
Driving at high speeds can also hurt your range. Although EVs offer instant torque and a great driving experience, high speeds can drain the battery quickly. This is more noticeable in EVs than in petrol/diesel vehicles. To preserve range, it’s recommended to drive between 80-100 km/h. Reducing your speed is important for maximizing range.
Another factor is overloading. If an EV carries a load heavier than its specified limit, it will reduce the driving range due to the increased stress on the vehicle. Auto companies and agencies calculate the claimed range of an EV based on several driving factors, but your driving style can reduce the range.