Electric cars have revolutionised the automotive industry, offering a cleaner, quieter, and more efficient alternative to traditional gas-powered vehicles. One of the most common questions people ask about electric cars is, "How far can they go?"

In this article, we'll explore the answer to this question, discussing the average range of electric cars, how to maximise it, and addressing common concerns about using them for road trips, daily commutes, and more.

The Quick Answer

Here’s the short answer to the title question:

The real range of electric cars is between 100-250 miles. 

Manufacturers claim much longer ranges, at least sometimes. But, as we’ll show you, real world tests find a pretty consistent 10-15% drop in range when the car gets out onto a real road and not a test track.

Understanding Electric Car Range

Electric car range refers to how far an electric vehicle (EV) can travel on a single charge. This varies based on a number of factors, including the car's battery size, driving style and terrain. Most electric cars will perform better than a petrol or diesel car in terms of cost per mile. But it could help to understand a little more about driving range and what to expect when you drive in the real world.

What is Electric Car Range?

When it comes to electric car range, manufacturers often use standardised testing procedures to determine the official range of their vehicles. In the UK, this typically involves using the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle. However, the advertised range may not always reflect real-world driving experiences.

According to Car and Driver, who have tested roughly 60 electric vehicles, the real-world range falls short of the advertised range by an average of 13 percent. As they put it, "roughly 60 EVs we've tested have fallen 13 percent short of the range figure on their window sticker." This discrepancy can be attributed to factors like temperature, terrain, and driving style, which can significantly impact the actual range.

For instance, a car's advertised range may be based on a test drive on a flat, smooth road in ideal temperatures, whereas real-world driving may involve hilly terrain, stop-and-go traffic, and extreme temperatures, all of which can reduce the actual range. As a result, it's essential to consider multiple sources and real-world reviews when evaluating an electric car's range.

Average Electric Car Range

When shopping for an electric vehicle, understanding the average range of different types of EVs can help you make an informed decision. Electric car ranges vary significantly, depending on factors like battery size, vehicle type, and intended use. Here's an overview of typical ranges for different types of electric cars available in the UK:

• Low-range EVs: These cars are perfect for short trips and city driving. The 2022 Nissan Leaf can run up to 168 miles on a single charge.
• Mid-range EVs: These are ideal for daily commutes and short trips. The 2022 Vauxhall Corsa-e can run up to 209 miles on a single charge.
• Long-range EVs: These cars are perfect for long trips. The 2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range can run up to 374 miles or more on a single charge.
• Luxury EVs: These cars have the highest range. The 2022 Tesla Model S Long Range can run up to 405 miles on a single charge.

In summary, electric car ranges vary widely, from around 168 miles for low-range EVs to over 405 miles for luxury models. Understanding these ranges can help you choose the right EV for your needs, whether you're looking for a city car or a long-distance cruiser. Keep in mind that actual ranges may vary depending on factors like driving style, terrain, and weather conditions.

Longest-Range Electric Cars

The ability to travel long distances on a single charge is a key selling point for many EV buyers. If maximising range is your priority, here's a look at some of the longest-range electric cars on the market:

• Lucid Air: The Lucid Air, in its various trims, consistently claims top spots in range ratings. Depending on the model, you can expect anywhere from 410 to over 500 miles on a full charge.
• Mercedes-Benz EQS: This sleek luxury sedan boasts an impressive range of up to 400 miles, making long journeys stress-free.
• Tesla Model S: A classic in the long-range EV category, the Tesla Model S can travel around 320-405 miles, depending on the specific model chosen.
• BMW iX and i7: These crossover and sedan models from BMW offer luxurious transport with ranges topping out around 310 miles on a single charge.
• Hyundai Ioniq 6: The Hyundai Ioniq 6 delivers fantastic aerodynamics and efficiency, providing up to 300 miles of all-electric range.

These are just a few of the stellar long-range EVs available. Ranges are constantly improving as battery technology advances.

Want to know even more about EV range? Read our main EV Range Guide for more detailed information about vehicles, their range, and the battery life you can expect.

Maximising Electric Car Range

While electric cars provide a cleaner, more sustainable mode of transportation, getting the most miles out of every charge is important. Understanding the factors that drain your battery the fastest will help you plan your trips and driving habits accordingly.

Biggest Charge Drains While Driving

• Driving style: Hard acceleration wastes energy. Easing into higher speeds smoothly extends your range.
• Speed: Increased air resistance at highway speeds makes your battery work harder. A 10 mph increase can reduce your range by up to 15%!
• Cold weather: EVs can lose up to 30% of their range in frigid temperatures because energy is used to warm the battery and the cabin.
• Hot weather: Running the air conditioner constantly will also take a toll on your battery's charge.
• Added weight: Extra cargo and passengers increase the work your car has to do, decreasing your range.
• Auxiliary features: While their impact may seem small, running the radio, headlights, seat warmers, and charging your phone all draw power from the battery.

Tips for Optimising Your Electric Car's Range

• Drive smoothly: Ease into acceleration and try to anticipate stops to maximise regenerative braking (which puts some energy back into the battery).
• Mind your speed: Stay at or slightly below posted speed limits, especially on highways.
• Precondition your cabin: If possible, warm up or cool down the interior of your EV while it's still plugged in. This avoids using battery power for climate control systems once you're on the road.
• Embrace seat warmers: In cold weather, use seat warmers instead of blasting the heater. They use far less power.
• Minimise accessories: Only use headlights, wipers, and the sound system when necessary. Unplug devices when they're fully charged.
• Check tire pressure: Underinflated tires make your car work harder, impacting range. Maintain the manufacturer's recommended pressure.
• Travel light: Remove excess cargo whenever possible. If you must tow, be aware that range will be significantly reduced.
• Charge wisely: Frequent DC fast charging can degrade your battery over time. Use slower Level 1 or Level 2 charging whenever possible.

Specific EV models and real-world driving conditions will always influence range. However, these tips will help you get the absolute most out of your electric car battery!

Top Five EV Range Questions

What do you really want to know about EV range? Maybe you've got a touch of range anxiety, are genuinely curious about electric vehicle range, or you want to know whether electric car batteries are good enough to replace your trusty old diesel car.

In our experience, here are the top five things people really want to know about how their electric vehicle battery is actually going to work out for their lives.

Can I Use an Electric Car for Road Trips?

Road tripping in an EV across the UK is very feasible with some planning. Most current EVs have a real-world range of 150-300 miles per charge. This allows you to drive 2-4 hours before needing to top up at one of the UK's 35,000+ public charging points. Mapping out rapid charging stops every few hours along major motorways like the M1 or M6 is recommended for longer journeys.

Which Electric Car Models Have the Best Range?

The Tesla Model S currently offers the longest range in the UK at up to 405 miles per charge. Other top EV ranges include the Mercedes EQS (453 miles), BMW iX (380 miles), and Hyundai Ioniq 5 (298 miles). More affordable models like the Kia e-Niro (285 miles), Volkswagen ID.3 (265 miles), and Nissan Leaf e+ (239 miles) also provide very usable real-world ranges.

Can I Use an Electric Car for My Daily Commute?

Yes, electric cars are well-suited for daily commuting in the UK. With an average British driver covering only 19 miles per day, even an EV with 150-200 miles of range can easily handle a week's worth of commuting on just a single overnight home charge. The lower operating costs also make EVs very economical for commuting.

How Far Can an Electric Car Go on a Single Charge?

While WLTP range estimates provide maximum distances, real-world EV range depends on driving conditions. Expect 15-30% less range than the official figure in winter when using heating and defrosting. Driving at motorway speeds also reduces range versus city driving. Most EVs can realistically travel 100-250 miles between charges under typical UK conditions.

Will Electric Cars Improve in Range Over Time?

Absolutely, EV battery range is continuously improving thanks to technological advancements. Just a decade ago, the Nissan Leaf offered only 73 miles of range. But now over 20 EVs sold in the UK can exceed 200 miles per charge. Ongoing research into solid-state and lithium-metal batteries could enable 600-mile ranges within 5-10 years.

EV Cable Shop: Powering Your Electric Journeys

Choosing the right electric car is only part of enjoying the EV driving experience. At EV Cable Shop, we provide the essential accessories to keep your car conveniently charged and ready to hit the road. Our range of high-quality EV charging cables, both portable and for home installation, help you maximise your electric car's range and make charging simple.

• Home Charging Solutions: Explore our selection of Type 1 charging cables and Type 2 charging cables, offering varying speeds and smart features to suit your needs.
• On-the-Go Power: Discover our range of portable charging cables ideal for topping up your EV away from home, giving you extra peace of mind. We've even got extra long EV charging cables for awkward parking spots.
• Expert Advice: If you're unsure which products are right for you, our knowledgeable team is here to offer guidance and recommendations.

Conclusion

Electric vehicles offer a fantastic alternative to gas-powered vehicles, providing a cleaner, quieter, and more efficient mode of transportation. While range considerations are important, current technology comfortably accommodates most daily commutes and even longer road trips with some planning. As battery technology advances, the 'range anxiety' associated with EVs will continue to fade.

By understanding the factors that impact electric car range, and utilising tips for optimization, you can enjoy the full potential of your EV. Let EV Cable Shop be your partner on this journey, ensuring that you always have the power to reach your destination.