Maximise your electric range: Essential tips for efficient city driving

Electric cars (EVs) are transforming urban mobility by offering a quieter, potentially more cost-effective way to navigate the city (with no tailpipe emissions). But while driving in stop-and-go traffic or taking shorter drives, energy-consuming features can impact efficiency.

By making small adjustments, you can extend your vehicle's range and make the most of every charge. Here are few tips on how to drive your EV more efficiently in city conditions.

Why maximising your EV range matters in city driving

City driving presents unique challenges for electric vehicles. Frequent braking, heavy traffic and unpredictable road conditions can drain battery life faster than expected. Unlike motorway driving, where steady speeds allow for consistent energy use, city driving involves constant stop-and-go movement, making efficiency even more critical.

Maximising your EV’s range in urban environments may mean fewer charging stops, lower electricity costs and a more seamless driving experience – especially helpful when public charging points may not always be convenient. For urban drivers, extending battery life also helps ensure reliability for daily commutes, errand runs and unexpected detours. With smart driving techniques and proper planning, you can improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption and make the most of every charge.

By following these practical tips, you can maximise range, reduce energy consumption and enjoy a more relaxing trip. If you're exploring electric cars suited for city life, check out our lineup of city cars for models designed with urban efficiency in mind.

Driving habits for maximum efficiency

Maximising your electric vehicle’s range starts with smooth and deliberate driving. Here are some smart driving habits to maximize your EV’s range:

Drive consistently and avoid rapid acceleration

Avoid rapid acceleration and sudden braking to reduce energy consumption. Maintain a steady speed whenever possible.

Use regenerative braking to your advantage

Regenerative braking allows the car to recover energy while reducing speed, converting it back into battery power. By easing off the accelerator and letting the car gradually decelerate when possible you can maximise energy recapture.

• Drive in one-pedal mode if available. This allows you to control both acceleration and deceleration using just the accelerator pedal, without needing to use the brake pedal frequently.
• Anticipate stops in advance to optimise energy recovery. Gradually slowing down rather than braking suddenly helps maximise regenerative braking efficiency. For example, easing off the accelerator when approaching traffic lights or junctions allows the car to recapture more energy.
• Adjust regenerative braking settings for smooth deceleration in traffic. Higher settings provide stronger deceleration and more energy recovery, while lower settings allow the car to coast more smoothly, similar to a traditional petrol-powered vehicle. On motorways, disabling one-pedal driving can actually improve efficiency by allowing the car to coast, making better use of its kinetic energy. While active one-pedal driving is mainly a comfort feature, switching it off on long-distance journeys helps to optimise range.

These small adjustments can improve your EV’s efficiency and extend battery life.

Learn more about the Volvo electric cars lineup and how these cars are engineered for efficiency, performance and versatility.

Leverage ECO mode and vehicle settings

Most electric cars come with ECO modes that optimise performance for efficiency. These settings reduce power consumption by limiting acceleration and making it easier to drive economically, ultimately extending battery life. You can also:

• Use energy saving settings like limiting air conditioning or heated seats.
• Adjust driving modes depending on road conditions. Eco mode prioritises range over acceleration, which is ideal for city driving, stop-and-go traffic and longer journeys where efficiency is key. In contrast, switching to a normal or sport mode may be more suitable for motorway driving or when extra power is needed for overtaking and merging.

Plan efficient routes to reduce battery drain

City driving often means dealing with congestion, frequent stops and inefficient detours. Planning ahead can help you avoid excessive idling and unnecessary energy use. Some things to consider:

• Use navigation apps that suggest energy-efficient routes.
• Avoid high-traffic areas when possible.
• Take advantage of city infrastructure, such as dedicated EV charging stations.

Discover how our charging solutions can help you charge conveniently at home, at work or on the go.

Manage climate control to save energy

Using heating and air conditioning drains an EV’s battery quickly, especially in extreme temperatures. To improve efficiency:

• Precondition the car while it’s charging to minimise energy use during the drive.
• Use seat heaters instead of turning up the cabin heater to full blast.
• Open windows or use ventilation settings when possible to regulate cabin temperature naturally.

Monitor tyre pressure and vehicle maintenance

Keeping your vehicle in top condition is key to maintaining efficiency. Proper tyre pressure reduces rolling resistance, helping your EV run more smoothly. Regular maintenance includes:

• Checking tyre pressure and keeping it at the manufacturer’s recommended level.
• Updating battery management software to ensure optimal energy usage.
• Regularly inspecting brakes, as regenerative braking reduces wear but still requires upkeep.

Smart charging strategies for city drivers

A well-planned charging routine can ensure your EV stays ready for daily commutes. Here’s how to optimise your charging strategy:

• Charge during off-peak hours to reduce costs and alleviate grid demand.
• Use public chargers strategically – quick top-ups can keep you moving without requiring a full charge.
• Maintain an optimal charge level between 20 and 80 per cent to extend battery lifespan.

Use technology and apps to monitor efficiency

Modern EVs come equipped with tools to track energy usage and efficiency. These features can help you make informed decisions about your driving habits:

• Use in-car displays to monitor real-time energy consumption.
• Download the Volvo Cars app, which provides efficiency insights and smart route planning.
• Activate driver support features that optimise speed and braking for maximum range.

Drive smarter, go further

Maximising your electric car’s range in the city doesn’t require drastic changes – just a few smart adjustments to your driving habits. By driving consistently, leveraging regenerative braking, optimising eco-modes and managing charging effectively, you’ll improve efficiency and extend your range.

Explore the Volvo plug-in hybrids and electric cars to see how advanced technology – such as intelligent energy management systems, regenerative braking, eco-driving modes and real-time efficiency tracking – can make city driving more efficient, seamless and enjoyable.