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In this chapter, we will focus on how to drive and plan your routes to get the most range from your electric truck. By adjusting your driving style and thinking ahead, you can extend your battery life and make your trips more efficient.
Electric trucks slow down as soon as you lift your foot from the accelerator. This is regenerative braking, and it works a bit like engine braking in a diesel truck. It helps you slow the truck while sending power back to the battery. Smooth, steady driving extends your range.
Most EVs let you adjust how strong regenerative braking feels.
If you are new to EVs, it’s a good idea to start with a lower setting and move up to higher levels as you get more comfortable.
The less you rely on the brake pedal, the more energy you save.
Gentle acceleration and fewer hard stops help the battery last longer.
Heating and cooling systems draw a lot of power from the battery. With a few habits, you can keep energy use under control.
Keep cab and cargo doors closed when HVAC is running.
Use lower fan settings whenever possible.
Turn the truck off completely if you are not in it.
If your vehicle is equipped with heated seats or a heated steering wheel, use them in colder weather. They use less energy than heating the entire cab and help you stay comfortable while keeping HVAC demand lower.
A good practice is to precondition the cab before departure while the truck is plugged in. Preconditioning allows you to start your trip with a comfortable temperature without reducing your driving range.
Your route has a direct impact on how much energy you use.
High speeds, especially over 100 km/h, drain the battery quickly.
Driving uphill demands more energy, while going downhill allows you to recover some of it.
Extreme heat or cold reduces battery efficiency.
Always check your SOC (State of Charge) before leaving and make sure the range available covers your trip.
Did you know?
Electric motors efficiency
Electric motors can convert around 80–90% of electrical energy into motion, while internal combustion engines only convert about 15–30% of fuel energy into forward motion, much of the rest is lost as heat.
Regenerative braking slows the truck when you lift off the accelerator by recovering the energy, sending it back to the battery. This means you can drive further on the same charge while also reducing brake wear.
Before leaving, precondition your truck to the right temperature while still plugged in. Keep doors closed as much as possible and use lower fan settings. If you can, use the heated seat and steering wheel options. This way, the HVAC system does not drain as much battery during your trip.
At high speeds, the motor works harder and there are fewer chances to recover energy through regenerative braking, so the battery depletes more quickly.
Check the State of Charge (SOC) and consider terrain, speed, and weather conditions. This ensures you will not run short on energy during the trip.