EVs : Range vs Efficiency
Have we been looking at this issue the wrong way?
When it comes to electric vehicles, everyone's fixated on finding a car with impressive range figures, but there's a crucial aspect that often goes completely unnoticed; consumption.
With so much of our focus being on battery range are we overlooking what should be a very important factor when choosing an EV - consumption!
Picture this, a car boasting a 300-mile range with a hefty 150 kWh battery ends up doubling your operating costs compared to a vehicle with the same range but a more modest 75 kWh battery. The energy efficiency per mile becomes a game-changer in this scenario.
💡 Consider it this way: just as you wouldn't choose a V8 gas-guzzler simply because it has a massive fuel tank, the same principle applies to electric cars. A 400-mile range car might sound appealing, but if it requires a 200 kWh battery, you'll end up paying a premium compared to an electric vehicle with a similar range but a more economical 75 kWh battery.
🔋 The battery size isn't the sole factor. Having a massive battery is like bringing your 3 fat uncles along for every trip; it adds a lot of weight which therefore means that the car requires more energy to move; this results in higher consumption and a more significant hit to your wallet. Take 30% of the battery weight away (or leave big Uncle Ray at home using my previous analogy) and things become much more efficient.
⚡️ Rather than fixating solely on range, shift your attention to kWh/mile. This metric reflects the true efficiency. The lower the value, the less energy your electric vehicle needs to cover a mile, ultimately benefiting your wallet and the environment.
Consider these strategies to tackle consumption:
🧘🏻♀️ Don’t drive like a youth offender. Aim for smooth acceleration and gentle braking. Adopting a relaxed driving style not only enhances your driving experience but also maximizes your range while reducing consumption.
🧸 Select a battery size that suits your typical travel needs, avoiding excessive capacity for daily use.
⚡️ Charge strategically: Plug in during off-peak hours to enjoy lower electricity rates. Consider switching to a smart tariff like Intelligent Octopus Go.
Summary
We really should be thinking way more about consumption and efficiency rather than overall range. Your anti-EV friend will always state that his car can do 60MPG ~ this is rather more relevant than it being able to do 600 miles. If we truly want to be “green” and/or frugal then the efficiency of the vehicle is probably the factor that should concern us more than how far it will go without charging.
So, the next time electric vehicles are up for discussion, remember – range might be the headline, but consumption is the storyline.