Do in fact the driving modes on the Lyri what they do for you in terms of range and battery use beyond the performance feel and steering response changes that you see? This article looks at how Lyriq’s driving modes affect your battery and range, and explains how you can get the most out of them.

What driving modes does the Lyriq offer?

The Lyriq offers a choice of drive modes, which will vary by trim and market. We have Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice (or Weather), and also a Custom My Mode that you can tailor to your preferences. Also, according to the quick start guide.Each mode changes the powertrain’s performance, the degree of energy recovery through regeneration, and the system’s focus (between efficiency, performance, and traction).

Which modes affect battery life and range?

Trade-off between Efficiency and Performance.

While fuel economy doesn’t play a role in what the battery has for the car to use in driving, which mode the car is set to does play a factor in how much energy is used per mile. In performance-oriented modes (for example, Sport), the throttle response is improved, and the car’s focus is on power and speed instead of efficiency. This causes greater energy use, which in turn reduces the car’s real-world range.

Instead, in terms of efficiency (Tour) mode, we see a focus on smooth throttle response, high regenerative brake use, and lower powered out put which in turn results in more distance per kWh.

Measuring the Impact.

According to reports:

Tour Mode: Often has the best performance of the selectable modes. Also we see a real-world benefit of 8-10% outper that which is more aggressive in the same conditions.
Sport Mode: Can see up to 15% (in some cases of aggressive driving even more) reduction in range from a baseline efficient model.
Snow/Ice Mode: Because of its’ focus on traction and safety (softer throttle response, more stability control interventions) the range penalty is present but small still (reports say 3-8% in some cases) when run in non-slippery conditions.
My Mode: In that which is up to the driver’s configuration, the range will vary.

What is that difference?

Throttle mapping: In performance settings the throttle will cause instant larger changes in power output at the expense of increased fuel use.
Regenerative braking strength: Efficient modes focus on maxing out regen capture (which in turn puts more energy back into the battery when you slow down) at the same time sporty modes may drop regen to give a more traditional “coast” feel.
Drivetrain load: Sport and aggressive settings which in turn run the motors at higher levels more of the time which in turn reduces efficiency.
System behaviour: In some conditions of snow/ice or what we call weather modes power delivery is reduced and at the same time traction and stability controls may engage more which in turn may raise fuel consumption.

Key Issues beyond mode that affect Range.

Driving mode is a piece of the puzzle. Also which of the following factors greatly influence range in the real world:

Driving style which includes acceleration, sustained high speeds, aggressive maneuvers we note that with some owners seeing a 20% difference in range regardless of which mode is used.

Temperature and climate: In cold weather batteries perform less efficiently and at the same time climate control uses more energy.
Wheel/tire choice: Larger tires and more aggressive tread patterns increase rolling resistance and reduce efficiency.
Route type: Highway and very fast driving uses more energy then easy mixed or urban driving.
Vehicle configuration: RWD and AWD models present with different base performance (hardware differences). While the drive modes may not change the certified range they do play a role in how closely you get to that number.

Actionable Strategies for Range through Modes.

For when you are out and about for the day or on a long distance trip which requires efficiency choose Tour Mode which has maximal regen and gentle throttle.

For dynamic performance which you desire out of spirited driving or when you go for the full performance experience (e.g. passing, getting on the on ramp) use Sport Mode but be aware of the trade off in efficiency. In winter or when roads are slippery use Snow/Ice Mode (which is also labeled as “Weather” in some cars) — this will increase your safety although efficiency will go down a bit. If in My Mode which is what you’re using, play with the settings to get a better regen and smoother throttle which in turn will see you get greater range.

Combine mode selection with good habits.

Keep proper tire pressure, at traffic lights which are out of the way for regen, put your foot on it, also try to use one pedal driving where you can and when you have a choice don’t go too fast. Preheat your vehicle (battery and cabin) while it is plugged in during cold weather to reduce temperature issues.

Conclusion:

Tour Mode is all about efficiency, in Sport Mode performance takes the lead which in turn sees a trade off in range, Snow, Ice and Weather modes are for stability at the cost of some range, and My Mode is for you to customize your experience which may range from very efficient to very performant.