Top 3 Tips For Maximising Your Electric Van Range with Maxus

How to Maximise the Range of Your Electric Van

Getting the most out of your electric van’s range is key to keeping your operations running smoothly. No one wants to stop for a recharge more often than necessary, and while electric vans like the Maxus eDELIVER series might not match the range of traditional petrol or diesel vans, they offer clear advantages in sustainability and cost savings.

How Is Electric Van Range Measured?

Ever wondered how far your electric van can go on a single charge? Unlike petrol, where you can easily see how much fuel is left, electric vehicle (EV) range can feel a bit more unpredictable. There are two main ways to measure it:

1. Manufacturer's WLTP Figures: The Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) gives an estimate of your electric van's range under real-world conditions, including urban, rural, and motorway driving. This standard test provides a more realistic range than older methods.
2. Onboard Trip Computer: Most electric vans have a trip computer that shows the remaining range based on the battery’s charge and your driving habits. This estimate updates in real-time as driving conditions change.

It’s important to remember these are just estimates. Actual range will vary depending on several factors.

Factors That Affect Electric Van Range

While battery size plays the biggest role in determining range, several other factors can impact how far you can drive on a single charge:

• Driving Style: Fast acceleration, frequent braking, and high speeds can drain your battery quicker. A smoother, more consistent driving style can help improve range. Regenerative braking also helps recapture energy when slowing down.
• Weather: Extreme temperatures, hot or cold, can reduce battery efficiency. Cold weather can lower range, while hot weather increases energy consumption due to air conditioning use.
• Payload Weight: The more weight your van carries, the more energy it needs to maintain speed. Carrying lighter loads will help maximise range.
• Terrain: Driving on hilly terrain uses more energy compared to flat roads, as your van must work harder to climb inclines.
• Ancillary Features: Using things like air conditioning or heating will draw power from the battery and slightly reduce range.

What Is Range Anxiety?

Range anxiety is the fear of running out of charge before you reach your destination, a common concern among those considering switching to electric vans. Unlike petrol or diesel vans, where a quick stop at a filling station can quickly get you back on the road, charging an electric van can take longer depending on the charging station and your battery level. This uncertainty about planning routes and finding charging stations can cause anxiety, especially on long trips.

3 Simple Ways to Maximise Your Electric Van’s Range

1. Drive Smartly to Save Power

Small changes in how you drive can make a big difference.

• Speed: Avoid sudden acceleration or speeding. Maintain a steady pace to conserve battery life.
• Route Planning: If your route has a lot of hills, the extra energy needed to go uphill can reduce your range. Plan your trips around available charging points using an EV charging map.
• Climate Control: Heating and cooling your van use a lot of battery power. Preheat or cool your van while it's still plugged in and consider using seat heaters (they use less energy than heating the whole cabin).
• Payload: The heavier the load, the more energy your van uses. Try to keep your payload as light as possible to maximise range.
• Tyre Pressure: Underinflated tyres create extra drag and reduce range. Make sure to check your tyres regularly and keep them properly inflated.

2. Care for Your Battery

Looking after your van’s battery is essential for long-term range.

• Charge Smart: Avoid letting your battery drop below 20% and try not to charge it past 80% unless you’re going on a long trip. Slow charging is best for the battery and helps preserve its life.

3. Monitor Performance with Real-Time Data

To get the most out of your electric van, it’s important to understand how it’s performing. Tools like Maxus Intelligence Onboard system give you real-time data on things like:

• Driver Performance: Track how your drivers are managing their vehicles.
• State of Charge: See the live charge status, nearest charging points, and if charging has been interrupted.
• Energy Costs: Compare energy consumption per van or across your fleet and see how it compares to an ICE vehicle.

By keeping track of these factors, you can optimise your electric van’s performance and maximise its range.

Conclusion

Maximising the range of your electric van is all about understanding how to manage its battery and driving habits. With a few simple changes, such as driving more smoothly, planning routes, and taking care of your van’s battery, you can easily improve your range and get the most out of your electric van. Ready to learn more? Get in touch with us to find the right electric van for your needs.