Tips to Maximise your EV Efficiency

Driving an EV is not only a step towards greener transportation but also an opportunity to save on costs and optimise your driving experience.

At Splend, we’re here to help you make the most of your EV, whether it’s about extending your range, charging effectively, or leveraging exclusive benefits like the Uber-supported bp Pulse network.

Here are some proven tips and strategies to help you maximise your EV’s potential.

1. Regenerative braking

Take advantage of regenerative braking to extend your EV’s range. Regenerative braking is a clever process in EVs where the energy typically lost as heat during braking is captured and converted back into usable battery power. This means you can recover energy every time you slow down, adding extra range to your drive. It extends vehicle range, reduces wear on mechanical braking components, and contributes to lower operational costs and environmental impact.

Regenerative braking is most effective in stop-and-go city traffic, where frequent braking allows more energy to be recaptured. On highways, where you’re driving for long periods without braking, its benefits are less noticeable. Heavier vehicles also tend to benefit more from regenerative braking as they tend to recover more energy because they have greater momentum and kinetic energy to convert.

2. Smooth acceleration and driving

Avoid aggressive acceleration and sharp braking, as these consume more energy.

Instead, focus on maintaining a steady speed and driving smoothly. Not only does this help with efficiency, but it also ensures a more comfortable ride for your passengers. As mentioned above, it also assists with capturing more energy from regenerative braking to extend your range.

3. Optimise heating and cooling

Winter in London can be freezing, and while staying warm is essential, running your EV’s climate control air conditioning at too high a temperature can quickly drain your battery (the same goes for cooling in summer!). Here are some smart tips to stay comfortable without sacrificing too much range:

1. Use Heated Features: Heated seats and steering wheels consume less energy than heating the entire cabin. Prioritise these options for efficient, targeted warmth.

2. Dress for the Weather: Bundle up with warm layers, gloves, and a scarf so you can rely less on the car's heating system during short trips. Remember, your passengers are likely to be bundled up when they enter your vehicle so having the heating too high can actually make them less comfortable.

3. Adjust Climate Settings: Instead of blasting the heater, set it to a lower, consistent temperature and direct airflow where it’s most effective (e.g., to your feet or face).

4. Recycle Cabin Air: Use the "recirculate" setting to maintain warmth inside the cabin, reducing the need for the system to continually heat cold air from outside.

5. Park Smart: Whenever possible, park in a garage or sheltered area to reduce heat loss overnight and make it easier to warm up your car in the morning.

4. Charge strategically

Keep your EV battery charged between 20–80% for optimal performance and longevity. Frequent top-ups at this range prevent unnecessary strain on the battery and ensure optimal performance and longevity.

At Splend, our fleet of EVs is equipped with fast-charging capabilities, allowing you to charge from 20–80% in approximately 30 minutes, so you can get back on the road quickly.

5. Drive within range-friendly speeds

For maximum efficiency, avoid driving over 60 MPH, especially on motorways and dual carriageways. Higher speeds increase energy consumption and can reduce your range significantly.

6. Access cost-effective charging

Splend customers can take advantage of the Uber-supported bp Pulse network, a cost-effective and convenient charging solution. By using this network, you can enjoy substantial savings while keeping your EV powered and ready to go. Learn more here: Uber bp Pulse Network.

7. Proactive maintenance and support

Regular upkeep is essential for ensuring your EV performs at its best and avoiding unnecessary downtime. Staying proactive with maintenance not only keeps your vehicle in top condition but also helps you address any potential issues early. Regularly servicing your vehicle according to the manufacturer’s schedule as well as performing regular maintenance checks yourself is vital to ensuring the best performance from your EV. EVs generally have fewer moving parts than conventional vehicles and lower maintenance needs, but there are still important areas to monitor:

Tyres:

• Check tire pressure regularly, as underinflated tires can reduce range and efficiency.

• Rotate your tires periodically (every 5,000–7,000 miles) to ensure even wear.

Brakes:

• Inspect brake pads and rotors. While regenerative braking reduces wear, they still need occasional checks to ensure safety.

Software Updates:

• Keep your vehicle’s software up to date for optimal performance, access to new features, and enhanced safety

Cooling System:

• EV batteries rely on thermal management systems. Ensure the coolant levels are maintained and serviced according to the manufacturer’s schedule.

Cabin Air Filter:

• Replace the cabin air filter periodically to maintain air quality inside the vehicle.

General Vehicle Care:

• Clean and protect seals, wipers, and charging ports from debris or damage.

• Keep an eye out for wear on suspension components or other mechanical parts.

8. Understand your vehicle

Understanding your vehicle’s strengths, no matter what EV you drive, is key to improving efficiency and getting the most out of your car. Familiarity with features like regenerative braking, energy-saving systems, and advanced tools can significantly enhance your range and performance.

For instance, the Peugeot e-Traveller equipped with a powerful 75kWh battery, offers up to 210 miles of range when driven efficiently. Features like active cruise control not only help maintain a smooth driving pace but also optimise energy usage, making it easier to maximise mileage.

By adopting these strategies, you’ll not only save on costs but also enhance your overall driving experience.

About Splend

At Splend, we believe in drivers. We know their vehicles need to work harder than most; that they drive more miles than most; that their insurance is hefty; their maintenance costs high and that they can face unreasonable finance rates – which is a heavy load to carry on their own.

That’s why at Splend, we exist to support rideshare drivers with a new model, that takes all those car ownership costs, and provides them for less, with lower purchase prices, better rates, lower servicing and insurance costs – all for one weekly repayment, all in one place.