Like any type of car, maximizing your vehicle’s range is very important to saving money at the pump or the charging station, in the case of this VinFast article. Because charging is still a pretty new concept in terms of the number of stations around the country, it can still be beneficial to do your best to drive in a manner that optimizes your overall driving range, which in turn can enhance your driving experience.
Careful With The AC
The 2024 VF8 has plenty of range whether you are looking at the Eco or Plus model. Both models have an 87.7 kWh battery that puts out 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque in the Eco trim and 402 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque in the Plus trim. One thing to remember, though, is that the car’s battery also runs everything else. So when you use the AC on a really hot day, that can subtract range from the car. In fact, a 2019 study by AAA showed that running the air conditioner at the highest speed for an extended period of time can affect your EV range by as much as 17%. Try to use your heat and AC in eco or auto modes to help control how hard the air is blowing. If your car is attached to your charger at home or on the go and has been sitting for a while, try turning the air on while it’s still plugged and getting the inside cooled down for 5 to 10 minutes before driving off.
Check Those Pressures
One of the most important tips for any vehicle is to be on top of your tire pressure. Having tire pressure that is too low can reduce driving range by a decent amount, believe it or not. On a highway drive, you can cut your efficiency by quite a bit because plenty of EVs have low rolling resistance tires, and if they are too low, you can lose 4% of your range during your drive. Checking your pressures is especially important during the change of season, such as when the weather changes from winter to spring or summer to fall.
Use Cruise Control More Often
Driving your car inefficiently always affects its range. For example, when you are driving on the highway or in stop-and-go traffic, you accelerate and then brake, speeding up or slowing down. It is always best to use cruise control when driving on the highway. Luckily, if you are in traffic, regenerative braking can help to capture some of the range lost.
Charge Smartly
Possibly the most important lesson to be learned is to charge your car intelligently. It is never recommended to take your battery down to zero or even close to it, just like with a phone, laptop, or tablet. Instead, it’s best to charge up to 80% when on the go unless, of course, you are going on an extended trip. Once your battery starts to get low, you should try not to let it get below 20%. This will assist in keeping your battery in tip-top shape for years to come. This is where the VinFast mobile app comes in handy: while waiting for your VinFast to charge, you can keep an eye on the level of charge to get going as soon as possible.
At Ewing VinFast of Plano, we have the best prices on dozens of new VinFast EVs and used cars. Our well-educated sales staff and finance department will happily assist you with any of your EV questions and needs. Our fantastic service department will ensure your vehicle stays in the best condition.
We look forward to serving you.