What is mile range mean?

There are still some common misconceptions about electric cars that can put people off making the switch over to clean, green transport.

When it comes to the difference between charging a car vs fuelling a car with fossil-fuels, it can seem like there’s a lot to get your head around. Some drivers put off making the switch because they’re worried about whether they’d have enough range to get them from A to B, especially on long journeys.

So, how much range does a driver really need? And what can the makes and models on the market offer? Let’s take a look at EV ranges to find out.

What is electric vehicle range?

Electric vehicle range is simply the number of miles an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge. Car manufacturers used to provide the range as the maximum distance possible in perfect driving conditions, but it’s now more common to see ‘real’ ranges that better reflect real-world driving.

Vehicle range is influenced by many different factors, like the size and age of the battery, the car’s weight and design, driving style and conditions, and other efficiency factors which would also affect a petrol or diesel car, like tyre pressure, suspension, and weather conditions.

How far can an electric car go?

The most cutting-edge, newer models on the market can go up to a 400–500-mile range on a single charge. For early 2009-2010 electric car models, reaching a range of around 100 miles was considered pretty good, but nowadays modern electric vehicles reach ranges in the region of 200-300 miles.

So what’s the average range of an electric car?

The average range of an EV is estimated to be 211 miles and most cars on the market have a range of anywhere between 100-300 miles.

Anything with 200+ miles is considered a good range but, depending on your needs, a range of around 100 miles might be more than enough. For reference, a 100 miles would be driving all the way from London to Bath - a lot longer than your average commute. And on average, most people only drive 20 miles per day, so 100 miles is plenty of range to get you around in daily life.

Which electric car has the longest range?

Internationally, the current range leader on the automotive market is the Lucid Air Dream Edition R. It boasts an impressive 520-mile range, but does come with the luxury price tag to match and isn't yet available in the UK.

There are plenty of other long-range and more affordable models on the market. Take the Audi e-tron GT showcasing a 260-mile range, the 2020 Car of the Year, and the Tesla Model 3 offering an impressive range of 285 miles.

To take a look at the different ranges EVs can offer, simply check out the cars we have available and sort your results by high to low range. Our personal car lease comes as a package including your fully maintained electric car with all servicing and repairs included, a smart home charger and smart EV tariff with the first 4,000 miles included.

What factors affect driving range?

Let’s crunch some numbers and see what affects driving range. Just like with petrol and diesel cars, there are many factors that can affect the efficiency of EVs. Things like tyre pressure, suspension settings and the way you use air-con and electric windows can help you improve your range.

A few things to consider though, especially with EVs are:

1. Battery

The size and age of your car battery are really important for your range. The more kilowatts (kW) your battery holds, the further your car will travel in a single charge.

You might notice some EV models are available in different battery sizes. The bigger the battery, the more expensive the car is likely to be, but the further it will travel on a single charge.

We know that all batteries lose some capacity over time. A typical lithium EV battery is expected to last around as long as 15-20 years. As your car battery degrades over time, you’ll lose some range, but it’s not likely to be a significant amount. Although with technological advances, battery life is continuing to improve all the time.

2. Electric vehicle weight and design

Did you know that vehicle size, weight and design all have an impact on a car’s range potential? A heavier car will use more kWh per mile than a lighter car, so bigger cars that use heavier materials, or are loaded with passengers and bags, won’t travel as far.

Design also determines how much range you’ll get out of your charge. Cars designed with better aerodynamics and lower air resistance will use significantly lower energy than those that are less aerodynamically designed.

3. Driving style

Remember, the road is not a race track! The more economically you drive the more you’ll get out of your charge. This means if you accelerate fast and brake hard, you’ll use more energy. Motorway driving at high speeds will also sap your kWs. Similarly to any petrol-powered car, smooth and steady will get you further. You’ll achieve maximum range if you drive at a steady and constant rate, and make the rate at which you change speeds as smooth as possible.

Keep in mind that temperature can play a key role too. In winter, cold temperatures can make your battery less efficient because it needs to use more energy to get it going and keep it moving. Using heaters and AC will also use up kWs and reduce your range. Heating or cooling a car is much more energy intensive than keeping it at a steady temperature. You’ll get further distances out of a single charge in warm summer weather, as long as you don’t have the air con on all the time. Heating or cooling your car while it’s still plugged in to charge is the best option.

Electric vehicle charging infrastructure is constantly getting better and the number of rapid charging points is increasing all the time. With even the lowest range cars offering around 100 miles, there is ample range for the average driver on their daily commute.

Don’t let range anxiety put you off enjoying the benefits of a cleaner, greener, more sustainable car — make the switch to electric today. With an average 200-plus mile range, today’s modern electric vehicles provide more than enough range for most drivers. Take a look at the electric cars coming to Octopus EV in 2023 for some EV inspiration.

How far can electric cars go in one charge?

The average range of electric cars is increasing as new battery technology is developed. Electric vehicle (EV) driving range and electric car mileage per charge varies, but typically drivers can expect an average of 250 miles in a single charge. Keep in mind there are factors that can affect an EV’s range, including weather, battery size, and more.

Tesla has a long-range model that can go for about 400 miles on a single charge. Breaking the charge barrier is new auto maker Lucid Motors, which has produced a car with an estimated driving range of over 500 miles.
 
At Credit Union of Southern California (CU SoCal), we make buying an electric car in California easy.
 
Call 866.287.6225 today to schedule a no-obligation consultation and learn about our auto loans, home equity lines of credit, personal loans, checking and savings accounts, and other banking products. As a full-service financial institution, we look forward to helping you with all of your banking needs.
 
Read on to learn more about electric car range.

Electric car range

All-Electric Vehicle (EVs).

Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs).

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEVs)

• Tesla Model S Long Range: Up to 405 miles
• Ford Mustang Mach-E: 314 miles
• Tesla Model 3: 315 miles
• Chevrolet Bolt: 259 miles
• Hyundai Kona Electric: 258 miles
• Lucid Motors Lucid Air: Up to 520

Factors that can affect an EV's range

How long does it take to charge an EV?

What happens when an EV runs out of charge?

Which EV is right for me?

Are electric cars worth it?

Do electric cars really save you money?

How long do EV batteries last?

Are electric cars good for the environment?

Why savvy consumers choose CU SoCal

Technology is moving forward fast and EVs of all types are being manufactured with enhanced battery technology that’s raised the average range of electric cars, giving drivers more distance-per-charge than the models released just a couple of years ago.All-electric vehicles, also referred to as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), run entirely on an electric charge from a rechargeable battery, with no other fuel source needed. Average driving range is 250 – 500 miles.These are powered by an internal combustion engine in combination with an electric motor that uses energy stored in a battery. PHEVs can operate in all-electric (or charge-depleting) mode. Average driving range on electric charge: 20 – 40 miles.Sometimes referred to as “hybrids,” HEVs are powered by a gas-powered internal combustion engine and an electric motor that uses energy stored in a battery. Average driving range: 20-30 miles.How far can an electric car go in one charge?Here are some of the EVs with the longest driving distance, according to EPA averages:There are numerous factors that can affect electric car mileage per charge and how many miles can an electric car go, these include:Weather. EVs lose some charging capacity in cold weather because cold slows down the chemical reactions in the battery. A study by AAA found that “when the mercury dips to 20°F and the HVAC system is used to heat the inside of the vehicle, the average driving range is decreased by 41 percent.”Driving speed. The faster you drive the more energy will be used by the motor, which results in more charge loss. If you are driving fast long-distance highway driving, you will likely need to recharge your battery.Battery size. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “most of today's all-electric vehicles and plug-in electric vehicles use lithium-ion batteries, though the exact chemistry often varies from that of consumer electronics batteries.” Each car manufacturer determines the size of the battery to put in a particular model. EV battery sizes are measured in kWh (kilowatt-hours), which largely determines the driving distance.EV charging stations come in three charging levels, each providing a different charging voltage. The difference in voltage translates to charging time, with level 1 being the lowest voltage and the longest charging time.Level 1. Most new EVs come with a level 1 charging cord. Level 1 charging units operate on 120-volt electric power, which means you can plug it into a household plug. This provides the slowest charting time.Level 2. This provides charging approximately 10 times faster than level 1. Level 2 requires a 240-volt plug, such as the one used for an electric clothes dryer.Level 3. This capacity is delivered by DC (direct current) and is what you’ll find at public charging stations.Electric car range is a concern for most drivers, but electric car mileage per charge is increasing due to new technology. Electric vehicles feature a warning light and/or dashboard symbol that alerts the driver to a low battery in need of charging.As long as you pay attention to your car’s battery charge indicator (as you would pay attention to gas gauge), you shouldn’t worry about running out of charge. Most vehicles with GPS will provide a map of the nearest charge locations. If you do ignore the low charge warning the car will eventually stop and you will need to get towed to a charging station.When deciding which EV to buy, think about your driving habits and what you need the vehicle for. Will you be commuting to work, shuttling the kids to sports, or driving long distances? Any one of these factors alone can point to which vehicle will best fit your needs. When shopping for an EV, one of the most common questions people ask is, “how far can an electric car go in one charge?”As we mentioned earlier, the electric car mileage per charge and average range of electric cars largely depends on individual driving habits, the type of driving (highway vs. stop and go), and weather.For most people, budget is another concern. EVs aren’t cheap, but they can save you money in the long-term.Another thing to consider is vehicle availability. EVs are in high demand, so be sure to visit a dealership as soon as you know which make and model you want, as there may be a waitlist for delivery.Although the initial cost for buying an electric vehicle is typically higher than a gas-powered vehicle, California electric car rebates and incentives, including the California Clean Vehicle Rebate Project , can make them more affordable. With gas prices going up, electric cars might actually be more affordable in the long run.When it comes to average cost of electric car vs. gas car, owning an electric vehicle is cheaper than owning a gas-powered car, especially if you plan on keeping the car for several years. Are EVs worth it ? How much can you save driving an electric car depends on the make, model, and features you choose, as well as how long you own the car. A Consumer Reports study shows that gas-only cars cost more in repairs in the long term.EVs can be pricey, so you may need to save up money for a car The EV battery technology is improving all the time, and EV batteries are being built to last 15-20 years. Because EV batteries don’t perform as well in cold weather, a car driven in cold or extreme conditions may become depleted sooner.Weather can affect electric car range and electric car mileage per charge.Although the initial cost for buying an electric car in California may be high, California electric car rebates (including the California Clean Vehicle Rebate Project ) and incentives can make them more affordable.

For over 60 years CU SoCal has been providing financial services, including car loans, mortgages, Home Equity Loans, HELOCs, personal loans, credit cards, and other banking products, to those who live, work, worship, or attend school in Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County.
 
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