Electric car range: how far can it go?

Electric car range is a key consideration for many UK drivers, whether they are contemplating a switch to an electric vehicle (EV) or already own one. The good news is that modern EVs offer substantial ranges, and with intelligent energy management, concerns about running out of power can become a thing of the past.

Understanding your EV's range and how to maximise it is crucial for confident driving. Fuse Energy helps you manage your home energy, including your EV charging, so you can make the most of every mile. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.

Understanding electric car range

The distance an electric car can travel on a single charge is often a primary concern for drivers. While manufacturers provide official figures, real-world performance can vary.

What is WLTP range?

The Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) provides a standardised baseline for comparing the efficiency of different vehicles, including electric cars. This test is conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, typically at a constant 23°C, with climate control systems off and an average speed of just 28.9 miles per hour. While WLTP figures offer a useful comparison point between models, they rarely reflect everyday driving conditions.

Real-world versus advertised range

Real-world driving conditions often result in a lower range than official WLTP figures. Factors such as driving style, speed, temperature, and terrain all play a significant role. For instance, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range has an official WLTP driving range of around 360 miles. However, real-world conditions might see this closer to 310 miles, or between 320 and 350 miles depending on driving style, weather, and environment. The Hyundai Kona Electric with a 64 kWh battery offers a WLTP range of 301 miles (484 km). It is important to consider these real-world variables when assessing how far an EV can truly go on a single charge.

Factors affecting electric car range

Several elements influence how far an electric car can travel. Understanding these can help you better predict and manage your vehicle's performance.

Driving style

Aggressive driving, with rapid acceleration and harsh braking, consumes more energy than a smooth, consistent driving style. Regenerative braking, where the motor acts as a generator to put energy back into the battery, is most efficient when applied gently.

Speed

Just like petrol or diesel cars, EVs are less efficient at higher speeds. Aerodynamic drag increases significantly with speed, requiring more power to maintain momentum. Motorway driving, for example, typically results in a lower range than urban driving.

Temperature

Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can impact battery performance. Cold weather reduces battery efficiency and requires energy to heat the cabin and battery pack. Hot weather also demands energy for air conditioning. Pre-conditioning your car while it is still plugged in can mitigate some of these effects.

Terrain

Driving uphill requires more energy to overcome gravity, reducing range. Conversely, driving downhill can help recover some energy through regenerative braking. Hilly routes will generally yield a lower overall range than flat ones.

Battery size and efficiency

The larger the battery capacity (measured in kilowatt-hours, or kWh), the more energy it can store, and generally, the longer the range. However, battery efficiency and the overall vehicle's energy consumption also play a crucial role.

Auxiliary systems

Features like heating, air conditioning, infotainment systems, and even heated seats all draw power from the main battery, reducing the available range for propulsion. Using these sparingly or efficiently can help preserve range.

Maximising your EV's range

With a few simple adjustments, you can significantly extend your electric car's range and reduce range anxiety.

Gentle driving

Adopt a smooth driving style, avoiding sudden acceleration and harsh braking. Utilise regenerative braking effectively by anticipating stops and slowing down gradually.

Pre-conditioning

If your EV is plugged in, use its pre-conditioning feature to warm or cool the cabin and battery before you set off. This uses grid power rather than battery power, preserving your range.

Tyre pressure

Ensure your tyres are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, leading to greater energy consumption.

Charging habits

While it is tempting to always charge to 100%, many battery experts and manufacturers recommend keeping your battery charge between 20% and 80% for daily use to protect battery health and extend its lifespan. Charging to 100% is fine occasionally - for example, before a long trip - but doing it too often can speed up battery wear. Fuse Energy's smart charging solutions can help you optimise when you charge to take advantage of cheaper rates and abundant energy.

Long-distance travel and range anxiety

Range anxiety, the fear of running out of charge before reaching a charging point, is a common concern. However, with careful planning and the UK's expanding charging infrastructure, long-distance EV travel is increasingly straightforward.

Planning your route

Many apps and in-car navigation systems can plan routes that include charging stops, taking into account your car's range and charger availability. This allows for a stress-free journey.

Charging infrastructure in the UK

The UK's public charging network is growing rapidly, with thousands of charging points available across the country, including rapid chargers at service stations and key locations. This makes long-distance travel more accessible than ever.

The role of rapid charging

Rapid chargers can significantly boost your range in a short time, making long journeys far more feasible. A typical rapid charger can add hundreds of miles of range in under an hour, allowing for quick top-ups during longer trips.

The future of EV range

Electric vehicle technology is advancing at a rapid pace. Battery technology continues to improve, offering greater energy density and faster charging times. The average range of new EVs is steadily increasing, with many models now comfortably exceeding 250 miles on a single charge. This continuous innovation means that range anxiety will become an even rarer concern for future EV owners.

Understanding and optimising your electric car's range is key to confident EV ownership. By adopting smart driving habits and leveraging the growing charging infrastructure, you can enjoy the full benefits of electric motoring. Fuse Energy is committed to building a future with power to play with, helping you manage your home energy and EV charging so you can drive further, without compromise. Our 24/7 human customer support is always on hand to help. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. Find out about our mission by clicking here.