Although electric vehicles (EVs) today can run for miles on a single charge, it can be nerve-wracking thinking about a dead car battery mid-road trip. There are still far fewer charging stations than gas stations. And, of course, no one wants to be stranded on the side of the road. The good news? It’s easy to get the most out of a charge and extend your electric vehicle’s range. Here are five EV driving tips you can follow:

1. Be sure to drive gently

This EV driving tip is actually true whether you’re driving a hybrid, a gas-powered car, or an EV. When you accelerate hard, you’re using more battery energy. The best thing to do is try to avoid this. The gentler you are while accelerating, the less energy you will be using to get up to speed. 

“This may be difficult for some EV drivers to resist, since off-the-line acceleration is so strong—and so much fun—in most EVs. But watch that power meter in the instrument cluster. The lower you can keep that bar or needle, the less energy you’re using to get to a given speed.”

Car and Driver

2. Keep your tires inflated properly

Chances are, you’ve heard this driving tip before. After all, this is a tip that’s shared with gas-powered cars. To get the most out of your EV, particularly when it comes to range, be sure to keep your EV’s tires inflated properly.

As Car and Driver explains, “For EVs with low-rolling-resistance tires, this is especially crucial to ensure the tires are inflated enough to reduce their contribution to drag. Read the tire-pressure settings (usually on a label in the left-front door jamb), keep a tire-pressure gauge in the glove compartment, and use it regularly.” 

3. Plan your routes ahead of time

If you know you’re driving on the highway, pick appropriate routes that allow you to drive more steadily, recommends MyEV.com. And if you can, try to avoid that heavy traffic. Some EVs come equipped with a navigation system that suggests energy-efficient routes, which is extremely helpful. 

4. Turn on eco mode when possible

More often than not, electric vehicles come equipped with an Eco mode that reduces energy consumption and engages gentle acceleration. Many EVs will also show a significant increase in Miles Remaining once it’s turned on.

There are a few things to keep in mind when employing this EV driving tip, however. According to FuelEconomy.gov, “The economy mode may limit aspects of the vehicle’s performance, such as acceleration, to save fuel.”

5. Take a peek at the owner’s manual

If you need more tips on how to manage energy use, it’s strongly recommended to reference your owner’s manual. After all, all electric vehicles are different. Your automaker knows how to maximize fuel economy, driving range, and the life of your battery.  

What is the most efficient way to drive an EV?

The most efficient way to drive an EV is by following the tips above. One of the most important things you can do is drive gently and not accelerate too hard. MyEV.com states, “Try to keep your speed under 60 mph whenever possible. You’ll not only avoid getting a speeding ticket, you’ll bolster your battery range in the process.” 

Planning routes ahead of time and knowing where the nearest charging stations are can also help. You can also utilize Eco Mode and reference your owner’s manual for more information about your specific model. Happy driving!