Although they are energy efficient and immune to fuel bills Teslas or any other electric vehicle, have yet to bridge that gap between sustainable and worry free motoring. Range anxiety, a term that is relatively new in the automotive industry, has taken many lives, including Tesla owners and EV enthusiasts.
It's not surprising that Tesla logos are on the majority electric vehicles sold in America. Model 3, Model Y3, Model S, Model S and Model X have become household names just like the Ford F-150, Honda Civic, and Model 3.
1. Avoid freezing temperatures and frequent supercharger visits
Lithium-ion batteries are very temperature-sensitive, and cold climates have been known to affect the available range and battery longevity. Keep your Tesla in warm areas to ensure optimal battery performance. Experts believe that as the temperature drops, the electrolyte within the battery cells becomes slower. This in turn slows down charging and discharging.
You should also know that Tesla Superchargers are not recommended for fast charging. DC Superchargers charge Li-ion batteries at a higher voltage that normal wall charging. This can cause battery degradation over time.
While the Active Thermal Management system onboard can protect the cells from overheating it cannot reverse the chemical makeup of a Li-ion battery. Tesla recommends that the battery be charged more frequently on a low voltage charger in order to maintain its health. Only use Superchargers if absolutely necessary.
2. Install Aero Wheel Covers, Keep Tire Pressures In Check, and Use Regenerative Braking
You can also use the aerowheel covers provided with your Tesla. Aero covers are not only ugly, they can also increase efficiency. Aero covers can make a significant difference on long distances and highway trips.
The key to efficiency is tire pressure and wheel alignment, just as in an internal combustion car. Teslas are no exception. Your Tesla's battery will be more efficient if you have the tires underinflated. The same applies to wheel alignment. You'll spend more money on tires replacement if your wheels are misaligned.
Regenerative braking may give you a few extra miles. One-pedal driving, or as it is more commonly known, recovers excess charge during deceleration, and charges the battery. Your Tesla will default have its Regenerative Braking set at 'Standard'. You can also select 'Hold’ under Stopping Mode to extend the regenerativebraking function to lower speeds.
3. Use the "Chill Mode", to disable features that you don't use.
Tesla offers you many connected features, all in the name safety and convenience. While these quality-of-life-improving features make the Tesla experience fantastic, they do take up significant energy. Sentry Mode, Headlights After Exit and Cabin Overheat Protect can all impact range. The Sentry Mode is not necessary if you have security cameras in your home or Cabin Overheat Protection if you park in an underground or garage.
You can also drive at moderate speeds to avoid excessive energy loss. Your Tesla's battery can be depleted faster if you are carrying heavy loads. You can use the 'Chill mode to speed up your Tesla. For acceleration, the default setting of your Tesla is Standard'. Chill mode, on the other hand, reduces power and torque and improves efficiency. EVs do not have the same efficiency as internal combustion cars when cruising on highways. Use the throttle with care to get more mileage out of your Tesla. The instant torque is great fun but can be quite tiring.
4. Avoid any activity that could affect your weight or aero efficiency
You should remove any items such as a cargo rack or roof box that are not being used to increase range. Check that the trunk is clear of any extra cargo. The only thing that you need in the trunk, unless you are taking a long trip with your car, is the charging cable. You must understand that moving more weight means more energy. It's best to have your windows up so that you can keep your Tesla close to its coefficient of drag. It's best for aero management and better range to raise all of the windows.
5. You can use the battery-saving mode on a Model X, Model S or X.
Teslas have batteries even when they're not in use. If you own a Tesla Model X and S, you can switch to battery-saving mode. This will decrease the use of your battery while parked. Model 3s or Ys have this mode that automatically activates itself when the battery percentage drops below 5%. This disables the Sentry and many other functions.
6. Use your autopilot
Use autopilot to make every kilometer of your trip as efficient as possible. Autopilot is the key to efficient driving. Using your autopilot will keep you moving at a steady speed, which is much more energy-efficient than manually pressing the accelerator. The autopilot can make long road trips more pleasant and comfortable.
7. Drive within the speed limit
There is a reason speed limits exist! You and others' safety is our priority. Speed limits are determined in relation to vehicles, much like internal combustion engine speed limits. They are the most efficient and economical when they stay within the speed limit. When they exceed that limit they lose efficiency. Teslas also follow this principle. Drive slower if you are in a crisis. It's simple: The slower you drive, you will save your battery. However, the faster you go, you will lose more battery.
Note: A 4+ kilometer battery loss can be caused by a hard acceleration.