An adaptive power management and driver control system for modifying electric vehicle drive output in real time, comprising input sensors mounted on a vehicle that measure a plurality of conditions for the vehicle from among vehicle mass, road grade, vehicle speed, vehicle acceleration, and door position, together with a digital electronic controller mounted on the vehicle that receives data from the input sensors, runs an algorithm using the data, and outputs resulting energy efficient power output commands to an electric motor for the vehicle. The sensors measure at least vehicle mass and road grade. Energy efficiency and reduced charging requirements for the batteries result for a given route for the electrically driven vehicle.