Driving an electric vehicle efficiently requires adopting some unique habits compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. To help you get the most out of your EV—whether you’re commuting daily or heading off on a weekend adventure—Nevo has compiled a list of essential EV driving habits designed to maximise your range, efficiency, and battery life.

1. Planning ahead & route selection

Efficient driving starts with good planning. Use your navigation system to find the most energy-efficient routes, steering clear of heavy traffic and steep hills whenever possible. This not only conserves energy but also reduces wear on your battery. For longer trips, plan routes that include charging stations to ensure you have access to power when needed. Using cruise control on motorways helps maintain a constant speed, which is more efficient than rapid acceleration and sudden braking. Remember, smooth and gentle driving conserves energy, and the Nevo Journey Planner tool can help you plan your routes more effectively.

2. Understand & use regenerative braking

Regenerative braking is a key feature of most EVs that can significantly extend your range. This system converts kinetic energy back into stored energy in the battery when you slow down. Depending on your vehicle, regenerative braking may engage automatically when you lift off the accelerator, or it might require manual activation via gear selectors, mode settings, or paddles behind the steering wheel. Learning to maximise regenerative braking can be both rewarding and energy-efficient, allowing you to drive with a single pedal in many situations when braking distances are well-judged.

3. Become familiar with Eco settings

Most EVs come with various driving modes, typically including Normal, ECO, and Sport. While Sport mode may be tempting for performance, it’s not the best option if you’re aiming to extend your battery range. Engaging ECO mode dials back power delivery, optimises energy usage, and disables non-essential features to conserve battery life. Heating and air conditioning can also drain your battery quickly; pre-condition your car while it’s still plugged in and consider using seat heaters instead of warming the entire cabin. In mild weather, opt for the ventilation system instead of air conditioning to further save energy.

4. General hints & tips

Maintaining your EV’s tyres at the proper inflation level is crucial for reducing rolling resistance and improving efficiency. A single under-inflated tyre can noticeably reduce your range. For everyday driving, Nevo recommends charging your EV to around 80-90% and avoiding letting the charge drop below 20% to prolong battery life. Regular Level 1 or Level 2 charging is ideal, while Level 3 fast charging should be reserved for longer trips, as frequent use can impact battery longevity over time. Additionally, remove unnecessary weight from your car to boost efficiency—items like golf clubs or roof boxes can add drag and reduce range. Whenever possible, remove roof boxes after use to maintain your vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency.

Clever EV driving should save you money

By adopting these efficient driving habits, you can extend the range and lifespan of your EV, making your driving experience both more economical and enjoyable. Consider this: driving a petrol-powered car for 100 kilometres at an average of 7 litres per 100 km, with fuel priced at €1.70 per litre, costs about €11.90. The same journey in an EV, consuming an average of 17.5 kWh per 100 kilometres at a daytime unit cost of €0.35 per kWh, would cost just €6.13. The savings are clear, and with Nevo’s efficient driving tips, they’re easily within your reach.