Driving Speed for Electric Vehicle Owners: Avoid Unnecessarily Sluggish Pace on the Road
In the world of electric vehicles (EVs), maintaining optimal driving strategies can make a significant difference in range and overall efficiency. However, the hope of maximising every kilowatt-hour while driving an EV can sometimes lead to unintended consequences.
A recent analysis by Geotab, a telematics provider, based on data from over three million electric car trips, suggests that careful driving strategies may not always be beneficial for the range of EVs.
When it comes to speed, driving particularly slowly can be counterproductive for EV range, especially during summer. At low speeds, air conditioning is a significant power consumer in EVs, contributing to reduced available driving range. On the other hand, at highway speeds, aerodynamic drag increases exponentially, causing EVs to consume more energy to maintain speed.
For instance, an electric van traveling at 80 km/h can cover approximately 230 kilometers, but at 128 km/h, the range drops to around 142 kilometers, representing a loss of almost forty percent. This trend is observed across various EV models, such as the Lucid Air and Kia EV9.
Concerning air conditioning usage during summer, EVs use battery power for cabin climate control, which impacts driving range. Using AC significantly draws energy from the battery, especially in hot weather, thereby reducing the total distance the EV can travel on a full charge.
Effective heat management is crucial because it can induce power throttling if the system overheats, indirectly affecting performance and range. Pre-cooling the vehicle while it's still plugged in can help reduce summer energy consumption in EVs. Parking an electric vehicle in the shade can also help prevent it from becoming a mobile sauna, reducing energy consumption.
It's essential to find the right balance and manage all energy sources efficiently to drive efficiently in EVs. While driving slower than highway speeds may increase range due to reduced aerodynamic drag and power demand, speeds much below typical city speeds are uncommon and not always practical. On the other hand, slow driving can potentially lead to a complete range failure, especially on hot summer days.
In summary, electric cars, despite their efficiency, can suffer from reduced range due to slow driving and excessive air conditioning usage. Understanding these factors and adopting appropriate driving strategies can help EV drivers maximise their vehicles' range and efficiency.
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