Adrian Answers Our Questions About EV Range
If you talk to anyone about electric vehicles, especially if they’re thinking of making the switch from diesel or petrol to an EV – one thing that always comes up is their range. We thought we’d delve a little deeper by asking Adrian to explain more…
Adrian – we know that miles per gallon is used to measure range with petrol and diesel vehicles but how is it measured with EVs?
Well EV manufacturers quote a figure called WLTP, which stands for Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure. It’s the most recent testing process for measuring new car fuel economy, electric driving range and emissions.
You drive an EV – don’t you? How does it measure up in terms of range?
Yes, I do – so my EV has a WLTP of 286 miles on a full charge and I definitely get this in the summer and a lot more too. In fact, my best ever range was 333 miles. However, you do have to take into account that in the depth of the winter when temperatures really fall this drops significantly, probably by as much as 30%. That’s definitely something that you do have to bear in mind.
How do you manage in the winter then, when the range drops?
It can be a little annoying, but it’s not something you can’t overcome. You just have to plan your journeys in advance so that you can combine a comfort break on long distances with a charge top up.
Is there anything you can do to make the power last longer?
Absolutely – there are tricks of the trade that will definitely help you eke out a few extra miles.
Really – what’s your biggest tip?
When temperatures drop – heating is a real battery killer, so, where you can, pre-heat your vehicle while it’s tethered to the mains. It’s really good that most have an app to help you do this, so you don’t even need to venture out in the cold. Once you’re in the driving seat, if it’s only you in the vehicle, think about restricting the heat to just your zone – you won’t drain the battery as much then. If you have heated seats and steering wheel, put them on, you will be amazed how effective they are and the bonus is, neither affect range!
What about our own driving style – is there anything we can do to help ourselves?
Your own driving style is actually key to preserving range. In fact, most EV’s actually predict range based on your previous driving style. Here are a few things to help you. They may seem obvious, but they’re worth mentioning as they definitely work:
- Remove any unwanted weight, in the boot for example – snow is heavy so remove it from the roof and bonnet!
- Accelerate smoothly.
- Aim for a ‘slow-to-flow’ style – by that I mean avoid repeated stop/start situations
- Driving at 70 mph reduces range by about 30% compared to say 50 mph – slow down
- Use the eco setting, rather than sport.
- Maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front – that avoids heavy braking!
- Use the maximum regen setting, unless you are on snow and ice.
Is there anything else we should be aware of?
Charging also takes longer when it’s really cold, so on long journeys that does need to be taken into account and unless you absolutely need that 100% of charge, top up to 80%. That will preserve the battery and, the last 20%, from 80 % to 100% actually takes the longest.
Thanks Adrian – is there anything else you want to tell us?
That 333 miles I mentioned earlier was down to considering those very factors, plus not being in a hurry I cruised at 50 to 60 on the motorway, rather than 70 and, I got to my destination, a trip of around 200 miles, in about the same time too! EV’s are packed with amazing technology, if you get the settings right, and develop a defensive style of driving, you will smash the WLTP in the summer, and get some extra range in the winter.
If you or your staff are about to start driving EV’s for the first time and you want to find out more we run specific training courses which will help. To find out more go to: https://www.adrianhideconsultancy.co.uk/e-learning/
