Concerns about the range of electric vehicles are understandable, but become less relevant when considering the statistics. Nowadays, the average model can cover 220 miles on a full charge, which is typically more than adequate for most drivers. Moreover, there are over 22,000 locations across the UK where you can recharge your vehicle if needed, as reported by Zap-Map.

In case you still have apprehensions, there is a straightforward remedy – affordable and convenient charging options are available at home. By investing in an electric vehicle charging point, priced at around £1,000, you can alleviate your range anxiety and take charge of your charging needs.

How to increase the range of an electric vehicle

There are numerous methods to effectively extend the range of your electric vehicle, many of which revolve around adopting a gentle driving style and maintaining your car properly.

Ensure that you drive smoothly whenever possible, minimizing abrupt braking as it consumes more energy.

Consider the terrain you’ll be traversing, as driving in hilly areas can deplete the battery more rapidly. Plan your route in advance to avoid unnecessary energy expenditure.

Maintain a moderate speed of 50-60 miles per hour on motorways and generally drive at a more relaxed pace. Decreasing your speed by 10 miles per hour compared to your usual rate can reduce energy usage by up to 14%.

Regularly charge your car to keep the battery within its optimal range, typically between 20% and 80%.

For further conservation of battery power, deactivate additional electric features such as air conditioning, heating, and entertainment systems.

Remove any unnecessary items from your vehicle, including accessories like a bike rack that is not required for every trip, or belongings that could be stored elsewhere instead of in your boot.

Additionally, ensure proper maintenance of your vehicle by keeping the tires inflated to the recommended level, which can often be done at no cost, and periodically cleaning the car to minimize drag.

Is it worth getting an extended range electric vehicle?

Purchasing an extended range electric vehicle is generally not considered a worthwhile investment. These vehicles operate primarily on a battery like other electric models, but are equipped with a petrol-powered range extender.

When the car’s battery depletes to a certain level, this supplementary unit activates and begins recharging the battery. While this can be beneficial for individuals who frequently drive long distances, it typically only increases the car’s overall range by 20-50 miles per hour.

Moreover, since the range extender relies on fossil fuel, it has a more detrimental impact on the environment compared to a standard electric vehicle. Due to these factors, acquiring an extended range electric vehicle in the UK is currently challenging.

How to calculate the range of an electric vehicle

You can determine the range of an electric vehicle by dividing the battery’s capacity by the vehicle’s efficiency.

For example, if the battery size of a car like the Lotus Eletre is 107 kilowatt-hours (kWh) and its efficiency is 0.334 kilowatt-hours per mile (kWh/mi), dividing the battery size by the efficiency gives us the range, which in this case is an impressive 320 miles.

It’s important to note that the actual range of your electric vehicle will be influenced by your driving habits and usage patterns, so the most accurate way to calculate its range is by monitoring your own journeys.

Summary

Electric vehicles have achieved remarkable milestones in terms of their ranges, and we anticipate that these records will continue to be surpassed in the coming years.

We hope to have alleviated any concerns you may have had about electric vehicle range anxiety, as the average driver no longer needs to be apprehensive.

If you are interested in reducing your driving expenses while contributing to environmental preservation, simply complete this brief form, and our reputable installers will provide you with personalized quotes for a home electric vehicle charging point.