Back of blue Nissan car says: 100% ELECTRIC

Electric cars are increasingly becoming a fixture of the world’s highways. With low emissions, improved driving ranges, and lower maintenance costs, EVs are more attractive to consumers than ever before. If you want to operate your electric car more efficiently, it’s crucial to examine the methods that allow you to minimize the environmental impact, improve the driving distance, extend the life of the battery, preserve the brakes, and store the vehicle correctly.

1.Minimize the Environmental Impact

One of the advantages of owning an electric car is the comparatively positive effect the vehicle has on the environment. Without the need for a gas-powered engine or oil for lubrication, electric cars emit less contaminants. Air quality improves when there are more electric vehicles on the road, and since EVs do not use refined oil, the vehicles conserve fossil fuels. However, critics of EVs point out that most battery chargers use the energy produced by burning coal. It’s true that the United States relies heavily on coal for energy production, but you can minimize your vehicle’s impact by installing a home solar system. By providing a solar-powered energy source for your electric car, you can further decrease your reliance on fossil fuels.

2. Improve the Driving Range

Although electric cars are superior to gas-powered vehicles in many respects, an electric car’s driving range is a disadvantage. There are countless gas stations in the country, but charging stations are not yet available in every area. Your electric car’s driving range can vary greatly depending on your driving style. If you drive at high speeds on the highway, your vehicle will have a shorter range. Driving faster increases the battery’s depletion rate. To increase your driving range, keep your speed closer to the speed limit and avoid hard braking. With a minor reduction in speed, you’ll see an immediate improvement in your car’s range. If battery replacement stations catch on, a car’s driving range will be less of an issue.

3. Extend the Battery’s Life

Every time you charge your electric car, the battery’s life shortens. Each battery has a finite number of cycles, and the less you have to charge it, the longer it will last. One way you can extend the battery’s life is to minimize the number of times you use the quick charge option. Try to reserve fast charging for situations like long trips where it’s necessary. Shortening the period that your battery stays at 100% and avoiding overcharging will also extend the battery. After your car’s battery reaches a full charge, drive the car as soon as you can. If you keep the battery charging too long or leave it for weeks with a full charge, the battery will degrade at a higher rate. You will likely have fewer problems with your battery’s longevity once battery technology improves.

4. Preserve the Brakes

One incredible feature of electric cars is regenerative braking. When you apply the brakes in an electric vehicle, kinetic energy is sent back to the battery. The smoother your braking is, the more energy is transferred to the battery. On some electric cars, a dashboard readout indicates how much energy transfers after braking. Try to avoid stomping on the brakes except in an emergency. Sudden braking transfers less energy, but sometimes you cannot prevent it.

5. Store the Vehicle Correctly

Where and how you store your electric car can have a substantial impact on the vehicle’s longevity. The battery is less efficient when it’s subjected to extreme temperatures. If possible, try to store your vehicle in a sheltered area. Rather than parking on the street on a hot summer day, pay extra to keep your car in a parking garage when possible.

When you drive an electric vehicle, you’re contributing to a cleaner environment. Electric cars lower pollution, improve air quality, and conserve fossil fuels. When you make small changes to your driving habits like avoiding high speed traveling, you take full advantage of your electric car’s benefits.

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About The Author

Mikkie Mills's picture

Mikkie Mills is a freelance writer who's passionate about health, fitness, organic cooking and eating, and yoga. When not writing she loves traveling, hiking, and cooking. Find more from Mikkie on Google+.

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