What to Do When an Electric Vehicle is Stuck in Traffic on the Highway?
3 Answers
When a pure electric vehicle is stuck in traffic on the highway, it is advisable to avoid frequent starts and stops, as well as prolonged use of the air conditioning. Avoid Frequent Starts and Stops: For fuel-powered vehicles, fuel consumption increases significantly during traffic congestion. Similarly, for electric vehicles, frequent acceleration and braking can lead to a noticeable rise in power consumption. Therefore, when stuck in traffic on the highway, drivers should assess the road conditions carefully. The best approach is to accelerate and decelerate gradually, allowing the vehicle to coast as much as possible, and avoiding sudden acceleration. Rapid acceleration for electric vehicles means a higher discharge rate. Avoid Using the Air Conditioning: Pure electric vehicles rely on electricity to power both heating and cooling systems, so using the air conditioning significantly increases power consumption. During traffic congestion, it is recommended to slightly lower the windows or turn off the air conditioning altogether.
The most frustrating issue with my electric vehicle during highway traffic jams is the battery consumption. Last Labor Day holiday, I was stuck on the G4 highway for three hours. I deliberately avoided using the AC and only turned on the ventilation, yet the battery still dropped by 12%. Later, I learned a smarter approach: during winter traffic jams, turning off the AC and using only seat heating saves half the energy compared to using the AC. I always carry two 20,000mAh power banks to keep my phone alive, preventing it from dying while using navigation. It's crucial to download charging station apps in advance—I frequently use the State Grid app to check nearby charging spots. The most useful tip is to avoid stomping on the accelerator when traffic starts moving; a gentle start actually saves more energy. In stop-and-go conditions (driving one meter and stopping for two minutes), the energy consumption per 100 kilometers can be five kilowatt-hours lower than usual.
When driving an electric vehicle on the highway, it's essential to maintain a sufficient safety margin of battery charge. I usually start planning for a recharge when the displayed range drops below 100 kilometers. It's particularly important to keep the battery level above 20% during traffic jams. I always check the charging map in real-time to locate service areas ahead. If the queue is too long, I prefer exiting the highway early to find a charging station. Tire pressure is crucial—adjusting it to the upper limit of the standard value before traffic congestion can reduce rolling resistance by 8%. Keep all windows rolled up to minimize wind resistance, and set the headlights to automatic mode to avoid forgetting to turn them off. Recently, I discovered that switching from external to internal air circulation can save energy on heating, though it's necessary to ventilate every half hour. Packing some snacks and water is common sense, but don't forget to bring a portable urinal—it's surprisingly practical.
