The range of electric cars is one of the decisive purchasing criteria. The maximum range of the vehicles depends heavily on the respective framework conditions. However, even simple measures can increase the range of an electric car. In our guide, we explain the various options and reveal the tricks you can use to increase the range.

What affects the range of electric cars?

The range of electric cars is influenced by various factors. These include design-related characteristics, which vary depending on the vehicle model. The maximum ranges essentially depend on the capacity of the batteries and the individual power consumption of the vehicles. However, the driving style also influences the values. Numerous other characteristics of electric cars affect the ranges that can be achieved with them. These include the design of the body and its specific air resistance. The weight of the vehicle can also be a decisive factor in consumption and therefore influence the range.

Battery capacity and individual consumption

The capacity of the installed batteries has a significant influence on the range of the electric car. The greater the battery capacity, the more energy can be stored in the battery. Electric cars with large batteries often offer a greater range according to the WLTP. However, large batteries also weigh more, which increases the car’s consumption. Another factor in terms of electric car and range is the individual power consumption of the drive motors while driving. Additional power consumers such as heating or air conditioning can also increase consumption. If many consumers are switched on, the battery charge is reduced accordingly. This reduces the range of electric cars, sometimes considerably.

Temperatures and drivers as influencing factors

In addition to other factors, the prevailing outside temperature also influences the battery performance and therefore the range of the electric car. Electric car batteries generally work most effectively at temperatures between plus 15 degrees Celsius and plus 25 degrees Celsius. If the temperature range is exceeded, the battery is less able to store and release energy. The driver himself is also a factor in the maximum range of the electric car. The driver’s driving style influences power consumption. People who like to accelerate quickly or prefer high speeds will have to drive to the charging station earlier to charge. By contrast, electricity can be saved by starting and accelerating gently.

How do you increase the range of an electric car?

The range of an electric car can be increased in many different ways. Adapting your driving style alone can often save electricity and reduce the load on the battery. Drivers should also make use of modern vehicle technologies to increase the range of their electric car. Below you will find further tips on how to extend the driving range of an electric car without much effort.

Adapt your own driving style

Adapting your driving style quickly leads to a reduction in power consumption in an electric car. It is often enough to accelerate less and not use the maximum available speed. Anticipatory driving is also helpful. In this way, drivers can easily increase the range of their electric car while maintaining the same battery size.

Use one-pedal driving and recuperation

Almost every modern electric car has the ability to recuperate. With this technology, the vehicle recovers energy during braking. The electricity is stored in the battery and is available for the drive. Recuperation is particularly easy with one-pedal driving, where the driver can decelerate the car using the accelerator pedal.

Clever use of heating and air conditioning

Like all modern cars, electric cars also have interior air conditioning. However, heating and air conditioning in electric cars are powered directly by electricity from the battery. If you want to conserve the battery and increase the range, avoid unnecessary heating and cooling of the interior. The heated seats and heated windows also draw power from the batteries.

Activate eco mode on the vehicle

Many electric cars have a so-called eco mode. If this special driving program is activated, the car consumes particularly little electricity. For example, the vehicle adapts to the traffic situation in order to save electricity. The automatically reduced consumption means that even inexperienced drivers can increase their range.

Driving in the ideal temperature range

The batteries of electric vehicles only work optimally at certain temperatures. It is not always possible to use the electric car only in this specified range. However, battery performance and range can be maximized if the electric car is not used in extreme cold. In hot weather, the batteries need to be cooled, which consumes additional energy.

Plan your route and journey in advance

Precise planning before longer journeys is one of the best tips when it comes to electric cars. The electric car can then be heated in advance via the home charging station. This maximizes the range and avoids charging stress. If charging stations on freeways are to be used as filling stations, drivers should check the compatibility of the charging technology.

Check tire pressure regularly

Like any car with a combustion engine, an electric car should always be operated with the optimum tire pressure. Especially if the tire pressure is too low, the power consumption of the electric car increases. To reduce consumption and increase the range, the owner should regularly adjust the tire pressure.

Reduce weight and increase range

Loading the electric car increases the weight and increases the energy requirement. The electric car should be thoroughly cleaned and cleared out at the latest before setting off on longer journeys on the highway. In everyday life, it is also worthwhile not to load the car with unnecessary ballast. The range of an electric car can also be increased by not using a bike rack.

More range thanks to range extenders

Some electric cars are equipped with a range extender. This technical device is another way of achieving a greater range while maintaining the same battery capacity. The range extender usually consists of a small combustion engine that charges the vehicle’s battery via a generator. In Germany, vehicles with this type of range extender are rather rare. This is because additional components such as a small fuel tank and corresponding exhaust technology are required to extend the range. In addition to the generally high price for the range extender, the maintenance of the technology also costs additional money.

Top guides

• Injection system in the car explained simply - parts and function of the injection...
• Maintenance and repair of electric cars: what can your normal garage do?
• Increasing performance with chip tuning: benefits, risks and tips
• Guide: Computer systems and software in your car
• Which electric car parts need repair or replacement most often?
• What is a solid-state battery for electric cars?
• All about engine sensors: from combustion engines to electric cars
• Increase the range of an electric car: How every electric car gets further
• Electric car battery life: How to extend the life of the battery
• What is the compression of a car engine?
• This is the cubic capacity of a car engine
• Internal combustion engine valves: function, defects and repair
• Core components of the internal combustion engine - parts and functions
• Engine lubrication in cars: components, function and defects
• The environmental impact of manufacturing new car parts
• All about pollutant classes and their role in environmental protection
• Engine overhaul: What is an engine overhaul and how much does it cost?
• OEM car parts manufacturing: the key components of the sector
• Understanding engine power - insight into the technology of the car engine
• The steering system of the car - structure and operation
• The car's braking system - structure, parts and function
• Engine types in the car: V-engine, in-line engine and boxer engine explained
• 8 tips before buying a used electric car
• Distinguish OEM parts, aftermarket and counterfeit car parts
• The EPC indicator light is on or flashing: What to do?
• Master brake cylinder: function, defect detection and repair
• OEM car parts for hybrid and electric cars
• Used youngtimer and classic car parts - the best tips
• Cruise control: Function and repair of the cruise control system in the car
• Exhaust system: Everything you need to know about parts and function of the exhaus...
• Locking system: security and reliable locking on the car
• The engine's air intake system - parts, function and replacement
• Brake caliper defective? How to replace it yourself
• Fuel system: parts of the fuel supply from the tank to the cylinder
• Air conditioning system: function and components of your car air conditioning syst...
• The clutch: structure and function explained simply
• Detecting and replacing a defective fuel pump
• Surprised? So many pumps work in your car
• The most common causes of a defective electric car
• The 6 most important safety components of your car
• Identify and repair a defective starter in a flash
• 5 common chassis problems and how to fix them
• 10 unknown car parts that many drivers do not know about
• Engine cooling: function and important components of the cooling system
• Differences between petrol and diesel engines
• All-wheel drive: How the mechanics and components of all-wheel drive work
• Engine control unit car: Everything about components and functioning
• Defective engine control unit: causes, symptoms and repair
• HP vs. torque: What is the difference between power and torque?
• EV motors basics: How are they built, how they work and differ from combustion eng...
• The chassis: overview and function of all suspension components
• Used electric car parts: What to look out for
• The importance of the chassis number when buying used car parts
• ABS pump defective? Function, repair and replacement
• Injection nozzle defective? Diagnosis, cleaning and changing the injection nozzles
• Alternator defective? What symptoms occur and when to change the component
• Water pump defective? Symptoms and how to repair or change it
• Steering gear defective? What are the symptoms and when should the component be re...
• Lambda sensor defective? What are the symptoms and can I clean the sensor?
• Defective air conditioning compressor - what are the symptoms and when should the ...
• Intake manifold defective? Replace gasket or clean manifold?
• Exhaust manifold leaking? Symptoms of a defective exhaust manifold or gasket and w...
• Turbocharger defective? Repair or change?
• Servo pump defective? What symptoms occur and when you should change the part
• Clutch broken? - These symptoms indicate a defect in the clutch
• Common problems and repair of defective drive shafts
• Causes of engine noise and what to do about it?
• What can car diagnostic devices do and do I need an OBD scanner?
• When and how to replace brake discs and brake pads
• Brake warning lamp lights up - causes and what to do?
• EGR valve defective: Avoid engine problems and clean EGR valve
• Improve fuel consumption: How your car uses less fuel
• Squeaking brakes: Why brakes squeak and how to get rid of it
• Safely jacking up a car: How to jack up a car using a jack and jack stands
• How a defect in the muffler becomes noticeable and how it is replaced
• E-car motor: These electric car parts you can replace yourself
• Engine overheated: What you should do if the engine overheats
• Engine check lamp lights up: What you should do as a motorist
• The engine code: What does the code mean and where can I find it on the car?
• Tools for car repair: These 10 tools you should own
• Car repair mistakes: These are the 7 most common car repair mistakes
• The gearbox code: What does the code mean and where can it be found on the gearbox...
• Used parts: How to check the quality of used car parts
• Vehicle transmission: What is the difference between manual and automatic transmis...
• Mileage: This is how mileage affects used spare parts
• Car recycling: What happens to the car when it is recycled? 
• OEM original parts or aftermarket: these are the differences 
• Advantages and disadvantages of new and used car parts
• Starting problems? Top 9 reasons why your car does not start
• What’s that smell from my car? Top causes and cures
• Advantages of shopping scrap car parts online vs. going to the local breaker yards...
• 10 most frequently purchased car parts from car breakers/junkyard
• Important car parts and their function
• Common car engine problems: Diagnosing, Troubleshooting and Fixes
• Best tips for setting up your own home car workshop
• 7 Car parts replacements and repair tasks you should not do yourself
• DIY Car Maintenance and Repair Tasks
• Guide: How to Maintain and Protect Your Car Engine
• Best practices for Engine Rebuild
• Common Causes of Rear Differential Noise, troubleshooting, and how fix it
• Common Causes of power steering noise and how fix it
• Your Guide to Car Engine Components and Functions
• Licence plate and VIN information
• Top 10 of the most popular brands in second-hand autoparts
• France is just so cool