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Sustainability

How to avoid EV range anxiety

The range of a fully electric vehicle (EV) – how far it can travel on a single charge – is often a primary concern both for those managing fleets and their drivers, owing to the common misconception that EVs can't travel long distances. However, over the last decade, advancements in battery technology have significantly increased the typical range from what was previously as low as 75-200 miles to what today is from 150 to 400 miles (depending on the vehicle chosen), thus quelling much of the anxiety surrounding the distance they are able to travel.

What range do EVs have?

The driving range of an EV refers to the distance it can travel on a single full charge. The range varies widely depending on the vehicle model, battery size, driving conditions, and even the weather. However, there's good news — the ranges of modern EVs have been continuously improving and can now compete with conventional petrol or diesel vehicles.

 

Generally, the range for most current EVs falls between 150 and 400 miles, thanks to continual advancements in battery technology and energy efficiency. In fact, some high-end EV models now offer ranges exceeding 400 miles on a single charge.

 

However, there is a caveat. The stated range is often under ideal driving conditions. In real-world conditions, factors such as weather, driving style, road gradients, usage of heating or air conditioning, and the vehicle's load can impact the range.

How to extend EV range?

To get the most out of your EVs and maximise their range, several factors need to be considered:

Take care of your battery

The health of the EV's battery directly impacts its range. Try to keep the state of charge (SoC) between 10 and 80% — only going to 100% for long journeys. And while rapid chargers are convenient, use them sparingly to avoid overheating and degrading the battery.

Avoid extreme temperatures

EV batteries perform best between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. Extreme temperatures can affect the battery performance and hence the range. In hot weather, park the vehicle in a shaded spot to avoid overheating. In cold weather, consider heating individual seats or the steering wheel instead of the entire cabin and warming up the vehicle whilst it’s still plugged in charging to save energy.

Drive efficiently

Smooth and gentle driving can significantly extend an EV's range. Avoid harsh acceleration and instead use adaptive cruise control when possible. Avoiding driving at top speed also helps efficiency, as air pressure and rolling resistance (and therefore energy use) increase the faster you go.

Keep up with regular maintenance

Check your tyre pressure and wheel alignment regularly. Underinflated tyres or misaligned wheels can create drag and reduce driving efficiency, affecting the vehicle’s range.

Avoid adding unnecessary weight

Carrying unnecessary weight affects an EV's range as it requires more energy to move a heavier vehicle. Avoid using roof racks unless necessary, and remove any heavy items not needed for the journey.

Plan your route

Although EV charge points are far more common than they used to be, route planning can help you work out the most efficient journey and provide reassurance ahead of long trips. Many journey planning apps like our free Alphabet App allow your drivers to plan their route via charge points to ensure they can focus on the driving and not the battery level!

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