Electric Vehicle Range - The Hartwell Guide

There are a few differences in the driving experience of an EV, but on the whole, once you’re behind the wheel driving a full-electric or hybrid car feels pretty similar to a fossil-fuel car. Adjusting to this new idea of ‘range’ is certainly the biggest adaptation for a new EV driver. This can lead to range anxiety, which is when a driver of an EV is concerned about making long journeys or not having enough access or time to use public charging points.

However, with a thorough understanding of range, any limitations can be comfortably overcome. This guide will explain what range means, how it is affected in certain conditions, and how you can maximise the range of your vehicle and avoid range anxiety.

Each EV has an advertised electric range. In Europe, the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) is used to measure this. This measure was introduced in 2017 and is used across all vehicle measures, including CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.

This method attempts to recreate realistic driving conditions in testing.  The test covers different driving styles with different average speeds at an ambient temperature of a consistent 23C.

The benefit of having the WLTP is that it is a standardised measure, so you can compare different EV ranges accurately and without manufacturer bias.

There is also the WLTP Extra High test value which is something that Ford displays for their EV’s. This reflects the less efficient scenario of motorway driving and better illustrates the variability in real-world driving.

For example, the Mustang Mach-E RWD Standard Range has a WLTP Extra High of 202 miles, with the WLTP overall at 273 miles.

But don't worry, there are plenty of ways to maximise your EV range and get the most out of your electric car!

1. Pre-conditioning the battery and cabin

With most cars, including Ford’s with the FordPass app, you can set departure times to warm the battery and prepare the cabin while plugged in to a charging source. This provides the optimum temperature for the battery so range is maximised.

2. Park under cover

Parking under cover can be helpful for keeping a consistent and optimal temperature for the battery.

3. Regenerative braking

This can capture and reuse more than 90% of the braking energy improving the efficiency of the battery and extending the battery range. You can maximise this by enabling your car's maximum regenerative setting and by coasting to a stop with less heavy braking.

4. Use accessories & A/C wisely

Maintaining a consistent temperature is more efficient versus regularly turning the climate control on and off again. You can also benefit from more range if you avoid charging accessories like your mobile phone on longer journeys.

The WTLP provides a guide but bear in mind your range could be lower than this. Seek advice from current drivers on what kind of range to expect in your climate, and once you have the car, familiarise yourself with how range depletes in different situations. As you get to know the car, your confidence in the range will grow and battery range will be as simple as refuelling a car with petrol.

Journey planning, particularly when travelling long distances, is important no matter the vehicle. However, when you have to include a charge within a journey, planning becomes slightly more important.

There are many useful apps to help planning journeys. You can check them out on our blog here 

The good news is that in the future, journey planning will become less important in the UK with more and more charging stations being built.

The way you treat your EV battery can actually increase its efficiency as it grows older. If you want to keep your maximum range the same even after 10+ years, there are a couple of things you can do:

• Keeping the battery range between 20-80% puts less strain on the battery and will benefit you in the years to come.
• Rapid chargers also put more strain on the battery than slower chargers. So if you can charge your vehicle at home or in public car parks more often, you’ll see your fully-charged range stay high throughout your EV ownership.

The short answer is yes. But the frequency of your long journeys and commutes will determine which EV is right for you.