It's a well established fact that manufacturers claims of MPG is often way off what we get in the real world, this is also very true for electric vehicles. The manufacturers quote a figure called WLTP, it stands for Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure, and is the most recent testing process for measuring new car fuel economy, electric driving range and emissions.

So my EV has a WLTP of 286 miles on a full charge, do I get this in the summer, absolutely, and a lot more too, my best ever was 333 miles, however, in the depth of the winter this drops significantly, probably by as much as 30%, I don't profess to understand exactly why batteries hate the cold, I just know they do so I've learned to cope.

Reduced range in the winter is a tad annoying, but not a significant problem because one thing we EV drivers are good at is journey planning, which includes combining a comfort stop with a charge top-up. I know the range of my vehicle, and I plan my charge top-ups according to this and the time of year. There are however a few things you can do to eek out those extra few miles of range, even in the winder, let's look at some of these tips…

Heating is a battery killer, so, where you can, pre-heat your vehicle while it is tethered to the mains, most have an app to facilitate this, so you don't even need to venture out in the cold. Once in your vehicle, why heat the whole compartment, if it's only you in the vehicle, instead, restrict the heat to just your zone, and, if you have heated seats and steering wheel, pop them on, you will be amazed how effective they are at keeping you warm and, the bonus is, neither affect range! You will notice your range increase as you turn the heater and blowers down a notch or two, so dress comfortably but sensibly so you can turn the heat down a tad without feeling too chilly.

Your own driving style is also key to preserving range, in fact, most EV's predict range based on your previous driving style, so, here are a few things to help, they may be stating the obvious, but they definitely work:

• Remove any unwanted weight, in the boot for example – snow is heavy so remove it from the roof and bonnet!

• Accelerate smoothly and progressively

• Aim for a ‘slow-to-flow' style, to avoid repeated stop/start situations

• Driving at 70 mph reduces range by about 30% compared to say 50 mph

• Use the eco setting, rather than sport – acceleration will still be impressive!

• Maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front – avoids unnecessary slowing!

• Use the maximum regen setting, unless you are on snow and ice

Charging also takes longer when it's really cold, so on long journeys, take this into account and unless you absolutely need that 100% of charge, top up to 80%. This preserves the battery and, the last 20%, from 80 % to 100% takes the longest.

I'm pretty sure what we've discussed in this article is not revolutionary or rocket science, it's all about developing an EV mindset, one that understands our vehicle and how temperature, as well as our own driving style can impact of range, then, planning long journeys accordingly.

That 333 miles I mentioned earlier, this was down to considering those very factors, plus not being in a hurry I cruised at 50 to 60 on the motorway, rather then 70 and, I got to my destination, a trip of around 200 miles, in about the same time too!

EV's are great fun to drive, they are smooth, powerful and very quiet, so take the initiative when in and around pedestrian areas, then get to know your vehicle, it's packed with amazing technology, if you get the settings right, and develop a defensive style of driving, you will smash the WLTP in the summer, and get some extra range in the winter.

Adrian Hide (Driver Risk Management Consultant)
Adrian Hide Consultancy
email: adrian@adrianhideconsultancy.co.uk
Website: www.adrianhideconsultancy.co.uk