Eager to get road tripping in your electric vehicle this summer? As the temperature heats up, you might want to start thinking about how you can maximize the range of your EV when heading on your summer adventures.

Electric vehicles are certainly efficient, but blazing summer temperatures can affect battery performance as your vehicle works a little harder and uses more energy to keep your battery cool. Follow these tips to help you drive further, more efficiently and keep your EV in top shape.

Get more kilometers out of your ride

These five quick and easy driving tips will help you get the most out of your ride. They are good practice for any driver, no matter what vehicle you drive.

1. Check your tire pressure
   Underinflated tires reduce your efficiency, causing a 0.2% drop in mileage for every pound per square inch (PSI) under your suggested tire pressure. Tire pressure low? Inflate them so you’re firmly between the minimum and maximum recommended pressure that’s stamped on each tire.
   Pro tip: BCAA Auto Service Centres can help with servicing the tires and brakes on your electric vehicle, and BCAA Members save 10% on labour for select services.* Need new tires? Try Kal Tire, where BCAA Members save 5% on all products and services.
2. Check your wheel alignment
   If you can feel your car pull to the left or right, your wheels may be out of alignment. Misaligned wheels increase your tread wear and reduce your range by up to 10%. BCAA Auto Service Centres have also got you covered for EV wheel alignments.
3. Reduce your wind resistance
   Modern cars, and especially EVs, are specifically shaped to reduce wind resistance and drag. When you add something like a roof rack, this will counteract your reduced wind resistance and decrease your range. If possible, remove the roof rack and use your vehicle’s built-in storage.
4. Accelerate steadily onto highways
   When you merge onto a highway, accelerate gradually then ease off when you reach your desired speed.
5. Drive smoothly
   Avoid aggressive braking and rapid acceleration. Instead, pick a steady pace and stick with it. When appropriate, cruise control is an efficient way to maintain your pace and maximize your range.

Stretch your EV range like a pro

EVs have their own unique ways to improve driving efficiency and battery performance. Here’s how to make your EV battery work for you.

1. Precondition your EV’s interior before you hit the road
   Cool your car while it’s still plugged in and charging. This will reduce the strain on your battery once you're on the go.
2. Use regenerative braking
   If you have the option, maximize regenerative braking to recharge your battery while you drive. This system captures kinetic energy when you decelerate, storing the energy in the battery so it can be used as electricity to power your electric motor.
3. Use Eco Mode if you have it
   Your EV’s Eco Mode setting automatically optimizes energy use to extend your driving range. The more you drive in Eco Mode, the further you’ll stretch that range.
4. Plan to reduce the impact of heat
   If you're heading out on a long trip, map out where the high-speed Level 3 chargers are on your route to minimize your time under the sun while powering up. BC Hydro has an EV network map of their fast-charging stations in BC (plus a list of how much they cost).

Stay covered on the road

No matter how well you prepare, unexpected issues can still arise. That’s why BCAA Roadside Assistance with EV coverage is available 24/7 to keep you moving. Download the BCAA App so we can help you quickly when you need it.

Not a BCAA Member? Join today. For more EV tips and road trip guides, check out our EV resources page.

Do you have any summer EV driving tips? Share your experiences with other BCAA Members in our new online community, BCAA Connect.