Fiv e ways to increase your drivi ng range

01 driv e sensi bly

Your pedal input has a direct influence on how long your battery lasts. On short commutes use the right pedal economically, stick to the speed limit and look far ahead so that you can minimise the amount of time spent braking and accelerating again. If you’re heading to a motorway, keep the speed under 65mph to reduce the amount of battery suck.

02 tu rn it off

Whether you’re heating your car in the winter, or cooling it in the summer (using air con), you’ll use more energy to do so, draining your battery quicker, so try to minimise their use.

03 check drivi ng data

All electric cars offer battery stats, enabling you to see how much energy you’re using while you drive, with tips on how to improve your charge so check it out. Some cars will even suggest the most range-friendly route within the built-in satellite navigation, so use this.

04 Use eco mode

The eco mode found in electric cars – usually activated at the press of a button or via the gear lever – limits the level of acceleration and increases the amount of energy recuperated when braking, or when you’re coasting down hilly roads, so it’s wise to use this - especially in the city, when you’re doing a lot of stop-start driving.

05 ti me your charging

When an electric car finishes charging, it gradually starts to discharge. By scheduling your charging, so that it finishes just before you want to use your car, you’ll be able to gain those precious few extra miles from your battery. The bonus of doing this is that you’ll increase the longevity of the battery, and if you’re charging overnight you can take advantage of off-peak energy tariffs and save a bunch of money too!