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Tips and Tricks for Efficient Electric Driving: Maximizing Your Tesla's Range
Electric vehicles have come a long way in the past few years, and Tesla has been leading the charge. With longer driving ranges and more efficient battery technology, Tesla cars have been a popular choice for environmentally conscious drivers. However, even with the advancements in electric vehicle technology, range anxiety can still be a concern for drivers. In this article, we’ll dive into some tips and tricks to help maximize your Tesla's range and efficiency.
What is Range?
Before we get into the tips, it’s important to understand what we mean by range. Range refers to the estimated distance your Tesla can travel on a single charge. It’s important to note that the range displayed on your Tesla is based on fixed EPA test data, and may not be an accurate reflection of your personal driving patterns. Factors such as your driving behaviors and environment can have a big impact on your actual range.
THE ENERGY APP
The Energy App is like having a personal driving coach right in your Tesla. It's there to guide you and help you get the most out of your driving experience. With every journey you take, the app is analyzing your driving patterns and using that information to calculate your personalized range estimate. It takes into account everything from your speed to your braking habits, so you can get a more accurate idea of how far you can go on a single charge.
But that's not all. The Energy App also helps you plan your charging needs for a given trip. Whether you're driving across town or across the country, the app can forecast how much energy you'll need to reach your destination and where you can charge up along the way. This means you'll never have to worry about running out of juice mid-journey.
To access the Energy App, simply open the apps menu on your car's touchscreen and select the Energy icon. It's like having a virtual co-pilot that's always on hand to help you make the most of your Tesla.
DRIVING STYLE AND ENVIRONMENT
Your Tesla's driving range is influenced by various factors, including your driving style and environment. So, if you want to maximize your range, it's essential to keep an eye on these things. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Tesla's battery:
Keep your driving speed in check: The faster you drive, the more energy your car will consume, which means your range will decrease more quickly. To get the most out of your Tesla's battery, try to maintain a steady speed and avoid sudden acceleration or hard braking.
Use regenerative braking: If your Tesla is equipped with selectable regenerative braking, make sure it's set to 'Standard' to maximize the amount of energy that can be recovered during deceleration. This will help extend your car's range and reduce wear on the brakes.
Avoid frequent stop-and-go driving: Frequent stops and starts use more energy than steady driving, which can reduce your car's range. If possible, try to plan your route to avoid heavy traffic or areas with frequent stoplights.
Take longer trips: Short trips can be particularly hard on your Tesla's battery, as the car uses more energy during the initial warm-up phase. So, if you're only driving a short distance, try to combine multiple trips into one longer journey to help maximize your range.
Be mindful of uphill driving: Going up hills uses more energy than driving on flat roads, which can reduce your car's range. If you're driving in an area with lots of hills, try to use regenerative braking on the way down to help recharge the battery.
Watch out for inclement weather: Rain, snow, and headwinds can all reduce your Tesla's range by increasing drag and decreasing efficiency. If possible, try to avoid driving in these conditions or adjust your driving style to compensate.
COLD WEATHER
As much as we love winter weather, it can have a significant impact on our Tesla's range. The cold weather can take a toll on the battery's optimal operating temperature, making it use more energy to maintain that temperature. This can, in turn, limit the regenerative braking capability, making it challenging to achieve the desired range. But don't worry; we've got you covered with some tips and tricks to help you combat the cold weather blues and get the most out of your Tesla in the winter.
Keep your Tesla plugged in whenever possible: One way to help your battery retain some heat is by keeping your Tesla plugged in whenever possible. When you plug in your Tesla, the battery warms up, which means that it's ready to use the energy you need when you start your car. The onboard computer will automatically prevent over-charging, so you don't have to worry about damaging your battery.
Precondition the battery before turning on your Tesla: Another way to combat cold weather is by preconditioning the battery before turning on your Tesla. This means that you should plug in and charge your battery while you precondition it. Preconditioning will help your battery warm up before you start your car, which can help reduce the amount of energy it uses to maintain the optimal operating temperature.
Limit high use of heat and air conditioning: To conserve energy and maximize your range during the winter months, it's essential to limit the high use of heat and air conditioning. Instead, use seat heaters to keep the cabin climate at an optimal temperature. This not only helps you conserve energy but also ensures you have a comfortable ride.
Follow winter driving tips: If you expect to drive in low temperatures, it's crucial to follow winter driving tips. For example, you should avoid driving on snowy roads, as this can increase the strain on the battery. You should also reduce your speed and use regenerative braking as much as possible. Additionally, you should make sure your tires are appropriately inflated, remove any unnecessary cargo, and use the mobile app or vehicle's touchscreen to set the charge limit within the "Daily" range.
CHARGING HABITS
Charging your Tesla is essential, it impacts range and efficiency, it's not superficial. So here are some tips that you should know, To keep your electric car charged up and ready to go.
Charge your Tesla regularly, every day, Using a low-voltage charger like a Wall Connector is the way.
Avoid letting your battery get too low, Charge it up before it's time to go.
Use DC Fast Charging (i.e. Supercharging) only when you need, Like during long road trips, it's a must indeed.
Charge your battery to the appropriate limit, Based on the battery installed, that's the hint.
Tesla recommends keeping the full charge limit under 90%, For daily use, it's the perfect extent.
Increase the limit to 'Trip' range (>90%) for long journeys, And make sure to charge up before you leave, it's the best practice with no worries.
ADDITIONAL RANGE TIPS
Maintain tire pressures: Make sure to check your tire pressures regularly and keep them at the recommended level. Inflation recommendations can usually be found inside the driver-side door jamb. Properly inflated tires can help reduce rolling resistance, which can save energy and increase range.
Lighten your load: Remove any unnecessary cargo from your Tesla to reduce weight. More weight requires more energy to move the vehicle, which can negatively impact your range. So, keeping your Tesla as light as possible can help you conserve energy and drive further.
Remove roof racks or rear racks: If you have roof racks or rear racks installed on your Tesla but you're not using them, it's a good idea to remove them. These racks can create additional drag, which can negatively impact your range.
Reduce aerodynamic drag: One of the key factors that can impact your Tesla's range is aerodynamic drag. To reduce drag, make sure to close all windows when driving at highway speeds. If your Tesla is equipped with air suspension, you can also set it to 'Low' or 'Very Low' to reduce drag. For Model 3 cars with aero wheels, you can install aero wheel covers to improve aerodynamics and increase range.
Driving an electric vehicle can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on fuel costs. By following the tips mentioned in this article, you can maximize your electric vehicle's range and get the most out of your battery. Remember to plan your trips ahead of time, keep your vehicle charged and maintained, and make smart driving decisions. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy a smooth and efficient driving experience while doing your part for the planet.