Electric vehicle range: How far can an electric car go?

What does electric car ‘range’ mean?

In the simplest terms – the range of an EV means how many miles your battery will allow you to travel on a single charge.

What is ‘range anxiety’?

The emergence of electric cars has had many positive impacts on the car industry, but it's fair to say that there’s been concerns about the range they can travel compared to other options – this is what is known as ‘range anxiety’.

However, these days many electric vehicles are now capable of reaching much bigger ranges compared to previous models. Of course, this will vary depending on the make and model of EV you go for as well as the average speed that you travel.

What factors affect an electric car range?

The range of an EV can be impacted by many factors, from the weather, your style of driving or the type of road you’re driving on. We’ve put together 5 of the most common things that will have an impact.

1. Weather: In the UK we have a lot of different weather conditions to cope with, and these temperature changes, hot or cold, can have an impact on the range of your electric vehicle. Make sure your windows stay up and keep your air conditioning at a low setting in warmer weather. Depending on the weather, these simple changes can make a big difference to the range of your EV.
2. Type of terrain: The type of road you’re driving on will impact the range of your EV. Going downhill might even increase the total range, however going uphill will decrease the range.
3. Driving style: The way you drive your EV can have a big impact on your range. If you’re a driver who hits the accelerator or brake pedal hard, you’ll find that you lose a lot of range. Instead, go a little easier on your pedals to get the most out of your electric vehicle.
4. Tyre pressure: If your EV has low tyre pressure, it means your vehicle has more resistance and therefore must work harder to get from A to B. Keep on top of your tyre pressure by checking it regularly and making sure it meets your manufacturer's recommendations, so your EV is even more efficient.
5. Weight of your EV: How much you carry in your car can make a big difference. So, why not declutter your space and get rid of any unnecessary baggage. Your EV will thank you by helping you claim back some of those lost miles. If you’re going on a longer journey where you need to carry more weight, make sure you keep on top of the tyre pressure as mentioned in point 4 – this will lessen the impact.

How far can electric cars go?

From 2009 to 2019, 100 miles was considered to be a good range for an electric vehicle.

These days EV models have improved, so much so that some models have a range between 400 to 500 miles. Obviously, this will depend on the make and model of EV you choose – as with any vehicle or appliance, the market can differ quite a lot so it’s always worth shopping around and doing some research.

What is the average range of an electric car?

The average range for the latest electric vehicle on today’s market stands between 150 and 300 miles. So, whether you’re a casual driver or you travel longer distances, you should be able to use an EV to fit around your lifestyle.

Do electric cars lose range over time?

Most EVs will use a lithium-ion battery, which means they become less effective over time. However, it’s thought that EV drivers can expect their EV to last upwards of 10 years or around 100,000 miles or more of use.

Reliable electric car charging installation with HomeServe

Hopefully this article has given you some food for thought if you’re in the market for an electric vehicle. If you fancy some extra reading, we’ve got a variety of similar articles that you may find of interest.

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