- Regenerative braking can boost urban range by 15-20% and save brake wear.
- ECO mode trims power to 70-80%, softens throttle, and reduces range consumption.
- For long trips, use routes with 80-90 km/h, pre-plan charging stops.
- Temperature and AC can cut range by 10-20% in extreme temps.
Transitioning to electric mobility is becoming increasingly prominent in the Romanian automotive landscape. Electric cars are steadily gaining ground among drivers, valued for lower operating costs and minimal environmental impact. Yet, range anxiety remains a real concern, especially as charging infrastructure in Romania is still developing.
Although battery technology is evolving rapidly, there are simple and effective methods that any driver can use to maximize the electric vehicle’s range. Here are the three most important techniques that will help you get more kilometers from every charge.
Maximize regenerative braking
How regenerative braking works
When you lift off the accelerator pedal or press the brake, the electric motor operates in reverse, acting as a generator. The energy produced in this process is redirected to the battery, recovering a significant portion of the energy used for acceleration.
Most modern electric cars offer the ability to adjust the level of regenerative braking. At maximum settings, you can drive almost exclusively with one pedal — lifting off the accelerator will slow the car considerably, while charging energy at the same time.
Practical benefits
- Increasing range by up to 15-20% in urban traffic
- Reducing wear on conventional brake pads
- Smoother and more predictable driving
- Efficient energy recovery on descents
Use ECO mode
The ECO function is not about emissions — electric cars already produce no local emissions — but about optimizing energy consumption by limiting available power and adjusting throttle response.
What ECO mode changes
Activating ECO mode introduces several automatic adjustments:
- Limiting maximum power: The motor will deliver only 70-80% of the total available power
- Smoother throttle response: Acceleration is more gradual, avoiding abrupt energy use
- Reduction of available torque: Speed increases more gradually
- Optimization of auxiliary systems: Climate control and other energy-hungry systems operate in economy mode
When to use ECO mode
This mode is ideal for:
- Urban trips with moderate traffic
- Long trips where range is critical
- Situations where you don’t have immediate access to a charging station
- Relaxed driving, without the need for rapid accelerations
In most day-to-day situations, the difference in performance won’t be noticeable, and the gain in range can reach up to 10-15%.
Planning long trips
For longer journeys where range is critical:
- Prefer national roads: Moderate speeds (80-90 km/h) maximize range
- Plan strategic stops: Identify available charging stations in advance
- Avoid peak hours: Heavy highway traffic means frequent accelerations and braking
- Monitor the on-board computer: Most vehicles display instantaneous consumption - use it as a guide
Additional factors that affect consumption
- Outside temperature: Below 0°C or above 35°C, range drops by 10-20%
- Air conditioning use: Can reduce range by up to 15% in extreme conditions
- Vehicle weight: Extra cargo increases consumption
- Tire pressure: Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance
Conclusion
Optimizing the range of an electric car does not require major sacrifices in comfort or driving experience. By smart use of regenerative braking, enabling ECO mode in appropriate situations, and adjusting driving speed, you can easily gain 20-30% more range.
As charging infrastructure in Romania develops and battery technology advances, these techniques will become even more efficient. Until then, consistently applying these three methods will help you maximize the benefits of electric mobility.
