Experiment During Driving Rivian R1T to Assess Impact of 5 MPH decrease in Speed on Range Yields Improvement in Efficiency by 0.5 miles per kilowatt-hour, when Reducing Speed from 65 to 60 MPH.
In a recent test conducted by driver Gregg Poss, the impact of reducing speed on the range of an electric vehicle (EV), specifically a Rivian R1T, was demonstrated. The test, which took place in North Dakota, reaffirmed the widely observed principle that driving slower conserves battery power and maximizes EV range.
Gregg's test strips the discussion of technical jargon and provides replicable insights for anyone concerned about EV range. By slowing from 65 to 60 miles per hour, Gregg observed a 23% improvement in efficiency, with his vehicle's efficiency increasing from 2.12 to 2.61 miles per kilowatt-hour. This significant improvement could potentially save a full charging stop on longer drives.
The test results align with findings from other vehicles such as the Lucid Air and Kia EV9. Tests have shown that range reductions of around 20-30% or more occur as speed increases from 35 miles per hour to 75 miles per hour or higher. This drop in range is primarily due to the exponential growth of wind resistance at higher speeds, which requires more energy to maintain.
The benefits of driving slower extend beyond just range. Slower highway speeds reduce wind drag and stress on tires, which in turn reduces wear and heat buildup. This can lead to longer tire life and improved vehicle performance over time.
Moreover, slower speeds can reduce the risk of collisions and offer a sense of peace of mind during highway travel. Consistent speed and terrain awareness make long-term EV ownership easier to manage.
Aram Krajekian, an automotive journalist, is bringing a fresh perspective to the evolving automotive landscape. Follow him on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars. He emphasizes that while every range-extending tip may not fit every lifestyle, knowing your options allows for smarter choices when necessary.
Range optimization is about learning to anticipate how terrain, load, and speed interact, making the driver an active participant in the EV experience. For instance, Rivian's drive modes not only affect handling but also impact real-world efficiency. Switching to Conserve mode, which disables the rear motors in the quad-motor setup, could add an additional 8% range.
Jon Gebarowski, another Rivian owner, calculated that a 5 miles per hour reduction in speed could provide an additional 70 miles of range for his battery size. This underscores the importance of driving habits in maximizing EV range.
However, it's not just about the vehicle. EV ownership is about learning to manage and optimize range through factors like battery management and speed habits. A Rivian owner shared a story of walking away unharmed from a driver's side T-bone crash due to the vehicle's safety engineering, highlighting the importance of safety features in EVs.
In conclusion, reducing speed is a simple yet effective way to extend the range of electric vehicles. By being mindful of speed and driving habits, EV owners can maximize their vehicle's range and enjoy longer, stress-free drives.
In light of the practical demonstration by Gregg Poss, it's clear that relatively minor adjustments in driving habits, such as reducing speed, can significantly contribute to the range of electric vehicles like the Rivian R1T. Furthermore, this principle seems to hold true for a variety of electric vehicles, including the Lucid Air and Kia EV9, as evidenced by widespread test results.
