How far can an electric car go on a full charge?

The range of an electric car refers to how far it can travel on a full charge. There are two key range figures to consider: the WLTP range (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) and the real-world range.

The WLTP range is the official measurement used by manufacturers, based on testing in controlled conditions, with the car driving at an average speed of 28.8 mph in ideal weather. However, this doesn’t account for factors like hills, cold weather, or traffic.

The real-world range reflects how far the car can typically travel in everyday driving conditions, such as varying temperatures or inclines, and is a more accurate estimate of performance. When shopping for an EV both figures are often listed, but the real-world range gives a better sense of the car’s true driving capabilities in actual driving conditions you will face.

The average range of EVs is increasing all the time. Up until 2019, an average range of 100 miles was considered impressive, today it is estimated to be almost 300 miles! Considering the average daily journey in the UK is 21.1 miles, this is more than enough for the average daily commute.

However, how far any one EV can actually travel on a single charge (ie its real world range) depends on many different factors.

Outside Temperature.

A key influencing factor on the real distance you can travel in a single charge is the outside temperature.

Colder temperatures can have a notable effect on an EV's range. In colder weather, more energy is needed to keep the battery at its ideal operating temperature, which is around 21.5°C. As a result, the battery drains slightly faster, reducing the distance you can travel on a full charge.

On the other hand, warmer weather is generally less demanding on the battery. In mild or hot conditions, the battery doesn’t need as much energy to stay at its optimum temperature, so it can operate more efficiently, using less of the battery's charge to maintain that level.

So, if you drive the same EV in winter, especially in freezing temperatures or snowy conditions, you may notice that you can’t drive as far on a single charge as if you were driving in summer or on a warm day.

The Battery.

The size of an EV's battery also plays a crucial role in determining its real world range. A larger battery has a larger capacity allowing it to store more energy, allowing the car to travel further on a single charge. This means that EVs with bigger batteries typically offer longer ranges than those with smaller batteries.

However, it’s not just the size of the battery that affects range, battery age is another important factor. As batteries age over time, they naturally degrade and lose some of their capacity and power. This is something that we see across all batteries, with one common example being mobile phones. This means that an older battery will be less efficient and may not hold a charge as well as it did when it was new. As a result, the range of the EV can decrease, meaning you'll get fewer miles from a full charge in an aging battery. It is important to note that this degradation takes place over many years and EV batteries will often outlast the usable life of the vehicle.

However, there are some practices that can help maintain battery health and slow aging of the battery. It is important to avoid letting the battery percentage drop too low which can accelerate degradation. By keeping the battery charged within the optimal range (between 20-80) you can prevent excessive strain on the battery and slow down aging. (Hot tip: this is the same for your mobile phone!)

Aerodynamics and Weight.

A key influence on real world EV range is aerodynamics and the design of a specific vehicle. This is because good aerodynamics leads to lower air resistance, and the EV requires less energy to travel through the air. More aerodynamic vehicles allow an optimisation of energy efficiency and therefore allow for better range. So, a more aerodynamic EV uses less battery power to maintain speed, which can improve its energy efficiency and extend its range allowing it to drive further on a full charge than a vehicle that is less streamlined. This is important to note when adding accessories to your car such as a roof box.

Another important factor is the weight of the vehicle. The more a car weighs, the harder it is to move, and the more energy it requires to keep going. This includes not just the weight of the car itself, but also anything you load into it, such as passengers and luggage. Heavier vehicles place more demand on the battery because the motor has to work harder to power the car forward. For this reason, lighter vehicles generally can travel further on a single charge as they use less energy to move compared to heavier cars.

Driving Style, choices and routes.

Driving style is also key in determining the real-world range you will get from a vehicle. For example, regular rapid acceleration can drain the battery much faster than a smooth, steady driving style. Aggressive braking or frequent stopping and starting also uses more energy, reducing range. On the other hand, a smooth and steady driving style, with gradual acceleration and braking, helps conserve battery power and can significantly extend the range and allow an EV to get further on a single charge.

The type of roads and terrain you drive on also plays a big role in real world range. For instance, hills and rough terrain demand more energy from the battery. Going uphill requires the vehicle to work harder, using more power and reducing the overall range. So choosing routes that are more level and smooth can help an EV travel further on one charge.

Another factor that can influence range is the use of electric powered amenities in the car. This is anything that relies on battery power – ie aircon, heating, heated seats, windscreen heating, lights, USB charging etc. This is because these are also relying on the car battery to power them, so  use these amenities sparingly to increase real world range and allow you to get further on your charge. Swapping out the cabin heating, for the more efficient heated seats is a great way to reduce the impact on your range. Another tip is to pre-condition your vehicle while charging before setting off on your journey. 

Another key feature that can help correct the range issues associated with driving style is regenerative braking. This is a common feature in many EVs that converts the energy used in braking back into power for the EV battery. Choosing to drive in eco mode can also help to manage battery/energy use in a more efficient way. These methods can improve real world range allowing you to travel a little further by conserving and regaining some of the energy.

Overall, the real-world range of an electric vehicle can vary significantly depending on a range of factors, including temperature, battery size and age, aerodynamics, weight, driving style, and terrain. While the WLTP range provides a useful benchmark, the real-world range gives a more accurate representation of how far an EV can go under typical driving conditions.

As EV technology continues to improve, many vehicles now offer impressive ranges, well above the average daily commute distance. However, understanding the factors that impact range can help you better manage your EV’s performance and ensure you get the most out of every charge.

So, when choosing an electric car, consider both the WLTP and real-world range to get a complete picture of its capabilities and match it to your driving needs.