The real-world range of an EV depends on the car itself, driving style, weather and road conditions. Knowing how these factors influence power consumption is beneficial when going on longer trips.
The real-world range of an EV depends on the car itself, driving style, weather and road conditions. Knowing how these factors influence power consumption is beneficial when going on longer trips.
The car itself
Overall weight, tire choice, tire condition and climate control all affect the number of kilometres you can get out of a full battery (or a full tank, for that matter). The same goes for mounting a roof box or pulling a trailer. The less power is used to counter rolling resistance or temperature differences, the more energy can be converted into motion.
Weather and road conditions
Wind, outside temperature and road surface influence the energy needed to propel an EV. Cold weather, for example, makes the battery work harder and can decrease the efficiency of the powertrain depending on the use of climate control. However, preheating the car while it’s being charged will effectively increase its range.
Driving
Accelerating hard and satisfying the need for speed can be very tempting, especially with the instant power of an EV at your disposal. However, a calmer attitude behind the wheel will ensure that you can go the extra kilometre(s).