How to Maximise Your EV Range in the UK
Switching to an electric vehicle (EV) is a brilliant move to cleaner driving, lower running costs, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re ahead of the curve. But if you’ve already made the leap, you’ll know one thing for sure: range matters.
In the UK, our ever-changing weather can be a blessing and a curse for EV drivers. One of the biggest silent drainers on your battery isn’t the motorway—it’s your air conditioning and heating systems. Let’s talk about why, and more importantly, what you can do to squeeze more miles from your charge.
How AC and Heating Affect Your EV Range
EVs don’t have the same excess engine heat as petrol or diesel cars, so when you switch on the heater, it pulls directly from your battery. The same goes for air conditioning. That quick blast to clear your windscreen in the morning or a few minutes of icy air on a hot summer’s day might not seem like much, but over time, it chips away at your driving range.
Even your demister relies on the air con because it works as a dehumidifier. Handy, yes—but if you don’t switch it off once the screen is clear, you’re burning through charge without even realising.
Air Con Drain Your EV’s Battery
Unlike petrol and diesel cars, EVs don’t produce waste engine heat. That means when you turn on the heater, the energy comes directly from your high-voltage battery. The same goes for air conditioning, which requires constant electrical power to run the compressor.
Here in the UK, we often need both extremes: heaters for chilly mornings and AC for those sticky summer days. Even a few minutes of use can cut into your range. For example:
- Heaters in winter – Cabin heating is one of the biggest drains, with studies showing it can reduce range by 10–20% in cold conditions.
- Air con in summer – A steady blast of cold air can trim range by 5–10%, depending on usage.
- Demisting – EVs automatically use AC as a dehumidifier to clear your windscreen. Convenient, yes, but it can keep running if you forget to switch it off.
That quick morning demist may feel harmless, but left unchecked, it can quietly eat into your available miles.
Simple Habits That Save Range
The good news? A few small changes can make a big difference:
- Dial it down, don’t max it out – Instead of cranking the heater or AC to full, set it to a moderate level. You’ll stay comfortable without draining the battery unnecessarily.
- Switch off when you don’t need it – After clearing the windscreen or cooling the cabin, remember to flick the system off. Leaving it running is one of the easiest ways to waste energy.
- Step out when demisting – When you’re clearing the screen on a cold morning, step outside for a minute. The AC will kick in automatically, but you won’t be sat there burning power while waiting.
- Pre-heat or pre-cool while plugged in – Most EVs let you schedule climate control through an app or the car’s system. Set it up while your vehicle is still charging, so you step into a comfortable cabin without touching the battery’s range.
- Dress for the drive – Sounds obvious, but an extra layer in winter means you can use heated seats sparingly instead of blasting the cabin heating.
Simple Habits That Save Range
The good news? A few small changes can make a big difference:
- Dial it down, don’t max it out – Instead of cranking the heater or AC to full, set it to a moderate level. You’ll stay comfortable without draining the battery unnecessarily.
- Switch off when you don’t need it – After clearing the windscreen or cooling the cabin, remember to flick the system off. Leaving it running is one of the easiest ways to waste energy.
- Step out when demisting – When you’re clearing the screen on a cold morning, step outside for a minute. The AC will kick in automatically, but you won’t be sat there burning power while waiting.
- Pre-heat or pre-cool while plugged in – Most EVs let you schedule climate control through an app or the car’s system. Set it up while your vehicle is still charging, so you step into a comfortable cabin without touching the battery’s range.
- Dress for the drive – Sounds obvious, but an extra layer in winter means you can use heated seats sparingly instead of blasting the cabin heating.
Every mile counts in an EV, and being smart with your heating and cooling makes a noticeable difference—especially on longer journeys. Think of it like budgeting: save the battery for the road, not for overzealous climate control.
At National Vehicle Solutions, we know real-world EV driving isn’t about lab test figures—it’s about everyday choices that help you get more from your car. If you’re considering making the switch, or you’re looking for the latest electric car lease deals in the UK, we’ll help you find the right model with the range and features to suit your lifestyle.
Explore our latest EV lease offers today and take the stress out of driving electric.
Charging Strategies in the UK
The UK’s charging infrastructure has grown massively in recent years, but smart charging habits will still give you an edge.
- Top up little and often – Keeping your battery between 20–80% is better for long-term health and ensures you always have usable range.
- Use home charging where possible – It’s cheaper, especially if you take advantage of off-peak tariffs.
- Think about charger type – Rapid chargers are great in a pinch, but regular use can stress the battery. Stick to slower AC charging when time allows.
Battery Care Tips
Your EV’s battery is its beating heart, and looking after it is crucial for both performance and resale value. Here are some personal suggestions:
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Avoid running it to 0% – Just like you wouldn’t want your phone to die every day, don’t let your EV drain completely.
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Don’t always charge to 100% – Unless you need the full range for a long trip, stick to 80–90%.
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Park smart – Extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) can impact battery health. If possible, keep your EV in a garage or shaded area.
Beyond Heating: Other Factors That Affect EV Range
While climate control is a big piece of the puzzle, it’s not the only factor influencing how far you can drive. To really maximise your range, you’ll want to keep an eye on these as well:
Driving Style - Aggressive acceleration and heavy braking are enemies of efficiency. EVs thrive on smooth, steady driving. Make use of regenerative braking whenever possible—it recaptures energy and feeds it back into the battery.
Speed -Motorway driving at 70mph will deplete your range far faster than steady town speeds. Plan ahead and mix your routes if possible to balance efficiency with convenience.
Weight and Load Carrying unnecessary cargo or fitting roof racks will increase drag and reduce efficiency. Keep your EV as light and streamlined as possible.
Tyre Pressure Under-inflated tyres create rolling resistance, which forces the motor to work harder. Check pressures regularly—especially in colder weather, when they naturally drop.
Frequently Asked Questions About EV Range in the UK
Yes. Air conditioning draws directly from your battery, so it can reduce your EV’s range by around 5–10%, depending on how heavily it’s used. Short bursts are fine, but leaving it running unnecessarily will drain more energy than you realise.
In most cases, yes. Heating an EV cabin requires more energy because there’s no engine heat to recycle. On a cold winter’s day, running the heater at full blast can cut your range by 10–20%. Heated seats and steering wheels are a more efficient way to stay warm.
Because your EV uses the air conditioning as a dehumidifier to clear condensation quickly. It’s a great feature for visibility and safety, but remember to turn it off once the windscreen is clear to save battery.
Most modern EVs have a companion app or an in-car scheduler that lets you set climate control to switch on while the vehicle is charging. That way, your car is already warm (or cool) when you get in, and the energy comes from the charger and not your battery.
Cold weather affects both the efficiency of the battery and your reliance on heating. On average, UK EV drivers may see a 10–20% reduction in range during winter months. Smart habits like pre-heating and moderate heater use can limit this.
Absolutely. Aggressive acceleration and high motorway speeds are the biggest drains on your range. Smooth driving, steady speeds, and making good use of regenerative braking will all help you travel further on a single charge.
