Understanding the range capabilities of electric cars is crucial for planning long trips, considering daily commutes, and gaining confidence in making the switch to electric. And so, it comes as no surprise that a frequently asked question is how far can an electric car go on one charge?
In this blog, we will provide you with everything you need to know about how far an electric car can travel on a single charge, in addition to providing a background on electric car range, from factors influencing range to reasons why range anxiety is a thing of the past.
But, in short, an electric car can go anywhere between 150 miles to 300 miles on one charge – but the exact number depends on your EV model.
Electric car range refers to the maximum distance an electric vehicle can travel on one full charge. And it’s one of the most critical factors for prospective EV buyers when making the switch to electric.
Different variations of the term ‘EV range’ also exist, including ‘manufacturer range’, ‘estimated range’, and ‘real range’, but they all refer to how far an electric car can go on a single charge. But, since it’s difficult to identify one set range, these different names exist – i.e., the ‘manufacturer range’ is set by the manufacturer, which may differ from ‘real world range’, which takes into consideration external factors that may influence your EV range, such as weather conditions.
When discussing electric vehicles and their range, the term ‘range anxiety’ frequently appears alongside it – but what is range anxiety?
Range anxiety is the fear of running out of battery charge before reaching your intended destination. This anxiety stems from the stigma surrounding the range of electric vehicles being much smaller compared to how far traditional gas-powered vehicles can travel on a full tank. Moreover, range anxiety is exacerbated by the myth that there are not enough electric vehicle chargers across the UK.
Of course, the fear of being stranded without an EV charger nearby can be a concern for EV drivers or owners of petrol and diesel cars interested in making the switch to electric, particularly if they’re more inclined to undertake longer journeys regularly.
In our professional opinion, no, you shouldn’t worry about EV range – here’s why:
1. Number of EV chargers: With a whopping 51,516 chargers across the UK the number of electric vehicle chargers has increased dramatically and will only continue to grow. Not only are EV chargers being installed at home but also at workplaces and popular public spots, improving accessibility to EV charging facilities.
2. New industry developments: Previously, EV owners who didn’t have off-street parking couldn’t have a dedicated home charger installed on their property and would have to resort to three-pin plug charging. But now, with the introduction of EV charging solutions such as the ChargeArm, this is no longer an issue. Advancements in battery sizes also mean electric cars with much bigger ranges are coming to market.
3. Average daily mileage: On average, people drive 20 miles per day in the UK, meaning even if you invested in the smallest EV on the market – the Smart EQ fortwo with a range of approximately 60 miles – you’ll be able to meet the average daily needs. Of course, if you’re someone who frequently travels, whether for pleasure or business, or you travel long distances, you’ll likely need to invest in an EV with a larger battery.
4. EV apps: Various charging apps, such as Zap-Map, are available to help you plan your journeys and find your nearest charging station, ensuring you know when you need to stop and top up.
In previous years, if you were looking at how far an electric car could go on one charge, your answer would have been averaging around the 100-mile mark. But, with significant advancements in the industry, nowadays, an electric car can go between 150 miles – 300 miles on one charge, averaging roughly 211 miles in 2023.
That being said, the exact range depends on the model, and it can vary substantially. For example, the smallest range on the market, as previously mentioned, is the Smart EQ fortwo coupe, with a 60-mile range, and the longest range on the UK market is the Mercedes EQS, with a whopping 453-mile range.
On a worldwide scale, the Lucid Air Dream Edition R electric car provides an even bigger range – 520 miles – showcasing how EV technology is advancing drastically and how premium electric car ranges can reach 500-mile heights.
Another important point to note is how several factors can impact the stated manufacturer range of an electric car – such as weather and driving style – decreasing (or increasing) how far your electric car can go on one charge. Take the Tesla Model Y – the manufacturer’s range is 331 miles, but in cold weather conditions, the electric car range can drop to approximately 205 miles, making it hard to set a specific figure.
The good news is that as the industry grows and technology develops, the average electric car range will likely inch its way into the 300-mile mark in the future.
| Model | *Real range estimation | Manufacturer range |
| Tesla Model Y | 215 miles | 331 miles |
| Tesla Model 3 | 250 miles | 374 miles |
| Kia e-Niro | 240 miles | 282 miles |
| Volkswagen ID.3 Pro | 220 miles | 266 miles |
| Nissan Leaf | 145 miles | 168 miles |
| MINI Electric | 110 miles | 145 miles |
| Polestar 2 (standard range single motor) | 240 miles | 321 miles |
*Real range estimations sourced from Electric Vehicle Database.
As previously mentioned, electric car range can be influenced by several factors:
1. Battery capacity: The size and capacity of an EV’s lithium-ion battery can determine how much energy it can store and for how long an electric car can travel on a single charge. The general rule of thumb is the larger the battery, the more extensive the range. Although, you should also expect that this will come with a heavier price tag.
2. Driving conditions: Certain driving conditions, such as weather, traffic, and terrain, can affect your EV battery range. For example, if you’re stopping and starting in traffic frequently or driving up a steep hill, this can negatively impact your EV’s range.
3. Driving style: How you drive your electric car can impact its range – aggressive acceleration and frequent stopping and starting can drain your electric car’s battery quicker than usual. Practise driving smoother and consistently to maximise range.
4. Vehicle weight: Simply put, the heavier your EV is, the more your standard range will decrease. This is important to remember when taking trips away where the luggage will surely weigh down your EV. Take note of your nearest EV chargers with Zap-Map when planning weekend getaways.
5. Temperature/weather: Extreme temperatures and weather conditions can impact an EV’s range. However, they influence the range in different ways. While cold weather decreases battery efficiency, hot weather encourages the use of features such as air-con which drains your battery and reduces your range.
6. Vehicle aerodynamics: An EV’s aerodynamics (how a car is designed with regard to air resistance) can increase its range. When an EV is more aerodynamic, such as the Tesla Model S, Mercedes EQS, and Porsche Taycan, it can help reduce air resistance and improve battery efficiency.
Opt for more convenient charging sessions and reduce range anxiety simultaneously by investing in a home EV charger. Faster, smarter and cheaper, you can garner a multitude of benefits from charging your EV from the convenience of your home.
Contact us today at 03333 44 96 99 or fill in the contact form below, and a member of our team will be happy to help. Alternatively, keep up to date with all things electric by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
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This type of electric charger has it's own cable to charge your car.
This type of electric charger requires a seperate cable to charge your car.
Spread over a 60 month period.
Tenants and homeowners are eligible for finance.
You decide the amount of months.
Minimum of £1000.
We will contact you to process the credit application. Approval is subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. 13.9% APR representative. T&Cs apply.
Your order is not confirmed until your application has been approved.
We lay SWA cable laid at 600mm deep, with a protective cable warning tape laid 150mm above the cable. These are laid on a sand or sifted sand soil bed then backfilled.
We position overhead cables at a minimum height of 3.5m and are run along a catenary wire. The cable run should not be accessible to vehicles.
Standard Installation
Our instant price is fixed if it falls within our standard installation package plus any additions that you have selected (extra cabling for example). This package covers the majority of homes in the UK. Before we undertake your installation we will carry out a digital survey to check that nothing has been missed. After reviewing the survey results some additional work may be required in order to complete your installation safely and to the required standards. If this is the case, we will contact you well before the installation date and advise the cost of any required work. You can then continue with your installation, or alternatively we will refund you in full if you do not want to proceed.
Included in our standard installation is :
• Fitting of a single phase charge point to a brick or plaster wall or other suitable permanent structure
• Up to 10 metres of cable, run and neatly clipped to the wall between the electricity supply meter / distribution board and the charge point.
• Routing of the cable through a drilled hole in a wall up to 500mm (20 inches) thick if this is needed.
• The fitting and testing of electrical connections and protections required for the charge point.
• An additional three way consumer unit, if required
• Installation of a Type A RCBO in an RCBO enclosure
• Up to 3 metres of plastic trunking to conceal interior wiring.
• An O-pen earth protection device if the charge point requires it. (This is NOT an earth rod)
• Up to 4 hours of labour from your installer to complete the work.
• Electrical testing of the whole installation.
• Handover and setup of the charge point and any app that may be needed.
Not included in our standard installation (additional work) :
• Where the installation requires additional cabling over and above the amount you have told us about.
• Upgrade/replacement of the main incoming supply fuse where the local DNO (eg Northern Powergrid) would need to attend site.
• If the charge point is to be mounted on a post/pedestal rather than an existing wall and where you have not selected a post as an extra cost option in your order.
• Installation of a charge point to a three phase supply.
• Where gas and water mains bonding (earthing) is not in place at your property. If this is not in place, additional work would be required before installation of the charge point.
• Any groundwork that has not been selected during the order process.
A Surge Protection Device is not included in our standard installation.
What else you need to know :
• On the day of installation, please ensure that the area around your consumer unit (fuse box), incoming electricity supply meter and proposed charge point location (including where the cable is expected to be run) is clear and free of obstructions.
• We will need your WiFi password as part of the installation process in order to connect your charge point to the internet. Please have this available for the installer. Details will not be kept.
• The charge point must be on your own designated off road parking.
• The charger will be fixed in line with current guidelines at a height where it cannot be hit by a vehicle.
• Our installers are not able to enter loft spaces; lift floorboards or flooring; take apart any furniture of work above a height of 2m. If you anticipate that any of this may be required, then please contact us and we can discuss in more detail and provide you with a quotation.
• Should there be extreme weather conditions our installers may not be able to continue with you installation if it is not safe to do so (for example flooding). They will always do their best to complete the work where they can.
If you have any questions then please contact our customer service team who will be happy to help. Please also read our terms and conditions.
