Take it easy: how driving style can help you go the extra mile

Driving style is the only external factor we can control to extend the range of our electric car.

There is one big question that electric vehicle drivers ask more than any other: how far can I travel on a full battery charge?

While manufacturer data provides a useful benchmark, an EV’s range is actually influenced by a variety of factors. Some are directly related to the vehicle itself—like tire condition—while others are entirely external, such as road surface, outdoor temperature, weather conditions, and above all, driving style.

Today, we will explore how your driving behavior can significantly impact your electric vehicle’s battery range.

A scientific snapshot: how driving style tests are conducted

Researchers have been studying the link between driving style and EV range for over a decade. For this article, we referenced studies from Eindhoven University of Technology (2020), University of Łódź (2023), and Italy’s National Research Council – Institute of Science and Technologies for Energy and Sustainable Mobility (2023).

So how are these studies carried out? Typically, a single electric vehicle is driven repeatedly along a standardized route, using three different driving styles: highway driving, highway with frequent intersections, urban driving. Onboard diagnostics are combined with telemetry systems that record the car’s location, speed, various electronic parameters, and real-time battery voltage.

These tests have consistently shown that a smooth and relaxed driving style reduces the number of charges needed. The key factor? A better balance between energy consumption and energy regeneration.