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Getting the Most out of Your Electric Car
936 km
Colleagues Marek Jež and Jakub Krs showed what an economical driving style can achieve. Driving a Peaq, they travelled on a single charge from Mladá Boleslav all the way to the sea in the Netherlands.
1. Charge gently
In everyday driving, charge the battery only up to 80% and do not let it run down to zero. For regular top-ups, it is better to charge more slowly with alternating current (AC), for example at home overnight, at work or while you shop at a shopping centre. Save rapid chargers mainly for longer journeys. This will extend the life of the battery.
2. Drive smoothly
An electric motor delivers its maximum torque, or pulling power, right from a standstill. That is why the car tempts you to accelerate hard. For the longest possible range, however, it pays to pull away smoothly and keep your speed as steady as possible.
3. Use recuperation
When you slow down and brake, the electric motor works as a generator and sends energy back to the battery. This is called recuperation, and it extends the range. It is strongest in B mode, which is best suited to town driving, traffic jams and long downhill stretches. In this mode, it can handle up to 95% of all braking.
4. Let the car coast
On motorways and long straight stretches, choose D mode instead, in which recuperation is much gentler. When you release the accelerator pedal, the car carries on under its own momentum, or “coasts”.
5. Heat and cool smartly
Before setting off, heat or cool the interior while the car is still connected to the charger. The car then draws the energy from the grid rather than from the battery. In winter, use the heated seats and steering wheel first. They use less energy than heating the whole cabin.
6. Mind your tyres
In an electric car, the correct tyre pressure has an even greater effect on consumption than in a car with a combustion engine. Under-inflated tyres have higher rolling resistance and reduce the range.
The MyŠkoda app
Do you drive a Škoda electric car? The MyŠkoda app offers you a range of handy extras. Above all, it gives you access to the Powerpass service, which lets you charge at charging points across Europe. You can check the battery status and set up charging from your phone. MyŠkoda helps you plan your route and charging stops, and it synchronises everything with the car’s infotainment system. With the departure planning function, the cabin will be heated or cooled to your chosen temperature at the time you set. Another handy extra is camping mode, which keeps the temperature in the car comfortable for an overnight stay.