Efficient Mode for long trips

[ArnoldoaleMan]

I recently took a 80-mile round trip in my i5 using Efficient Mode. I was driving in a mountainous region with an elevation of up to 5,000 feet. I started with a 90% charge (about 230 miles) and ended up with a 70% charge (over 260 miles) when I returned to my hotel. I used Efficient Mode with max range, as the speed limit was 35 mph. I also had regen B mode engaged.

I'm planning a 350-mile trip tomorrow and I'm wondering if I can get more than 260 miles using Efficient Mode on the way home. I won't be able to use max range as the speed limit is only 60 mph. Has anyone else used Efficient Mode for long trips and can share their experiences?

 

[Xavaneptus]

On my way home, I flip the switch to efficient mode, even though I’m not totally sure what it’s actually doing for me lol. The traffic's usually dense, and I kind of like messing around with the car’s efficiency features. Funny thing is, efficient mode doesn’t really make the car more efficient for me, it just makes the throttle a bit lazy. I haven’t seen much of a difference in power use between efficient and personal modes. But driving in efficient mode is helping me build habits that might come in handy when I switch to personal or even sport mode later on.

 

[Roman]

So with Efficient Mode and regenerative braking, you might be able to get close to or even exceed 260 miles on your 350-mile trip, especially if you manage your speed and terrain well...

 

[Barbara_20Flo]

Efficient Mode is seriously the MVP for road trips, especially when you’re dealing with hilly terrain. I haven’t done a trip as long as yours, but on a flat stretch of highway, I squeezed out over 280 miles at 60 mph with regen on.