EV efficiency is a hot topic debated among owners and those who generally don’t like them. Of course, an electric vehicle is a choice and can make a massive difference to your life. For instance, they are generally cheaper to run and are a great choice if you are eco-conscious. However, the batteries in EVs have come under fire lately due to short battery life and diminishing returns. But EV efficiency actually depends on much more than the battery itself.
Tyres and Rolling Resistance
The composition and design of a car’s tyres can affect the rolling resistance, alongside inflation. When the car tyres aren’t inflated properly, and the design is flawed, the EV needs to work harder, and that means a lower battery life. Of course, tyres with less resistance move more easily and use less EV battery power. Because of this, tyre maintenance is much more important for an EV than for an ICE vehicle. Although it is critical for both when it comes to efficiency.
AC and EV Efficiency
Using the heating or AC in an EV can cost around 7 miles of range for each hour. This makes AC usage one of the biggest drains that can impact efficiency in your electric vehicle. However, there are some things you can try to reduce how much power the AC will use in your EV:
- Decide on an optimal temperature that isn’t extreme to set your AC to.
- At the right temperature, switch to RECIRC mode to use the air inside the cabin.
- Use Eco mode if your car has one, as this will limit power from non-essential systems.
Vehicle Air Resistance
The air resistance (aerodynamics) of a vehicle plays a massive role in how much power it needs and uses. When you travel at higher speeds, air resistance increases, and the engine or battery must work harder. This can be impacted by things like the weight of the car, accessories like roof racks, and even the overall shape, which is why Formula 1 cars look weird; they are designed to minimize drag. Keep this in mind when heading out on a longer trip than usual.
Regenerative Breaking
EVs are typically packed with modern features that you don’t find on modern ICE vehicles, although there is some crossover. One of the most useful is regenerative braking. But what is that? Regenerative braking actually allows the EV motor to act like a generator when you slow down by converting the energy from movement (kinetic) back into electricity. By driving smoother and more efficiently, you can maximize how much the regen system has to deliver.
EV Efficiency Depends on Driving Speed and Style
Most EV owners would argue that the sweet spot is between 30 mph and 40 mph for energy efficiency. That means sticking to roads that allow these speeds can be more energy efficient, in theory, than faster roads. EV charging apps can help you find the nearest charging points, but you can also have a much better experience by regulating your driving style in an EV as well.
Smooth acceleration/deceleration
This is true of EVs and ICE vehicles. Mastering how smoothly you accelerate and decelerate is critical in an EV, as they provide more torque. A tip is to imagine there is an egg under your foot.
Maintain moderate speeds
Higher speeds increase drag, and that means more power is needed, which increases exponentially. It is recommended to drive at 60 mph or below when using highways.
Use cruise control
Tech like adaptive cruise control can keep your car at a specific speed, which can be hard to maintain manually. This will result in much more efficient use of available power and greater range.
When you need to maximize the range and efficiency of the EV, you need to regulate your driving style. EVs are packed with technology, and some will help you get more from the battery. This includes adaptive cruise control, but also relies on smooth acceleration and deceleration.
The External Temperature
Most new EV owners are shocked when they learn that the external temperature can have a massive impact on efficiency. When it is very hot, like in summer, or very cold, as in winter, an EV battery can be a little tricky to work with. More energy is needed to warm up a battery when it’s cold. And there needs to be a lot of energy to cool the battery when it’s hot. Either of these can potentially use a lot more of the car’s available power, even as you continue to drive.
Pre-Conditioning the Car
One of the critical routines that EV owners need to be aware of is pre-conditioning. Anything you do in an EV draws power from the battery, and that includes warming or cooling the cabin. So, before you jump in and head off, consider leaving the battery plugged in. Most EVs come with an app that allows you to set a schedule for pre-conditioning the car while it’s charging. By doing this, you will have a full charge for actually driving, without anything lost during conditioning.
EV Efficiency and Mass
There are complex formulas involved, and all cars are different, but you can lose 1% to 2% of range for every 100 lbs of weight in your EV. But you need to transport people and goods such as groceries, so here are some quick tips for managing the weight of an electric vehicle:
- Remove unnecessary items from the car before you add more weight.
- Drive smoothly and use advanced EV features such as regenerative braking.
- Improve aerodynamics by removing accessories such as roof racks and bike carriers.
The Electric Drivetrain
Electric motors in EVs are far more efficient than traditional ICE vehicles. However, they aren’t all designed to a high standard. Like ICE cars, some are just better than others. The actual design of the motor and inverter is critical for efficiency, and some models have a much more efficient energy conversion rate. This varies between manufacturers and even car models. But either way, the drivetrain used has a massive impact on the final power delivery of the vehicle.
Summary
The tyres and rolling resistance when on the road, from pressure and design, will affect EV efficiency. However, EV efficiency also depends on how well you drive and the optimal speed. But there’s nothing you can do about the electric drivetrain, which also impacts efficiency.
