As the weather cools, Jebel Jais becomes one of the most popular weekend drives in the UAE. The road up is long, steep, and full of bends, and the way down is just as demanding.
A REEV handles this kind of drive well, but it behaves a little differently from a petrol SUV on the climb and on the descent. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare.
What Happens on the Way Up?
Climbing a mountain road takes a lot of power. In a REEV, the wheels are always driven by the electric motor, so that power comes from the battery first.
If the battery is well charged, most of the climb can feel quiet and smooth. If the battery is lower, the range extender will run more to generate electricity, and you may hear it working harder than it does on the motorway. This is normal. For more on why this happens, read why the petrol engine starts before the battery is empty.
Should You Arrive With a Full Battery?
A good level of charge helps on the climb, but a completely full battery isn’t necessarily ideal if you plan to drive straight back down.
On the descent, regenerative braking sends energy back into the battery. If the battery is already full at the top, there’s less room to store that energy, so the car relies more on the regular brakes. In practice, the climb usually uses enough charge to leave room for recovery on the way down.
If your model offers a driving mode that holds battery charge, it can be useful to switch to it on the motorway so you save battery for the climb. Check your vehicle’s settings or owner’s manual for the options available.
How to Drive the Descent
The descent is where good habits matter most.
Keep your speed steady and lower than you would on the way up. Let regenerative braking do part of the work, and avoid holding the brake pedal for long stretches. Continuous braking heats up the brakes and reduces how well they perform.
If your vehicle lets you increase the regenerative braking level, a stronger setting can help control speed on long downhill sections. Our guide to regenerative braking in a REEV explains how it works.
Don’t Be Surprised by the Range Display
Your estimated range may drop quickly on the climb and recover on the way down. The display is reacting to how much energy you’re using right now, so it changes more than usual on mountain roads. It usually settles once you’re back on flat ground. See why your REEV range changes from day to day for more.
A Quick Checklist Before You Go
- Charge the battery and fill the tank before leaving, since options are limited once you’re on the mountain road.
- Check tire pressure and tread. Tight bends and long descents put extra load on your tires.
- Pack a light jacket. The temperature at the top is noticeably cooler than on the coast.
- Use viewpoints and designated parking areas to stop, not the roadside.
A REEV gives you electric smoothness on the climb and the reassurance of the range extender if the battery runs low, which makes mountain trips easier to plan. If you’d like to see how the V27 or 03T feels on the road first, book a test drive with AUTORUN.
