Maximizing EV Mileage: Tips for Indian Roads

Raul Sharma February 21, 2025 0 Comments

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity in India as sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to fuel-powered cars. However, maximizing EV mileage can be challenging due to unique Indian road conditions, including heavy traffic, inconsistent road quality, and fluctuating weather. To help Indian EV owners get the most out of their vehicles, this guide covers essential strategies to improve range and efficiency.

1. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure for Optimal Efficiency

Tires play a crucial role in an EV’s efficiency. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the motor to consume more energy. On Indian roads, where potholes and uneven surfaces are common, maintaining the correct tire pressure is even more critical.

Tips for Maintaining Tire Pressure:

Check tire pressure weekly: Fluctuating temperatures and road conditions can impact tire pressure.
Use nitrogen in tires: Nitrogen reduces temperature fluctuations and maintains pressure longer.
Avoid overloading: Excess weight increases tire wear and energy consumption.
Choose low-rolling-resistance tires: These improve efficiency and extend range.

2. Leverage Regenerative Braking in Traffic

Regenerative braking helps convert kinetic energy back into electrical energy, increasing range. Given the stop-and-go nature of Indian traffic, using regenerative braking effectively can save a significant amount of energy.

How to Use Regenerative Braking Efficiently:

Set regen braking to maximum in city traffic: This allows more energy to be recaptured.
Gradually release the accelerator: Instead of sudden braking, allow regen braking to slow the vehicle.
Use coasting when necessary: On highways, coasting (lifting the foot off the accelerator without braking) improves efficiency.

3. Plan Routes to Avoid Traffic and Optimize Range

Indian cities are notorious for unpredictable traffic congestion, which drains battery power due to frequent braking and acceleration. Planning routes strategically can help improve range.

Smart Route Planning Tips:

Use navigation apps: Google Maps, MapMyIndia, and other apps provide real-time traffic updates.
Choose roads with smooth traffic flow: Avoid peak-hour congestion by selecting alternative routes.
Plan for charging stops: Identify charging stations along the route to avoid range anxiety.
Avoid hilly terrains when possible: Uphill climbs consume more battery; choose flatter routes.

4. Maintain Battery Health and Charging Best Practices

Battery degradation affects mileage over time. Proper charging habits ensure longevity and efficiency.

EV Charging Best Practices:

Avoid frequent fast charging: While convenient, DC fast charging generates heat and degrades battery health. Use slow AC charging when possible.
Charge between 20-80%: Keeping the battery within this range prevents overcharging and deep discharges, extending battery life.
Park in shaded areas: Extreme heat affects battery performance. Whenever possible, park in covered or shaded areas.
Charge during cooler hours: Charging at night or early morning prevents battery overheating.
Use original chargers: Avoid third-party chargers that may not be optimized for your EV’s battery.

5. Handle Heavy Traffic Without Draining the Battery

Traffic jams are a common sight on Indian roads, making energy conservation essential.

Tips for Managing Traffic Efficiently:

Use eco-mode: Most EVs have an energy-saving mode that limits power consumption.
Minimize air conditioning use: Instead of running AC at full blast, use fan mode or set the temperature at an efficient level (22-24°C).
Turn off unnecessary electronics: Features like heated seats and high-powered infotainment systems drain battery power.
Avoid excessive idling: While EVs do not consume fuel when stationary, energy usage for AC and electronics can still reduce range.

6. Understand the Impact of Climate and Temperature on EV Performance

Indian weather conditions vary from extreme heat in summer to cold winters in northern regions, both of which impact battery efficiency.

Effects of Temperature on EV Mileage:

Hot weather: Excessive heat leads to battery overheating, reducing efficiency.
Cold weather: Lower temperatures reduce battery performance, causing a drop in range.

How to Optimize EV Performance in Different Climates:

Pre-condition the car while plugged in: Heating or cooling the cabin while charging conserves battery.
Use seat warmers instead of cabin heaters in winter: This reduces power draw.
Opt for a liquid-cooled battery system: This ensures stable performance in extreme conditions.

7. Adopt Eco-Friendly Driving Habits for Maximum Efficiency

Smooth and mindful driving plays a significant role in maximizing mileage.

Driving Habits That Improve EV Range:

Accelerate gradually: Avoid sudden acceleration, which consumes more power.
Maintain a steady speed: Driving at moderate speeds (60-80 km/h) enhances range.
Use cruise control on highways: If available, cruise control helps maintain consistent speeds and reduces energy use.
Avoid unnecessary braking: Predict traffic flow and use regenerative braking effectively.

8. Regular Maintenance to Enhance EV Efficiency

While EVs have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel vehicles, regular maintenance is still necessary.

EV Maintenance Tips:

Keep the battery management system (BMS) updated: Firmware updates optimize performance.
Check wheel alignment regularly: Misaligned wheels increase rolling resistance and reduce efficiency.
Inspect the braking system: Regenerative braking reduces wear, but brakes should still be checked periodically.
Clean and lubricate moving parts: Dust and debris can impact performance, especially on rough Indian roads.

Conclusion

Maximizing EV mileage on Indian roads requires a combination of smart driving techniques, proper maintenance, and efficient route planning. By following these practical tips—such as maintaining proper tire pressure, leveraging regenerative braking, planning routes wisely, and optimizing battery usage—Indian EV owners can extend their vehicle’s range and improve overall efficiency.

With India’s EV infrastructure growing, adopting these habits will not only enhance personal driving experience but also contribute to a sustainable future. Whether you’re a new EV owner or an experienced driver, small changes in driving and maintenance can lead to significant mileage improvements.