8 tips for electric car drivers: how to make your battery last longer in summer

Summer is generally favourable for electric vehicles, but to maximise battery efficiency, it's worth reviewing your driving habits. Krišjānis Caune, a driver for the FIA ECO Rally Latvia team, shares practical advice on how to drive more efficiently with an electric car during the summer season.

With warm weather, the number of electric vehicle users on roads increases noticeably, and spontaneous longer journeys become increasingly common. Although hot weather conditions favour electric cars compared to winter, there are still several ways to manage battery resources even more wisely. Krišjānis Caune, a racing driver for the FIA ECO Rally Latvia team, has compiled eight practical tips to help electric car drivers get the most out of the summer season.

Driving style plays a major role

One of the most important factors in battery longevity is your driving style. Sharp acceleration and sudden braking consume the battery much faster than smooth and anticipatory driving. According to the expert, it's worth using cruise control on highways and when driving in the city, allowing sufficient braking distance so you can use regenerative braking – this charges the battery back up.

Caune also recommends avoiding fully charging the battery for everyday use. The optimal charging level is between 20–80 per cent, which significantly extends battery life. Full charging should only be used before long trips. Additionally, the use of air conditioning affects battery longevity – instead of cooling the car while driving, it's better to cool the cabin in advance while the car is still charging.

Planning saves energy

Careful route planning is also important. Caune recommends using navigation apps that take into account the location of charging points and select a more energy-efficient route. A lower speed on the motorway – for example, 100 km/h instead of 110 km/h – can noticeably extend your vehicle's range.

Finally, the expert emphasises the importance of tyre pressure: properly inflated tyres reduce rolling resistance and help save energy. These simple but effective tips will help electric car drivers travel more comfortably and economically during the summer season.