Driving economically
Adopting the right driving style can reduce consumption, damage to the environment, and
wear and tear to the electric drive, brakes and tyres. The following section lists a few tips for
easing the strain on the environment and your bank account.
Think ahead when driving
The range will decrease if you do not adopt a steady driving style. Keeping a close eye on the
traffic can help to avoid frequent acceleration and braking. Keeping your vehicle at a sufficient
distance from the vehicle in front can help you to think ahead when driving.
Use energy recovery (brake energy recuperation)
By selecting the recuperation level D1, D2, D3 or B in the position selection, it is possible to use
the energy of the rolling vehicle to charge the high-voltage battery (→ Brake energy
recuperation, Operation). The vehicle is braked as a result.
Use coasting
If neither the accelerator pedal nor brake pedal are pressed in selector lever position D and no
recuperation is set, the vehicle will roll (“coast”) practically without any energy consumption.
Avoid full throttle
Never drive the vehicle at top speed. The drag coefficient increases at excessively high speeds.
This in turn increases the force needed to move the vehicle.
Pull off immediately
During a long standing period, deactivate the vehicle’s drive system, e.g. in a traffic jam or at a
level crossing.
Have your vehicle serviced on a regular basis
Regular maintenance is an essential prerequisite for economical driving and increases the service
life of the vehicle.
Observe the correct tyre pressures
An inadequate tyre pressure does not just mean greater wear, but also increases the rolling
resistance of the tyres and thus the fuel consumption. Use tyres with optimised rolling
resistance.
Adjust the tyre pressure according to the vehicle load:
— Observe the information on the tyre pressure sticker (→ Tyre pressure, Introduction/General
information).
—Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator (→ Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator, Function)
Do not drive with unnecessary loads in the vehicle
You can reduce fuel consumption by clearing out the luggage compartment before setting off,
for example by removing empty drink crates or unused child seats.
In order to keep the drag coefficient of the vehicle as low as possible, remove attachments and
add-on parts such as ski, bicycle or roof carriers after use.
Save electrical energy
Convenience consumers such as the air conditioning system or window heating require energy
from the high-voltage battery.
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