Electric car range explained: how far can they go?

However, just like it is for any other car, this number is not always realistic and can vary depending on:

• Driving style
• Weather conditions and temperature
• Route details, such as hilly terrain
• Vehicle payload – the extra weight it is carrying or towing

• 19th Century:

Early electric vehicles were limited by primitive battery technology, offering very low ranges, often only a few miles before needing a recharge.

• 1930s:

Electric cars nearly disappeared as internal combustion engines dominated, with little focus on improving range.

• 1970s:

Interest in electric vehicles resurfaced, highlighted by NASA's electric moon rover. However, EVs on Earth still struggled with limited ranges and performance.

• 1990s:

The introduction of the lithium-ion battery marked a turning point, enabling electric cars to achieve ranges of 70-90 miles on a single charge, though charging times were still lengthy, up to 15 hours.

• 2024:

Electric cars with the longest ranges will now go for several hundred miles on a single charge.

In real-world terms, this means you could potentially achieve on a single charge:

• Driving from London to Manchester (approx 205 miles)
• 16x local shopping trips or school runs
• A weekly commute from Guildford to Woking — a round trip of approximately 19 miles

_{*These examples are based on estimated range potential under typical conditions and may vary based on terrain, driving style, and temperature.}

How is electric vehicle range calculated?

Electric vehicle range is typically calculated using the WLTP standard, with an average speed of 29mph across urban and motorway conditions. Factors like driving at lower speeds (19 mph) or higher speeds on motorways (81 mph) can affect actual range compared to the WLTP estimate.

The weather 

Cold temperatures can decrease battery performance. Using the heating and air conditioning systems both put pressure on your EV’s range. In near-freezing conditions, electric cars can go 10% to 30% less far on a single charge.

How you drive your electric car

Your driving style can impact how far you can go on a single charge.

Some EVs use regenerative braking to recoup electric energy from braking. This system returns energy to the car’s battery when you brake. You can usually turn the level of regeneration up, down, or off – and this will impact your car’s range.

Smooth and steady driving optimises energy usage and helps extend your electric car’s range. Gradual acceleration and gentle braking contribute to more efficient energy consumption.