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How To Limit Your Environmental Impact When Driving Your EV

Did you know there are many ways you can make driving an EV more environmentally friendly?

ev charging

In this blog:  Optimise Energy Consumption  |  Be Environmentally Friendly  |  Get Creative

 

The IEA’s recent CO2 Emissions in 2022 report claims that global growth in polluting emissions was lower than expected in 2022. Clean energy technologies, including electric vehicles (EVs), are cited as helping to prevent an additional 550 Mt in CO2 emissions.

This is understandable given the reduced carbon footprint of driving an EV. EVs are considered more environmentally friendly, not only because of the lack of tailpipe emissions, but also their efficiency. A 2020 study claimed ‘lifetime’ emissions from electric cars are up to 30% lower (approx.) in the UK. One electric car can save an average of 1.5 million grams of carbon dioxide per annum.

However, EVs still have a carbon footprint. One of the ways they contribute emissions and pollution is through driving itself, from particles generated from use.

So, although EV driving is naturally more environmentally friendly than driving an ICE vehicle, there are further ways we can protect our planet when driving our EVs. This blog covers how you can reduce your EV footprint by being mindful of the way you drive and use your EV.

Optimise energy consumption and reduce unnecessary energy consumption when driving an EV

Watch your speed

When driving economically, you can use less energy to travel the same distance, therefore reducing the impact on the environment.

One way to ensure economical driving is by watching your speed. Determine the speed you drive based on where you are driving. For example, urban environments tend to mean shorter roads, more traffic lights, and thus a higher need to continuously stop and start. Rather than driving at a high speed in these areas, consider maintaining a steady speed to reduce unnecessary energy.

 

Brake and accelerate gently

The same goes for starting and stopping – aggressive acceleration and harsh braking results in higher energy consumption. Rather, accelerate steadily, and make use of your vehicle’s regenerative braking capability. EVs can convert some kinetic energy into electricity to recharge the battery. According to the Department for Transport, energy recapture through regenerative braking is approximately 10% during normal driving and up to 30% during descents.

 

Cut the power

When stationary, turn the vehicle off to reduce loss of unnecessary power. You could also avoid driving in busy periods of the day (such as rush hour) where possible, when you are more likely to be sat in traffic with your vehicle switched on.

driving an ev

Reduced use of heating and air conditioning

Use your heating and air conditioning mindfully, to reduce unnecessary energy loss.

 

Charge your EV at sustainable sites

You can make driving an EV even more climate friendly by charging it with renewably sourced energy. Electricity and heat generated by burning fossil fuels causes toxic and harmful global emissions and contributes to climate change. Whereas, using renewables as a source of power is significantly more climate friendly.

At Mer, we provide zero carbon and 100% renewable energy sourced from wind, hydro, and solar when we supply the energy to the charge points, meaning drivers are powering their EVs using responsibly sourced energy.

 

Look after your EV

Take your EV for its annual service and whenever any issues present themselves, to ensure it is at its healthiest and therefore its most efficient.

Be environmentally friendly when out and about

Whether you are taking an EV road trip, dropping by at the shops, or charging your EV, here are a few simple tips to reduce your impact on your surroundings:

  • Plan your route in advance: If you know you will need somewhere to park or charge whilst you are out and about, plan where you are going to do so before you set off, so you do not waste energy (and time!) searching.
  • Consider an alternative route: If the route you are planning to take looks busy, anticipate this and choose another way to prevent your journey from being unnecessarily long.
  • Do not litter: Take any waste you accumulate in your EV to the bin, rather than leaving it behind at a charging station or on the road, and always recycle where possible.

Get creative

Share your EV

Many of us drive the same routes time and again when travelling to work, the school drop-off, and weekly rituals such as evening classes and the gym. Why not consider a car-pool with friends, family members and colleagues? By making your commute more collaborative, you will not only be saving money, but you can also reduce the footprint of driving an EV by cutting down on the number of trips you are taking.

Charging with Mer

With clear instructions on our chargers, multiple payment methods available, and our Driver Portal to show charger location, individuals charging on the Mer network can be confident that driving an EV is a hassle-free and reliable experience.

Find out more about charging with Mer.