One of the age-old criticisms of electric vehicles is to do with ‘limited range’, a phrase that’s usually followed by all sorts of low figures and doom-laden stories about running out of power on the motorway.
The truth, however, is very different. Let’s examine where these criticisms came from, and provide some actual data on the range you can expect from an EV, helping to alleviate any ‘range anxiety’ you might be experiencing.
Where did this range anxiety claim come from?
When compared with ICE vehicles, EVs are very much still in their infancy. While it goes without saying that technology for combustion engines has advanced significantly over the years, the industry has had decades to do this. EVs are still a newcomer to the market, and yet we already see vehicles capable of reaching more than 500 miles on a single charge. In just a few years time, this figure will only increase.
But in terms of actual battery range, the median range of EVs sold has increased by a factor of over 2.5 since 2011. When you put this factor into numbers, according to data from the IEA (International Energy Agency) it translates to a jump from a median range of around 80 miles to around 220 miles. Consider that number and try to apply it to technology improvements in ICE vehicles in the same time period, and that level simply isn’t there – which shows how quickly EV technology is developing.
This is also using data directly driven by sales, and not based on what models and technologies are available at any price point to the consumer with an unlimited budget. For example, a mid-range EV in 2011 was the Nissan Leaf, which had a 73 mile range on a single charge. In 2022, this figure stood at a 247 mile range on a full battery charge from the Chevrolet Bolt.
Combine this staggering advance of battery technology with constant infrastructure upgrades increasing charger availability, and you can see how the effective range and ease of charge for EVs has changed dramatically in a very short period of time. It’s hard to keep up with these developments, and therefore it’s no wonder that some people keep bringing up data that’s simply outdated.
What EV ranges can be achieved now?
When examining the range of EVs from a technological perspective, rather than just a financial one, the maximum range available to customers is always expanding. The current market leader for maximum range is the new Mercedes EQS, with a range of over 500 miles. It’s easy to underestimate just how much this technology is constantly developing – EVs with a 600 mile range and beyond are surely on the horizon. Even now, there’s a wealth of EVs nearly pushing through the 400 mile barrier.
If you’re looking for a vehicle that has good range, but this isn’t your primary motivator when purchasing, then you could consider the MG4. Prices in the range start from just under £27,000, with the maximum range of the Extended model topping out at 323 miles. Alternatively, if you want a combination of comfort, performance and range, you could consider the BMW I4. Prices start from £51,000, with the rear-wheel-drive models producing between 282bhp-335bhp and offering up to 365 miles of range.
Does EV range change?
Similarly to how the maximum range of ICE vehicles changes depending on driving habits, you need to apply this to EV driving too. Just as if you were to put your foot down in an ICE vehicle and watch your range decrease, the same can be said for EVs. You may also hear that wet conditions can impact range, this is true for any vehicles and not just EV’s, and is due to the extra rolling resistance from driving on wet roads over dry But what other variables can affect battery range? This is where things get interesting.
Similarly to other electric items, EV ranges can actually decrease over time from incorrect charging cycles, or constant use of fast-charging functionalities. While this figure is only minimal, it’s worth noting if you plan to purchase and maintain an EV for a long time, rather than leasing one through our P+B Salary Sacrifice Scheme, where this would most likely not be an issue for you.
Outside temperatures also have an effect on EV range. In cold weather, energy is used to warm the cabin, but also to prevent the battery from malfunctioning due to low temperatures. In hot weather, air conditioning cools you down but also consumes energy. The same goes for cooling the battery so it doesn’t overheat. With that being said, this phenomenon isn’t unique to EVs, with the range of ICE vehicles also decreasing by between 10 – 20% during city driving in the winter.
I’m moving to EVs for the first time – is the range still an inconvenience?
According to recent studies, the average distance driven in any given day is around 20 miles, or just over 140 miles per week. More than 10 years ago, even this level of driving might have forced you to start thinking about your charging options during road trips. But now, given that the average range of electric vehicles has more than doubled, not only do you have to charge less frequently but you also benefit from today’s extensive charging infrastructure. Additionally, with a charge point at home, you have the equivalent of having a fuel station at your house, without any of the environmental or logistical issues that come with it.
So in an average period of driving, you won’t have to charge as much. And when combined with charger developments, improved charger energy efficiency and upgraded lithium-ion batteries, you’ll spend less time waiting for your battery to fill and more time going to where you need to. More and more charging locations available in places such as retail locations and public car parks also means you rarely have to worry about finding a place to charge your vehicle.
There are also more home charging options available than ever before, meaning the bulk of charging will likely be done in the comfort of your own home. Rapid chargers also ensure that, depending on your type of vehicle, you could have over 100 miles of range in as little as 15 minutes – significantly faster than a few years ago.
With all that being said, there’s still a chance you might have to drive to destinations that are further than the maximum range of your EV, even on full charge, so it’s important to double check where you can charge your vehicle at an appropriate destination on your journey by using an app like Zap Map.
Hopefully this has alleviated any ‘range anxiety’ you were suffering from, but for more information on this topic you can contact the P+B team. And if you’re interested in getting an EV through our salary sacrifice scheme, we’d love to talk to you about how we can work together.
