What are some best practices to maximize your efficiency and range? What are the advantages of driving electric? (Hint: these are very quick cars!)
The driving experience of an electric vehicle differs from that of a gas-powered vehicle. Here are the best ways to elevate your experience:
Regenerative Braking - while the car is motion, any time you let off the throttle/accelerator pedal, the car will begin to brake and covert the kinetic motion into energy, ultimately recharging the battery. This gives a different experience of driving where you will mostly drive with one pedal. You will rarely switch to use the brake since you can rely on the regenerative braking to do the braking for you. This will also extend the life of the vehicle's brakes!
Quick Acceleration - electric motors offer maximum torque at 0 rpm. Translation: you accelerate very quickly with lots of power. This makes the driving experience exhilarating and helps maneuver your vehicle with ease. You do not have to wait for an engine to rev in order to reach higher speeds. Keep in mind that excessive acceleration
To maximize range on your drive, stay below 70mph to save energy used when traveling at high speeds. Drive smoothly, the torque control makes this an easier process.
When driving casually or for work, limit what you have in the vehicle, the more weight added to the vehicle, the more energy it takes to move that weight, thus taking more energy from the battery. Travel light.
Optimize your vehicle's technology. Some electric vehicles offer some form of smart cruise control. This lightens the load off of long, tiring trips and allows you to rest. The car will take care of the speed control and even steer on its own. Make sure to pay attention to your surroundings!
In the image above: A graph from a Tesla that specifies the energy consumption from different categories: Driving, Climate Control, Battery Conditioning, Elevation Change and Everything Else.
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