Electric car expert reveals ‘game-changing’ boost to increase motor’s range… all at the flick of a button
AN ELECTRIC car expert has revealed a “game-changing” hack to boost your motor’s range at the flick of a button.
So-called range anxiety, the fear of running out of charge on the road, is one of the main concerns faced by EV owners in the UK.
Indeed, the problem became so bad that the RAC had to develop a special kit to recover battery-powered vehicles that had run out of juice.
Now, though, experts have worked out some top tips for “hypermiling” your electric car, hopefully giving you enough range to make it between charge stations comfortable.
Darren Miller, chief executive of sales platform BigWantsYourCar, explained how a little-known button can help get the best out of your battery.
Putting your car in Eco Mode could, according to Darren, add up to 15 miles to your real-terms range.
The mode forces the vehicle’s ECU unit to reduce the amount of power available to the electric motor and make the throttle response smoother.
This will make your accelerator less responsive but prevents harsh acceleration and rapid fluctuations in speed, which drain power at a faster rate than consistent, steady driving at medium speed.
It may also reduce the power of some electrical features like the brightness of touch screens or the strength of the air con in order to conserve electricity.
Darren said: “Eco Mode in electric vehicles is a game-changer for drivers seeking to optimise their driving experience.
“By activating this feature, drivers can significantly extend their vehicle’s range, adding 10 to 15 miles.
“It’s a straightforward yet powerful tool that prioritises energy conservation over speed or power, making it ideal for everyday driving scenarios.”
Not all EVs have this feature but it is available in cars from many major brands, including Tesla.
Even if you don’t have it, Darren was able to share another tip for preserving your battery and keeping it performing better for longer.
He advised: “Aim to charge up to 80% at fast chargers, as charging speed significantly slows down after reaching this level.
“This approach ensures efficient use of your time and maintains battery health.
“By optimising your charging strategy, you minimise downtime and maximise driving time, allowing you to reach your destination faster and with minimal interruption.”
He also urged drivers to have “backup charging plans” just in case they can’t access a particular charging station, for example, if all the bays are occupied.
It comes after the “world’s largest Range Rover”, previously used by Mike Tyson, went up for sale at a heavily reduced price.