If you’re the proud owner of a Tesla, you know that one of the main selling points of this electric vehicle (EV) is its range. With increasing awareness about climate change and the need to reduce our carbon footprint, EVs are becoming more popular. But what if you find yourself on a long road trip or without access to a charging station?
Summary: Fear not, Tesla drivers – here are some smart charging strategies to extend your electric car’s range.
1. Be strategic with your charging sessions
While it’s tempting to wait until you’re running on fumes to charge your Tesla, filling it up frequently can actually save you time and help you avoid range anxiety. Here are some tips to make the most of your charging sessions:
- Charge your Tesla overnight at home when electricity rates are low and you won’t need to use it for several hours
- When you’re on a road trip, aim to stop at a Supercharger station when your battery is around 20-30% full. This will reduce the charging time and allow you to continue your journey more quickly
- Don’t wait until your battery is completely drained to recharge it – this can reduce the lifespan of your battery
2. Use regenerative braking to your advantage
One of the great features of a Tesla is regenerative braking, which recovers energy when the brake pedal is released. Here’s how to maximize this feature:
- Set your regenerative braking to “Standard” or “Low” to recover as much energy as possible – this will also help extend your range. “High” may give you a sportier driving experience, but it will also use more energy
- Anticipate stops and decelerate gradually instead of slamming on the brakes – this will increase the amount of energy recovered by the regenerative braking system
3. Monitor your energy usage
Being aware of your energy usage can help you extend your range. Here are some tools to help you:
- The Tesla app allows you to monitor your charging status and energy consumption in real-time. Use this to your advantage – if you notice you’re using more energy than expected, adjust your driving style accordingly
- Use the “Energy” tab on your Tesla’s touchscreen to see how much energy is being used by different systems, such as air conditioning or heated seats. Turning these off when they’re not necessary can help you save energy
4. Keep your Tesla well-maintained
A well-maintained Tesla is more likely to have a longer range than one that’s not taken care of. Here are some tips for keeping your EV in good condition:
- Follow the recommended maintenance schedule for your Tesla. This includes regular service appointments, tire rotations, and brake inspections
- Keep your tires properly inflated – this can significantly affect your range
- Don’t overload your Tesla with heavy items – this will use more energy and reduce your range
The Takeaway
Driving a Tesla can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you take advantage of its smart charging strategies to extend your range. Remember: strategic charging, regenerative braking, monitoring your energy usage, and keeping your Tesla well-maintained are all key to maximizing your EV’s range. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be able to go further than you ever thought possible in your Tesla."