Ford Hybrid & Electric Cars at Group 1 Ford

The temperature has an impact on your Ford’s electric range with extremes of cold and hot weather affecting battery capacity. The optimum temperature of an EV battery is around 20-23ºC, with anything closer to 0ºC or 30º reducing range.

Another way weather affects range is through the use of climate control. Heating or cooling your car when out and about uses battery power, in turn reducing your electric range. Instead set the temperature whilst the car’s plugged in, and from there maintain a consistent ambient climate.

The terrain you’re driving on and the quality of the road surface also affects electric range. If you’re travelling downhill, apply the brakes to recuperate some battery charge from regenerative braking.

Use the Low (L) electronic transmission setting for greater efficiency when driving downhill, as this system increases deceleration when you take your foot off the pedal. For Mustang Mach-E, selecting (L) does not have any effect if one pedal drive is activated.

Adverse weather also impacts your range. This includes:

• Windy weather
• Heavy rain
• Snow
• Icy conditions
• Muddy terrain

You can prepare for colder climates with winter tyres, but keep an eye out for icy roads or tricky terrain.

There are a few ways you can prolong the effectiveness and life of your battery. Setting a departure time ensures your Ford’s electric battery is at the optimal temperature and charge level for when you need it.

You should also allow the battery to cool down before recharging and set a maximum charge level of 90%. Store your car in temperatures between 0°C and 45°C and also ensure battery level is around 50% when leaving it for 30 days or more.

Stick to your service schedule to ensure safe and efficient driving. Doing so will guarantee brake fluid and coolant levels match Ford’s recommendations. Regular servicing also helps to maintain battery health and electric range.

For the Ford Mustang Mach-E, turning on Ford Power-Up Software Updates through SYNC 4A will automatically download the latest software for your car.

Always check your tyre tread levels are within the legal limit. Regularly check for damage, including large cuts, bulges or anything out of the ordinary. If you spot signs of uneven wear, this may be a sign of a wheel alignment issue which you should get checked out at your local Group 1 Ford service centre.

Tyre pressure level is another important factor. Having the correct inflation will increase range, with over-inflated tyres posing a greater risk of damage and under-inflated tyres reducing driving range.

Accelerating harshly and driving above 50mph uses up more battery power. That means smoother acceleration and braking are key for increasing your range.

The Mustang Mach-E uses an intelligent One Pedal Drive system which also makes the most of regenerative braking when you take your foot off the pedal.

If your car is filled with items or passengers, the electric motor has to work harder to produce power, in turn using more battery.

Aerodynamics plays a big part too. If you’re towing a trailer or have a roof rack, for example, expect to see a slightly reduced range.

Keep in mind that using accessories and electrical sockets in your car will also affect its range.

Charging your smartphone, for example, will use the battery. This is something to consider when trying to maximise range.