Key Maintenance Tips to Optimize EV Range
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Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, which helps conserve battery energy. Checking tire pressure at least monthly, preferably when cold, can improve range by up to 3%. Tire rotation is also important since EVs are heavier and their instant torque causes faster tire wear, which can affect efficiency and handling. -
Temperature Management
Battery performance is sensitive to extreme temperatures. Cold weather can temporarily reduce range by up to 30%, while excessive heat can degrade battery health over time. To mitigate this:- Park in a garage or shaded area to avoid temperature extremes.
- Maintain the battery charge around 80% for daily driving to optimize longevity.
- Use scheduled charging to finish just before departure so the battery is at an optimal temperature.
- Limit fast charging in hot weather to prevent additional battery stress.
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Smart Charging Habits
Charging the battery strategically helps maintain its health and range. Avoid letting the battery drop too low or charging it to a full 100% regularly unless needed for a long trip. Preconditioning the cabin temperature while the vehicle is still plugged in draws energy from the grid rather than the battery, reducing range loss during heating or cooling. -
Brake and Software Maintenance
Regenerative braking helps recover energy. Driving with gentle braking and regularly monitoring brake health ensures the system is working efficiently. Also, keeping your EV’s software updated can improve energy management systems and resolve any efficiency issues.
Driving and Other Operational Tips
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Drive Smoothly and Moderate Speed
Avoid quick acceleration and hard braking to conserve energy. Use cruise control where possible to maintain steady speeds. Higher speeds drain battery faster, so sticking to speed limits extends range. -
Climate Control Usage
Minimize use of air conditioning or heating when possible. Use eco or range modes your EV offers to tune climate control and powertrain for efficiency. -
Maximize Regenerative Braking
Use your EV’s regenerative braking to capture kinetic energy back into the battery, especially in stop-and-go traffic or downhill driving.
By combining regular maintenance (especially tire and battery care) with smart charging and driving habits, you can consistently optimize your EV’s range beyond the rated estimates and preserve battery health over time.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/are-there-specific-maintenance-tips-to-optimize-ev-range/
