As we’ve previously discussed, temperature, payload, and several other factors have a significant impact on electric vehicle (EV) range. Today, we discuss another factor and how fleets can use it to their advantage: driving behavior. Training drivers on a few best practices can significantly improve EV efficiency, performance, and range, which in turn, can save fleets in operating costs. In this article, we will share four things drivers should do to improve EV efficiency, how training can help, and some examples of fleets that have benefited from training.
Tip 1: Drive EVs at lower speeds
Studies show that EVs are more efficient at lower speeds than at higher speeds. In contrast, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles tend to be inefficient at very low speeds, improving in efficiency as speed increases to about 60 mph, after which efficiency starts to worsen again.
To improve EV efficiency and minimize energy consumption, drive at or under the speed limit; keeping speed down will improve performance and maximize the vehicle’s range.
Relatedly, EVs tend to be more efficient at city driving than highway driving, which is the opposite of ICE vehicles. Along with being more efficient at low speeds, EVs also recover energy during deceleration and braking, which will be discussed in more detail below. Fleets can use this to their advantage by first electrifying vehicles that operate on local driving routes.
Tip 2: Avoid harsh acceleration and braking
Accelerating and braking consume energy, and the harder you do both, the more energy is consumed. EVs move by sending electric current from a battery pack to the motor which turns the wheels; when current is supplied from the battery pack to the motor, a portion of it is always lost as waste heat. Hard acceleration draws more current from the battery compared to gentler acceleration, increasing the amount of energy wasted as heat. Similarly, hard braking transfers more energy to the brakes relative to gentler braking, worsening efficiency.
To maximize efficiency and range, drive as gently as your duty cycle allows, and avoid hard or unnecessary acceleration and braking.
Tip 3: Take advantage of regenerative braking
Some braking has a positive effect on efficiency. Regenerative braking is a mechanism in EVs that captures kinetic energy during deceleration or idling, and uses it to recharge the vehicle’s battery.
Fleets can take advantage of this in a few ways. When driving downhill, release the accelerator pedal and use the brake pedal as little as possible to maximize energy regeneration. EVs have a one-pedal driving feature, which is designed to increase regeneration. One-pedal driving works as usual when accelerating, but it reduces the use of a brake pedal; instead, the accelerator operates as a brake. The more you release the accelerator, the more brake power is applied, eventually bringing the vehicle to a complete stop without ever pressing the brake pedal.
Tip 4: Limit use of auxiliary power and accessories
An EV’s battery is also used to power the vehicle’s lights, entertainment systems, heaters, air conditioning, and more. Using these accessories can reduce range, sometimes substantially. One study found that heating and cooling systems (HVAC) can reduce range by up to 40 percent. In a separate experiment, Car and Driver Magazine found that running climate control settings at 72 degrees fahrenheit and in automatic mode increased energy consumption by 17 percent. Running the heater and seat warmers at maximum settings increased energy consumption by 35 percent.
While HVAC and other auxiliary systems are necessary at times, drivers should use them wisely to maximize efficiency. Be aware of the energy requirements of your routes and duty cycles, and limit use of accessories if needed. In hot and cold weather, use the HVAC system to stay comfortable, but plan ahead and take advantage of your vehicle’s eco mode if available. For maximum range, minimize use of accessories.
Driver training enables improved EV performance - check out these examples
Training drivers to operate EVs with a focus on efficiency can be very effective, as several fleets have discovered. For example, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) recently implemented a driver training program for their battery electric buses that was so effective it decreased battery use by 15-25 percent, allowing the agency to achieve an average 1.8 kWh/mi efficiency (0.3 kWh/mi better than the manufacturer’s promise) and over 200 miles on a single charge. VTA is not alone; other fleets have also achieved significant range improvements after implementing training programs, such as Willmot Dixon and Royal Mail.
All fleets could reap similar benefits by implementing their own training programs. Train all relevant staff to ensure efficient operations–not only drivers, but also dispatchers, maintenance staff, and managers.
If you would like to improve your EV fleet operations, Flipturn is here to help.
Our systems help fleets monitor and optimize their operations so they can cut costs, maximize vehicle utilization, and get the most out of their EVs.
Get in touch with us at hello@getflipturn.com
