How to optimise your electric car range
This image is sourced from Express
Range anxiety is the most common roadblock (no pun intended) when it comes to electric cars. Electric car range refers to the distance an electric car can travel on a single charge. However, according to EY, confidence in the price, availability and reliability of charging has replaced concerns about range.
There are now over 75,000 electric car chargers in the UK. The UK's electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is continually growing and changing shape to meet the needs of EV drivers.
If you're worried about the electric car range, this article will help ease your concerns by providing tips to extend your driving range and ensure you don't run out of charge. For those considering an electric car through a salary sacrifice scheme, these tips will help you get the most from your EV investment by helping you choose the best car for your use case.
Key Insights:
Pre-trip planning is crucial for optimizing EV range - this includes pre-conditioning your vehicle while plugged in, using dedicated navigation apps to plan efficient routes, and mapping charging stops for longer journeys.
Climate control management significantly impacts range - using driver-only settings, heated seats/steering wheels instead of cabin heating, and pre-conditioning while plugged in can reduce energy consumption by 10-30%.
Driving techniques directly affect efficiency - maintaining optimal speeds (50-60 mph), gentle acceleration, using eco mode, and maximizing regenerative braking can substantially improve range and reduce charging frequency.
Battery health management extends both range and battery life - keeping charge levels between 20-80%, minimizing rapid charging, avoiding extreme temperatures, and implementing smart charging strategies during off-peak hours help maintain optimal performance.
Pre-Trip Planning for Maximum Range
Planning ahead is one of the most effective ways to optimise your electric car's range, especially when planning or longer journeys such as road trips.
Pre-conditioning While Plugged in
One of the best ways to preserve your EV's range is to pre-condition your vehicle while it's still connected to a power source. Many modern electric cars available through The Electric Car Scheme are designed to work with smartphone apps that allow you to remotely warm up or cool down your car's interior before your journey. This means your climate control system won't drain your battery once you're on the road - and you can begin your journey more comfortably.
Route Planning Tools and Apps
Dedicated EV navigation systems and apps can help plan routes that optimise for energy efficiency, not just distance. Many manufacturers provide access to their proprietary apps for route planning, showing you charging points along your journey. Alternatively, the built in sat navs featured in many EVs will be capable of guiding your EV to a charger, whilst prioritising efficient travel.
Alternative Route Considerations (Efficiency vs. Speed)
Sometimes the fastest route isn't the most efficient for your electric car. Routes with fewer steep inclines or lower speed limits may use less energy. Many electric car navigation systems will offer you different route options based on efficiency rather than just time. This idea follows the same principle as Google Maps - allowing you to favour journeys that avoid motorways, toll roads, and ferries.
Journey planning around charging infrastructure
When planning longer trips, map out where you'll charge beforehand. With the growing charging network across the UK, most journeys can be planned with strategic charging stops. Using your EV’s built in navigation system or an app like ABRP will help with that. Additionally, drivers can now save 20-50% on EV public charging through salary sacrifice by signing up to The Charge Scheme - adding further savings to their reduced cost of driving.
Climate Control Management
The Impact of Hot and Cold Weather
One of the main reasons behind an electric car's range dropping is excessive use of the heating and cooling system within the car. Car and Driver tested a Tesla Model 3 in 2020. They discovered that using the air conditioning caused the car's energy usage to increase by 17%. The range was reduced from 234 to 200 miles as a result. Your electric car's range will naturally vary with the seasons. In winter, expect a 10-30% reduction due to battery chemistry and increased heating demands. Plan accordingly, especially if you're planning a longer trip. For most drivers, the impact on EV range will be minimal when they commute a set distance.
Driver-only Climate Settings
Many electric cars available through The Electric Car Scheme offer driver-only climate settings. This focuses heating or cooling only where it's needed, rather than throughout the entire cabin, significantly reducing energy consumption. In addition, many modern EVs feature a heated/cooled steering wheel - with heated/ cooled seats. Much like driver-only climate controls - direct heating can significantly reduce energy consumption of your EV.
Smart Climate Control Tips
To maximise your electric car's range, use climate control less often during your journey. If the weather is too hot or cold, consider turning on your car's climate control while it's still plugged in to warm up or cool down before you start your journey. Most new cars come with apps that enable you to schedule this.
During periods of colder weather, you can use features such as heated seats or steering, rather than heating the whole car. Heating the entire car consumes 3,000 to 5,000 watts while heating just the seat or steering wheel uses about 75 watts.
Driving Techniques for Efficiency
Optimal Speed Range
Going faster consumes more energy and reduces your electric car's range. Simple.
To get the most out of your electric car's range, try to stay under 60 miles per hour (mph) while driving (50-60mph is where they are most efficient). Where available, you should also use the Cruise Control or Eco functions of your car. The Department of Energy reports that you can save 14% of your energy by reducing your speeds by 10mph.
The Impact of Rapid Acceleration on Range
While electric cars are known for their impressive acceleration, frequent rapid acceleration significantly drains your battery. When driving an electric car, practicing gentle acceleration will help you maximise your range - and minimise the time and cost of charging your EV, whilst reducing wear and tear.
In addition, aim to drive smoothly, don't suddenly accelerate and then brake abruptly. This will result in more torque being used, which will drain energy from your car. Anticipate traffic conditions ahead to maintain steady speeds to increase the overall efficiency of your journey. When driving on motorways or faster roads - consider using cruise control. Adaptive cruise control will ensure that your EV retains a safe following stance - even at relatively lower speeds (50mph-60mph).
When to use Eco mode vs. Sport mode
Most electric cars available through The Electric Car Scheme offer different driving modes. Eco mode prioritises efficiency by limiting acceleration and maximising regenerative braking, while Sport mode offers better performance at the cost of range. For daily commuting, Eco mode is the more sensible choice, but even when driving on motorways - consider eco mode to maximise energy savings.
Highway vs. City Driving Efficiency Differences
Unlike petrol cars, EVs are often more efficient in city driving than on motorways. This is because stop-and-go traffic allows for more regenerative braking, recapturing energy that would otherwise be lost. This is particularly beneficial for those using their electric car primarily for city driving. Look for real-world city, combined, and motorway range estimates when choosing your electric car - this will help you pick a car with the appropriate range for your use case. It is worth noting that more range is not necessarily better - as this will add cost, weight, charging time to your vehicle.
Regenerative Braking Optimisation
Use Regenerative Braking Where Possible
To increase electric car range, you need to make full use of your car's regenerative braking capabilities. Regenerative braking reverses the electric motors that propel a vehicle and then feeds the energy back into the electric system to help replenish range. All you have to do is remove your foot from the accelerator.
Most electric cars available through The Electric Car Scheme offer different levels of regenerative braking. Learning to utilise this feature effectively can substantially improve your overall range and reduce wear on your conventional brakes. Some cars go as far as having one pedal driving capabilities - meaning that your regen is strong enough to act as a brake when you lift your foot off the accelerator. This can simplify city driving - but it takes getting used to.
Tyre and Vehicle Maintenance
Impact of Tyre Pressure on Range
The range of your new electric car can be influenced by the tyre pressure and the size of the alloy wheels you've selected.
Low tyre pressure reduces range by increasing tyre resistance to the road. Therefore, to keep your car moving requires more energy. According to Highways Magazine, more than 25% of tyres on UK roads are under-inflated. To avoid being part of that statistic, make sure your car's tyres are properly inflated.
Regular Pressure Checks and Maintenance Schedule
For those who have acquired their EV through The Electric Car Scheme, establishing a regular maintenance schedule is essential. Check tyre pressures at least monthly and before any long journeys. Many electric car company vehicles have tyre pressure monitoring systems that alert you when pressures drop. At The Electric Car Scheme - maintenance is included as part of your offer at no extra cost - schedule your car in for service when you receive your reminder, and stay on the road with no concerns over breakdown, or worn parts (although we also cover that!).
Removing Unnecessary Weight and Accessories
Just like conventional cars, excess weight reduces efficiency. Remove unnecessary items from your car, especially heavy objects. For every 45kg (100 pounds) of weight removed, you can improve efficiency by around 1-2%. This also applies to accessories like roof boxes, bike racks, and trailers - in a much the same way as traditional petrol and diesel cars get affected by weight and drag. Roof rack, for example, significantly increase aerodynamic drag and can reduce range by 10-20% at highway speeds.
To increase your car's range further, pick smaller alloy wheels that fit inside the car's body and wheel arch without protruding. When configuring your electric car through a salary sacrifice scheme, consider how wheel size might impact range, when offered options to spec your new EV.
Seasonal Tyre Considerations
Consider switching to winter tyres only when necessary, as their softer compounds create more rolling resistance. If your electric car scheme provider offers seasonal tyre changes as part of their maintenance package, discuss the most efficient options for your driving conditions.
Battery Health Management
Maintain Battery Health
As an electric car driver, it is important that you make a proactive effort in maintaining your battery's health. If you're leasing a new electric car for three to four years through a salary sacrifice electric car scheme, this isn't as crucial. But it is common for your electric car's range to decrease over time if you don't take care of the battery. You do this by:
Minimising rapid charging
Keeping the charge between 20-80%
Only charging to 100% for long trips
Taking your car for regular, short drives
Not leaving your car parked in one spot for too long
Charge Little and Often
Maintaining your EV's battery in optimal condition involves regular charging, which extends its lifespan and ensures peak performance. A helpful guideline is to keep the battery level between 20% and 80% charged, avoiding complete depletion. During extended trips, aim for quick charges whenever possible to stay within the ideal range.
How can you avoid battery degradation?
There are a number of ways you can extend your electric car's battery, but similarly, there are factors that can cause damage.
Do Not Overcharge Your Vehicle
You should not overcharge your vehicle. Where possible, try and avoid charging your car to 100% (which is easier said than done for those with range anxiety). To improve charging, we suggest charging your car when the battery reaches 10-20% and stopping at around 80%. A full charge will give you the maximum operating time but it is never a good idea for the overall lifespan of your battery.
Avoid Exposure to Extreme Weather
Extreme weather can harm your battery. On hot days, it's a good idea to park your car in a cooler spot to prevent it from overheating and losing capacity. Similarly, experts say that extremely cold temperatures can also decrease car range. To protect your car from harsher elements, it's a good idea to park your car in a garage.
Electric cars operate best when the outside temperature is around 20/21 degrees Celsius - but this should not discourage you from choosing to drive electric - as seasonal variations are minor, and modern EV batteries look after themselves through automated heating or cooling to maintain battery health.
Smart Charging Strategies
As detailed in our guide on "When Should You Charge Your Electric Car to Save the Most Money," strategic charging can significantly impact both your EV's range and running costs. Through The Electric Car Scheme, many employees can access preferential electricity tariffs designed specifically for EV owners.
Most UK electricity providers offer cheaper rates during off-peak hours, typically overnight between midnight and 5 am when national demand is lowest. This presents an excellent opportunity for electric car scheme participants to save substantially on charging costs while ensuring their vehicle is ready with maximum range each morning.
Choosing the Right Electric Car for Range
When selecting an electric car through a salary sacrifice scheme, consider both range and charging capabilities:
Longest Range EVs
The electric vehicle market now offers several models with ranges exceeding 300 miles on a single charge. Through The Electric Car Scheme, employees can access premium models like the Tesla Model 3 Long Range (358 miles), Mercedes EQS (453 miles), or more affordable options like the Kia EV6 (328 miles).
Fast-charging Capabilities
If your driving patterns include frequent longer journeys, prioritise models with fast-charging capabilities. Some electric cars available through salary sacrifice schemes can charge from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes at compatible rapid chargers. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is capable of fast charging in 17 minutes, and BYD is currently working on cars capable of recharging in 5 minutes.
Battery Size Considerations
While larger batteries provide greater range, they also increase vehicle weight and charging time. Consider your typical daily mileage when choosing a battery size through your electric car company's scheme. For most UK commuters, a 50-60kWh battery offering 200-250 miles of range strikes an excellent balance.
Range efficiency (miles per kWh)
More efficient EVs travel further using the same amount of electricity. When comparing electric cars through The Electric Car Scheme, look at their efficiency rating in miles per kWh. Models achieving 4+ miles per kWh will cost less to run and may offer better value through your salary sacrifice scheme. Some of the most efficient EVs include the Kia E-Niro and the Hyundai Ioniq 6.
What is electric car salary sacrifice?
Introducing electric car salary sacrifice schemes are part of the government’s initiative to create a greener future for the UK. Schemes like ours are in place to help drivers make the switch to an electric car easier and more cost affordable - and ultimately help reach the UK’s net zero target.
With The Electric Car Scheme, the company leases the car on an employee's behalf (technically making it a company car), and in return the employee agrees to pay it through their gross pay (pay before tax) allowing them to save 20-50% on an electric car!
Book a call with one of our Specialists or watch our explainer video to learn more!
Last updated: 22/04/2025
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