Enjoy More Road Ahead with These 7 Tips for Getting the Most Range from Your EV

September 11, 2023

Your electric Nissan vehicle can take you on great adventures. But since many gas stations still don't have EV charging capabilities, knowing how to get the most range from your EV's battery is crucial to helping provide you with the best driving experience.

How Far Can an Electric Car Go on a Full Charge

Before diving into our top tips to increase your range, it's important to understand what the EPA-estimated range on a full charge for your EV is. The 2024 Nissan LEAF S has an EPA-estimated range of up to 149 for combined city/highway driving, while the 2024 LEAF SV PLUS has an EPA-estimated range of up to 212 miles for combined city/highway driving. The 2023 Nissan Ariya VENTURE+ FWD has an EPA-estimated range up to 304 miles for combined city/highway driving. Your actual range will vary and could be significantly less, either initially or as the battery ages and with use over time.

How far your Nissan LEAF or Ariya can go on a full charge depends on different factors. The distance you can drive the vehicle varies considerably depending upon available charge, weather, temperature, usage, battery age, topography, and driving style.

Here are seven EV driving tips to help you learn how to help support your EV's range to improve the miles on a full charge.

1. Don't Accelerate Too Quickly

Take it easy when taking off. Accelerating from a complete stop uses a fair bit of battery power from your EV, and accelerating too fast can quickly reduce your range. How much power it takes can depend on things like the weight of your vehicle, the number of passengers, and if your vehicle is on an incline. When moving after a complete stop, accelerate at a steady pace.

2. Drive Moderate Highway Speeds

Around 60 mph is usually the sweet spot for optimum range when cruising the open road in your EV. Most EVs can find a good balance between conserving energy and maintaining this speed. But cruising at higher speeds may cause your range to drop a little quicker. This is due in part to several factors, including wind resistance, friction on the tires, inconsistently smooth roads, and more.

3. Use Less Heat and AC

Keeping your AC or heat on full blast will typically cause a decrease in overall range since it requires lots of energy to power the electric motor in your AC system or cabin heater. This doesn't mean you shouldn't stay comfortable in your electric vehicle! But instead of setting your AC or heat to the coldest or hottest setting and forgetting it, try letting things cool down ‐ or heat up ‐ to your liking, then reduce the fan speed to the lowest setting to help maintain a consistent temperature.

Your Nissan EV also features a Climate Control Timer. Another recommendation is pre-heating or pre-cooling your EV while the vehicle is charging using this feature. You can learn more about the Climate Control Timer and how to effectively use it in your Owner's Manual.

4. Maintain Your Tires

Maintaining your tires is an essential routine service all drivers should perform, not just EV drivers. This includes tire rotations, checking your tire pressure frequently, and balancing the tires when necessary.

Proper tire care such as rotating your tires and ensuring each one is inflated to your manufacturer's specifications ‐ typically found on the driver's side door jamb sticker ‐ can prevent them from wearing unevenly or too soon, helping support your EV's range. Additionally, properly inflated tires help decrease unnecessary drag while driving that can increase the amount of power it takes for your EV to go.

Typically, a good rule of thumb is to have your tires rotated at each oil change (every 3,000-5,000 miles). But since electric vehicles don't require oil changes, EV drivers need to make a point to have their tires rotated at a similar frequency ‐ about every 5,000 miles. Consult your Owner's Manual for the recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle.

5. Use ECO Mode and the e-Pedal

Nissan LEAF and Ariya vehicles are equipped with ECO mode. Activating this mode can help increase your EV's range by moderating the air conditioner, reducing accelerator response to keep you from using too much power when taking off, and even enhancing your vehicle's regenerative braking.

In ECO mode, your vehicle's onboard computer monitors and adjusts these settings automatically while you drive to help you get the most range ‐ whether you're in the city or taking to the open highway.