Tips to maximise your Electric Range

The road to an all-electric future is edging closer; by 2035 all new cars sold in the UK must be either hybrid or an all-electric vehicle to support a more sustainable future. In 2019 we saw our first all-electric vehicle, the EQC, and since then our electric range has grown. We want to ease you into switching to all-electric, read our tips on maximising your electric mile range.

Drive efficiently

One of the most important things you can do to maximize your electric mile range is to drive efficiently. This means driving at a steady speed and avoiding sudden acceleration and braking. When you accelerate quickly, you use more energy from your battery, and when you brake suddenly, you waste energy as heat. Instead, try to maintain a consistent speed and use regenerative braking (if your vehicle has it) to slow down gradually and recover some of the energy that would otherwise be lost. Every one of our all-electric vehicles comes with driver assistance systems, so that you can use cruise control and hold a steady driving pace.

Plan your route

Planning your route can also help you maximize your electric mile range. Using the Mercedes me navigation system will enable you to find the most efficient route to your destination. This may include avoiding motorways (where speeds are higher and wind resistance is greater), taking advantage of regenerative braking on downhill sections, and avoiding steep uphill climbs that can drain your battery quickly.

Climate control

Heating and cooling can be major drains on your electric vehicle’s battery. To maximize your electric mile range, try to manage your climate control system carefully. If it’s hot outside, use the air conditioning sparingly or set it to a higher temperature, blasting out cold air may be refreshing on a hot summer’s day, but it will drain your EV battery. If it’s cold preheat your car while it’s still charging using Mercedes me. It might surprise you, but your heated seats and heating steering wheel use less heat than using the air conditioning system, so where possible take advantage of this.

Monitor your battery usage

Your mile range may be altered by external factors, such as weather conditions, so it is essential to monitor your battery usage. On the dash of our Mercedes-EQ vehicles it will display your battery level and your estimated battery range. Use this information to plan your driving and avoid running out of charge. If you notice that your battery level is dropping faster than expected, adjust your driving style or route to conserve energy.

Minimize extra load

Added weight to your vehicle, for example an extra passenger or some extra sports equipment will affect your electric mile range. To maximize your range, try to minimize the amount of extra weight you carry in your car. This includes items in your trunk or on the roof (if you have a roof rack), as well as passengers or furry friends. The more weight your car has to carry, the more energy it needs to power the load.

Charge smartly

Taking a smart approach when charging your electric vehicle can also help you maximize your electric mile range. If possible, charge your car during off-peak hours (when electricity rates are lower), and aim to charge your battery to 80% or less to prolong its lifespan. You can also take advantage of public charging stations or destination chargers (such as those at hotels or shopping centres) to top up your battery while you’re out and about.

Drive safely

Your car will consume more energy at higher speeds, so try to keep to the speed limit for your vehicle to maximize your electric mile range, or even less if you have time. Electric vehicles are generally most efficient at speeds between 30 and 50 mph. If you’re driving on the motorway, try to keep your speed below 70 mph to avoid using too much energy.

Check out our all-electric and hybrid range and sign up to our mailing list to keep in the loop with our latest tricks, tips and guides.