Electric vehicles: 10 ways to optimise their use
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PRECEPT #1
Pre-conditioning of the passenger compartment
Gain in comfort and range
Did you know? Warming a vehicle consumes up to ten times more energy than keeping it at a certain temperature. Preheating your car is therefore the thing to do. And nothing could be easier. You have two options.
Via your hands-free card or the MY Z.E. app, preheat or air condition your vehicle for 5 minutes. Doing so only consumes 3 km of range.
You can take advantage of your car charging to perform the same operation. You can even program this feature based on your departure time through the application or from your vehicle’s R-Link screen. That way, you maximise your comfort and your range.
PRECEPT #2
Speed adaptation
Have a smooth and easy ride
Here, the cardinal rule of driving is very simple. Maintain a constant speed as much as possible. Doing so uses the battery more efficiently.
PRECEPT #3
Efficient use of heating
Limit energy consumption
For heating that best suits your needs, two modes are available to you: “AUTO” and “ECO.” With the “AUTO” heating mode, you are provided comfort, while energy consumption is controlled. Engage the “ECO” mode and heating performance will be limited to save even more energy. When you run your climate control in “AUTO” mode for 15 minutes and then switch to “ECO” mode, you will only diminish your range by 8 km while attaining perfect comfort.
PRECEPT #4
Energy recovery
Recover energy while driving
This is an important fact to keep in mind: when driving downhill, you recover about two thirds of the energy your battery consumed going uphill. The same is true of braking with regards to the energy your battery consumes while driving.
PRECEPT #5
Use of “ECO” mode
Extend your range in the city
Save “ECO” mode for the city, since it is efficient at speeds up to 90 km/h.
By optimising the acceleration, cruising speed and braking, the “ECO” mode increases the range of your electric vehicle. Also note that once on the motorway, your vehicle consumes 50% more energy.
PRECEPT #6
Charging speed
Benefit from fast-charging
As the battery reaches its full charge, the speed of charging always decreases. Bear in mind as well that the speed of charging also depends on the outside temperature, the number of cars connected to the station, etc.
PRECEPT #7
Tyre pressure check
Drive with optimally-inflated tyres
Check the pressure of your tyres regularly. It’s a precaution that is far from insignificant, as underinflated tyres can reduce your range by 10 km.
PRECEPT #8
Post-drive battery recharge
Recharge your battery straight after your drive
If possible, remember to charge your battery as soon as you are done driving. Indeed, a warm battery always charges better than a cold one. This habit is all the more important during cold weather.
PRECEPT #9
Trip planning
Consult the MY Renault app
It is always more practical to plan your route in advance. Use the simulators on the Renault website to gauge your range and your charging time. Or consult your smartphone: the MY Renault portal shows, for instance, the location of charge points and the overall travel time, taking into account the amount of charging time necessary depending on the type of station.
PRECEPT #10
Configuration of the pedestrian warning system
Alert pedestrians to your presence
The “Z.E. Voice” pedestrian warning system is activated when you start your electric vehicle. It is designed to warn pedestrians of the vehicle’s presence at low speeds. The Z.E. Voice also provides a unique sound identity to the Renault range.
Copyrights: Harry ANDRIESSEN, VAN DER VAART FOTOGRAFIE, Renault Marketing 3D-Commerce, Yannick BROSSARD, PLANIMONTEUR, Paulo CALISTO, Renault Portugal, Arnaud TAQUET, PRODIGIOUS Production, Christian FOURNIER, prisedevue.com