When we have an electric car, or we want to get a new one, it‘s important to know its range, or the maximum distance it can travel on a single battery charge.
With the aim of reducing pollution levels in large cities and fostering sustainability, major vehicle manufacturers have already included new electric vehicles with greater range into their fleets, so that they can gradually replace internal-combustion vehicles.
How is an electric vehicle‘s range calculated?
A battery‘s capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) indicating the amount of electrical energy it is capable of accumulating. This is equivalent to the fuel tank of a petrol-driven car: the greater the capacity, the farther it can travel.
In order to calculate the range that an electric vehicle can offer under normal circumstances, there are standard tests that aim to imitate normal traffic, both in the city and on the open road. Europe uses the set of tests known as the WLTP Cycle (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure), which all vehicles must pass before they can be launched on the market. The same tests are used for all models, which makes it possible to compare their range figures under equal conditions.
What is the difference between standard range and real range?
The range calculated using the WLTP Cycle is called the standard range, and it is the official figure used by manufacturers.
However we also speak of “real range”, or the range we can actually enjoy given our particular circumstances, which can vary from one type of traffic to another.
What range do electric cars have?
Without recharging, electric cars can travel between 200 and 600 kilometres, depending on each vehicle’s characteristics. It is calculated that the average range of the electric vehicles currently on the road in our country is 250 kilometres, using batteries with a capacity of between 30 and 50 kWh.
Taking into account that, on average, we travel about 50 kilometres a day, the range offered by an electric car is perfectly suited to people‘s urban needs. Furthermore, energy consumption is lower in the city than on the open road.
What factors affect the range of an electric car?
The real range of an electric car can be affected by various internal and external factors: weight, climate, road conditions and driving style. Increasing a vehicle‘s range is easy if you follow a series of tips and you drive efficiently.
Recharge your car with the Endolla network
To make everyday trips easier and ensure that you can recharge your battery whenever you need to, Endolla Barcelona offers you the largest public network of recharging services in Spain, with a total of 714 points located in BSM car parks and on public highways.
See our charging-point map and find the one nearest to you.
