Maximizing Your Electric Vehicle’s Range: A Guide to Long-Distance EV Travel
Hey there! As a proud owner of a Tesla Model 3, I’m excited to set out on a road trip early next month. But, as you may already know, electric vehicles (EVs) call for a little more attention and planning than traditional gas-powered cars to make sure the trip is a success. So, I decided to share some helpful tips on how to account for factors that may affect range on your trip.
When it comes to planning an EV road trip, understanding your vehicle's charging capabilities is crucial. You can start by calculating your vehicle's watt hours per mile and inputting this information into apps like A Better Roadtrip Planner (ABRP), which can help you determine where to stop and for how long based on your vehicle's range. However, there are other factors that can affect your EV's range, such as driving habits, weather, battery degradation, tires, and whether you’re planning to camp in your car. Let's take a closer look at these factors and how you can optimize your trip to get the most out of your EV's range.
Driving style can affect range
Driving habits can have a significant impact on the range of an EV. Here are a few ways that driving habits can impact the range of an EV.
Aggressive acceleration and deceleration can significantly reduce the range of an EV. Every time the driver slams on the accelerator, the battery drains more quickly, and every time the driver hits the brakes, energy is lost through regenerative braking. Regenerative braking is a system that converts some of the kinetic energy lost during braking into electrical energy, which is used to recharge the battery. However, frequent and sudden acceleration and deceleration can quickly drain the battery. To maximize the range of an EV, it's best to drive smoothly and avoid sudden acceleration and deceleration. Gradual acceleration and deceleration not only help preserve the battery but also make for a more comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
Speed is another factor that affects the range of an EV. Driving at higher speeds requires more energy, which can drain the battery more quickly. For example, driving at 70 mph can reduce an EV's range by up to 30% compared to driving at 50 mph. It’s great to rip down the highway (at a safe speed, of course) when you have plenty of range to spare, however in order to maximize the range of an EV, it's best to drive at moderate speeds. It's also important to note that driving at very low speeds can also reduce the range of an EV, as it can put additional strain on the battery.
Climate control systems, such as air conditioning and heating, can also impact the range of an EV. Running the air conditioning or heating requires energy from the battery, which can reduce the range. However, it's also important to be comfortable while driving, especially in extreme temperatures. Pro Tip: Precondition your car before driving. Heating or cooling your car while you’re still connected to a charger helps reduce the amount of battery your car will use to maintain that temperature.
Carrying extra weight, such as heavy luggage or equipment, can reduce the range of an EV. This is definitely something to consider when you begin your road trip.
How weather impacts range
Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can impact the performance and range of your vehicle. High temperatures can cause the battery to degrade faster, while colder temperatures can reduce the battery's capacity and efficiency. This means that if you are traveling to an area with extreme temperatures, you may need to take extra precautions when driving your electric vehicle.
In addition to temperature, other weather conditions such as wind and rain can also affect the range of electric vehicles. Headwinds can reduce efficiency, while rain can increase air resistance, making it harder for the car to move forward. It's important to take these factors into consideration when planning a trip, especially if you're driving a long distance.
Since weather isn’t something you’re always able to work around, there are ways to mitigate these factors when trying to road trip an EV. In my experience, what works well is charging an extra 10% in extreme weather, and about 5-10% if you know you’ll be facing headwinds or rain. I also try and drive a little more efficiently in these types of weather circumstances. Not only because it’s safer, but you’ll also be able to extend your range significantly by doing so.
Keep battery degradation in mind
The impact of battery degradation on the range of an electric vehicle can be significant. As the battery degrades, it can hold less charge, meaning that the range of the vehicle decreases over time. This can be particularly problematic for long road trips, as you may need to recharge more frequently or plan your routes carefully to ensure you reach your destination.
Calculating battery degradation in an electric vehicle can be challenging as it is affected by multiple factors such as temperature, driving patterns, and charging habits. One common way to estimate battery degradation is by tracking the reduction in the vehicle's range over time. For example, if a vehicle had a range of 350 miles when it was new, but after a year of use it only has a range of 320 miles, this could suggest a 8% degradation in the battery. However, it's important to note that this method is not always accurate as there can be other factors that contribute to the reduction in range.
How your tires play a role in range
Tires play a significant role in the performance of any vehicle, and EVs are no exception. Tires affect an EV's range in three main ways: rolling resistance, aerodynamics, and weight.
Rolling resistance is the force required to keep a tire rolling. It's affected by a tire's design, materials, and inflation pressure. The higher the rolling resistance, the more energy an EV needs to move, which reduces its range. Low-rolling-resistance (LRR) tires are designed to minimize the energy needed to roll. They're made with special materials and have unique tread patterns that reduce friction between the tire and the road. LRR tires can improve an EV's range by up to 10% compared to regular tires.
Aerodynamics is another factor that affects an EV's range. The shape and size of a tire can impact an EV's drag coefficient, which is a measure of how aerodynamic a vehicle is. The higher the drag coefficient, the more energy an EV needs to move, which reduces its range. Tall, narrow tires with smooth sidewalls are more aerodynamic than short, wide tires with chunky treads. A tire with a smaller sidewall also reduces wind resistance, which improves an EV's range. However, it's important to note that changing tire size and shape can also affect a vehicle's handling and ride quality, so it's essential to consult with a professional before making any modifications.
Tires also contribute to the weight of an EV, which affects its range. The heavier the vehicle, the more energy it needs to move, which reduces its range. Lighter tires can reduce an EV's weight, but it's important to note that tire weight is only a small fraction of the vehicle's total weight, so the impact on range is relatively minor.
Consider Camp Mode
When planning an EV road trip that includes overnight stays, Tesla owners have the advantage of using a feature called "Camp Mode," which is designed to maintain a comfortable interior temperature while camping overnight or sleeping in the vehicle.
However, you’ll want to take using Camp Mode into consideration when staying somewhere you won’t be able to plug into at night. Here are some tips for using Camp Mode to optimize your EV's range during overnight stays:
Plan your route to include accommodations with charging stations: Before you hit the road, research accommodations along your route that offer EV charging stations. Ideally, you want to find accommodations with Level 2 charging stations or higher, which can provide a full charge overnight. You can use apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, or Tesla's Supercharger network to find charging stations along your route.
Optimize your battery charge before you park: Before you park your vehicle for the night, make sure your battery is charged as much as possible. This will help you maximize your range for the following day's drive. Use ABRP or other apps to calculate the ideal charging level before you park for the night.
If you are camping at a campsite that does not have electrical service, use Camp Mode strategically: Since a feature like Camp Mode can drain your battery and reduce your range, you’ll want to make sure you either have a charger close by or you’re taking steps to optimize your range. Consider setting the temperature to a comfortable level but not too high or low. You can also use the "Keep Climate On" feature to set a timer for how long you want the climate control to run.
Turn off unnecessary features: To conserve energy while using Camp Mode, turn off unnecessary features like the headlights, radio, and charging your phone that may draw power from the battery.
Taking all these factors into account, it's reasonable to anticipate a battery loss of approximately 10% overnight. Therefore, before arriving at your destination, it's advisable to stop at a charging station and charge slightly more than your estimated requirement to compensate for the battery loss during the night.
Conclusion
Planning an EV road trip can be a bit more challenging than a traditional road trip, but with careful planning and consideration, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. By understanding your EV's charging capabilities and optimizing your trip based on factors like weather and driving habits, you can ensure a successful journey with limited charging stops. With these tips in mind, I'm confident that my upcoming road trip will be a success, and I hope you find them helpful for your own EV road trip planning!
