How to get the most out of your electric car

Smart driving makes all the difference in an electric car. Here’s how to get more from your EV and go further on every charge.

Electric cars are already smooth and easy to drive, but did you know that a few simple changes to your driving style could help you get even more miles out of your battery?

Here’s how to maximise your range, spend less on charging, and keep your battery in great shape.

Driving habits for maximum efficiency

Adopt these five driving habits to get the best efficiency from your electric car:

1. Smooth acceleration and braking

Avoid rapid acceleration and harsh braking. Instead, try driving like you’ve got a cup of tea on the dashboard, with smooth, steady inputs. Anticipating traffic lets you ease off the accelerator early rather than wasting energy stopping abruptly.

2. Use regenerative braking wisely

Set regenerative braking to a higher level if your car allows it. This helps recover energy when slowing down and feeds it back into the battery instead of wasting it as heat.

3. Moderate your speed

Speed is one of the biggest range killers. Driving around 50-60mph is typically far more efficient than 70mph, where aerodynamic drag rises sharply and can cut range significantly (sometimes by over a third). Ask yourself if that extra 10mph is worth it if it means you have to make an additional charging stop as a result.

4. Switch on Eco mode

“Eco” mode isn’t just marketing: it adjusts throttle response, climate control, and energy use to stretch every kilowatt-hour (kWh) further.

5. Use cruise control on steady roads

On motorways or long, flat stretches, cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, avoiding unnecessary energy spikes from subtle acceleration changes.

Smart climate control use

Getting the most out of your electric car isn’t just about how you drive, but also how you manage heating and cooling. Small adjustments to climate settings can make a noticeable difference to your overall efficiency and range.

• Use seat and steering wheel heaters: These are far more efficient than heating the whole cabin and can significantly reduce energy consumption in cold weather.
• A/C vs windows down: At higher speeds, air conditioning is more efficient than open windows, which increase aerodynamic drag and reduce range.
• Consider a car with a heat pump: Some EVs are fitted with something called a heat pump, which is a much more efficient way of warming the cabin than traditional systems.

Battery health and smart planning

How you charge and plan your journeys also plays a big role in both your daily efficiency and the long-term health of your battery. Here are a couple things to keep in mind:

• Avoid constantly charging to 100%: Regular full charges can speed up battery degradation. For daily use you’re better off charging to around 80% (unless you need full range for a trip).
• Plan your routes strategically: Use charging apps to find cheaper chargers, slower chargers (often cheaper), or even free charging points where available.

Tips to save money on charging

1. Charge at home whenever possible

Home charging is almost always the cheapest option. A full charge typically costs less than £10 depending on the size of your car’s battery, compared to expensive rapid public chargers which can cost upwards of £60.

2. Use off-peak electricity tariffs

Switching to an overnight EV tariff can dramatically cut costs, sometimes down to just a few pence per mile. Charging while you sleep is one of the easiest money-savers.

3. Precondition your car while plugged in

Warm or cool the cabin while still connected to the charger. This means you’re using grid electricity instead of draining your battery before you even start driving.

4. Keep tyres properly inflated

Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which means higher energy use and faster wear. A quick monthly check can save real money over time.

5. Remove unnecessary weight

Extra load means extra energy use. Roof racks, heavy items, and clutter all increase drag and reduce efficiency.

Driving your electric car efficiency isn’t about sacrifice, but rather about awareness. A smoother driving style, smarter charging habits, and a bit of planning can noticeably increase your range and reduce your running costs.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

Click here to follow us on WhatsApp, where you can keep up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, advice guides and videos.