What Affects Electric Car Range and How To Maximize It

For drivers of electric vehicles (EVs), range is a primary focus. As EVs become more popular and charging stations become more widespread, range concerns continue to dwindle. But those looking to switch to an EV still want to be confident that their vehicle’s range can get them where they want to go and back. Drivers want to know not just “How far can I go?” but also “How can I go farther?”

Understanding Electric Car Range

EV range, put simply, is the distance a car can travel on a single charge. EV efficiency is reported in miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe). These estimates, provided by the Environmental Protection Agency, are just that: estimates. According to the agency’s website, “your mileage WILL vary.” And while the MPGe numbers can be helpful, often the more important number for drivers is simply the estimated single-charge range. 

According to a J. D. Power report on EV ownership, range is the most important factor in customer satisfaction. In fact, the report states that, “accuracy of the stated battery range and actual battery range experienced by the owner account for about 20% of owners’ overall satisfaction.” Those estimates matter. It’s all about peace of mind for the driver: You want to know exactly how far you can go between charges. 

4 Primary Range Factors

There are a number of factors that affect EV range. Fortunately, some can be improved by drivers:

1. ) Speed

Unlike internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, EVs fare much better in city driving. Their ability to regeneratively brake helps maintain a charge while operating in stop-and-go traffic. However, according to Car and Driver, no EV has yet lived up to its estimated range at highway speeds. The Audi e-tron performed best at 75 miles per hour, achieving 93% of its Environmental Protection Agency estimated range. If you are consistently logging highway miles, it is important to factor in your EVs ability to maintain range at speed.

2.) Weather

Extreme temperatures can have a significant effect on EV range for two reasons. First, an EV battery’s ability to hold its charge is negatively affected by very low temperatures. Both efficiency and the ability to rapidly charge can be affected by freezing temps. Additionally, operating your EV in hot or cold climates also means you will be operating your cabin climate controls. Keeping your vehicle warm or cool affects range, as it draws on the battery power.

3.) Charge Capacity

It sounds obvious, but EV range is also affected by how full you charge your battery. Automakers implement complex battery systems that limit maximum charge in order to prolong overall battery life. Essentially, your EV will not regularly be charged to 100% capacity. This becomes especially important to consider on a longer trip, since many rapid-charge stations can quickly bring an EV up to 80% in as little as 30 minutes. 

4.) Battery Age

As a battery gets older, it loses some maximum charge potential. However, this should not deter potential drivers, as the rate of degradation is only about 2.3% per year, and with proper maintenance it can be even lower. And with a federally mandated eight-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty, you can reliably expect an EV to perform well for many years. 

EV Range Compared to ICE Vehicles

It is important to keep in mind that traditional ICE vehicles are affected by the very same factors as EVs. And while some factors affect one or the other type of vehicle more, it should offer peace of mind to potential EV drivers that EV range concerns are not new. 

For example, running the air-conditioning or operating in very low temps has a similar impact on ICE vehicles: The US Department of Energy (DOE) claims that at 20 degrees Fahrenheit, ICE vehicles can lose up to 24% of fuel economy on short trips. And as already stated, while EVs fare well in city driving, ICE vehicles experience significant hits to fuel economy in stop-and-go traffic. The most common difference that drivers will experience is access to charging or fuel. As EV charging stations become more widespread, range will continue to shift from a necessity to a luxury.

How To Maximize Electric Car Range

While some impacts on EV range are beyond a driver’s control, there are many steps you can take to ensure maximum efficiency.

Vehicle Preconditioning

If you are driving in extremely cold or warm temperatures, it is an excellent idea to precondition your vehicle while it is still charging. While it is still plugged in, turn on either the A/C or the heat and allow the vehicle to get to a comfortable temperature. Many EVs even have a system to input a desired temperature and expected departure time to properly precondition the cabin. This allows your vehicle to efficiently maintain the cabin condition instead of altering it while using battery power alone. 

Regenerative Braking

Take advantage of your EV’s regenerative braking system. When you lift your foot off the accelerator in an EV, the electric motors operate as generators while slowing the vehicle. If you set your EV to its maximum regen setting, you will experience positive real-world range effects.

Routine Maintenance

Making sure your EV is operating properly will benefit your range. Maintenance for an EV is slightly different from maintenance for traditional ICE vehicles. Every 7,500 miles, you should be routinely checking components for wear, rotating tires and checking fluids. Like with any vehicle, making sure tires are properly inflated and drivetrain components are functioning smoothly will help efficiency. Additionally, as your battery ages, refurbishing dead cells to maintain maximum capacity will help keep your range closer to its original number. 

Matching Your Vehicle to Your Needs

Before purchasing an EV, take into account the various factors that affect range. Do you drive in a cold climate? Do you routinely log highway miles? Will you have reliable access to charging at work? For example, if you know you will operate your EV in cold temperatures without access to charging throughout the day, it is a great idea to get an EV with a range that exceeds your actual daily mileage.

Final Thoughts

While there is no doubt that range continues to be the primary consideration for both current and potential EV drivers, automakers continue to bring increased efficiency to consumers. Innovations are allowing vehicles to maximize their climate controls and mitigate range loss from extreme temperatures. Charging stations, like those provided by EV Connect, are becoming more prevalent, helping to assuage range concerns. And EV batteries are becoming more powerful with less degradation, meaning your EV will carry you great distances for years to come.

Sources

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Explaining Electric & Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles

US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) - Electricity Basics

US Department of Energy Fuel Economy - Fuel Economy in Cold Weather

Consumer Reports - Buying an Electric Car for a Cold Climate? Double Down on Range

Car and Driver - EV Range: Everything You Need to Know

Road Show by CNET - EV range: Maximize an electric car's potential