Electric Vehicle Range: What to Expect & Key Factors That Affect It

Last Updated: 20th March 2025

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• How Far Can An Electric Vehicle Travel On A Full Charge?
• What Affects The Range Of An Electric Vehicle?
• Why Do Manufacturer Advertised Ranges Differ From Real World Figures?
• Do You Need To Worry About EV Range?
   

How Far Can An Electric Vehicle Travel On A Full Charge?

Typically, EVs can travel between 100 and 300 miles on a single charge, according to E.ON. This is more than enough for most daily drivers. In fact, Caranalytics reports that the average UK driver covers around 20 miles per day (142 miles per week). However, the actual range you get may be different from the manufacturer’s advertised figure due to real-world conditions.

What Affects The Range Of An Electric Vehicle?

Several factors influence the actual range you’ll get from a full charge, including:

• Weather conditions – Cold weather can reduce battery efficiency, while hot weather can affect performance.
• Vehicle load – Carrying passengers or heavy cargo requires more energy.
• Tyre condition – Properly inflated and well-maintained tyres improve efficiency.
• Battery age and health – Over time, the battery capacity may slightly degrade.
• Use of climate control – Heating, air conditioning, and infotainment systems draw power from the battery.
• Regenerative braking: Regenerative braking captures energy during braking and feeds it back into the battery, helping to extend the range. Adjusting your driving habits to maximise regenerative braking can help you get the most out of every charge.

While you can’t control every factor, there are things you can do to improve efficiency and get the most out of each charge. Read our guide on How to Maximise Your EV Range for tips on driving habits that can help extend your vehicle’s range.

Why Do Manufacturer Advertised Ranges Differ From Real World Figures?

When vehicle manufacturers advertise an EV’s official range, these figures are based on controlled laboratory tests that don’t always reflect real-world conditions.

In the UK, EV range is tested using the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure), which provides a more accurate estimate compared to older testing methods but still doesn’t account for external factors like weather or driving style.

This is why you may notice that your actual driving range is slightly lower than the official figure provided by the manufacturer.

Do You Need To Worry About EV Range?

For most drivers, range anxiety is no longer a major concern. The latest EV models offer increasingly high mileage per charge, and the UK’s public charging network continues to expand, making it easier than ever to top up when needed.

For longer journeys, a small amount of planning can help ensure a smooth trip. Apps like ZapMap allow you to locate charging points along your route, check charger availability, and filter by charging speed.

When planning for a longer journey, it can be good to understand how long it will take you to charge your vehicle. Read our blog How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Vehicle to give yourself the best chance to avoid range anxiety. 

EV range has come a long way, and for most drivers, an electric vehicle easily meets daily travel needs. However, real-world figures may vary due to factors like weather, battery condition, and in-car energy use.