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 climatization all affect the number of miles 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 that is used to counter rolling resistance or temperature differences, the more energy that 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
Agressive acceleration and satisfying the need for speed can be tempting, especially with the instant power and torque of an EV. However, a calmer approach behind the wheel will help you go the extra mile(s). When traveling on a highway, making use of the cruise control function can also help to extend your range, allowing the car to make the most efficient decisions about speeding up and slowing down.